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How to Write an Article Review

For Dr. Norton’s class your article review must be headed by a citation of the source being

reviewed. For instance, the top of the paper should look like this:

Name of Student

Date

Name of Class

Review of John Smith’s “On Fantasy Literature”

Smith, John. "On Fantasy Literature." American Reader 5 Apr. 2014: 113- 139. Print.

The text of the paper starts here and generally uses present tense to describe the article (e.g.,

“This article contains Smith’s review of fantasy as a genre that has been newly adopted into the

academic world. Smith discusses whether fantasy should be studied at the collegiate level”).

The first paragraph or so usually contain a summary of the highlights of the article.

The second and third paragraphs may explain the significance of the article: Does it say

something you did not expect? Does it contain controversial statements? Will it cause others to

revise their ideas about the subject? Conversely, is it just a statement of obvious facts?

The concluding paragraph should contain your own evaluation of the article: Is it well

written? Clear? Complete or missing important information? Is more research on the topic

needed? Do you wish that the author had made any points more clear? Do you wish he/ she had

focused on one particular point with more attention?

Always proofread your work carefully. Typographical errors can destroy a writer’s

credibility.

Adapted from “The Writing Center” at Central Missouri State University

Comment [NJ1]: Articles are always presented in quotes.

Comment [NJ2]: The entire page is double spaced. No extra spaces at the top or bottom.