Writing a review

Advice on how to approach a critical review of an article, chapter or book.

A 'critical review' is a detailed commentary on and critical evaluation of an article or book, and should not be confused with a literature review. In some instances, you may be asked to write a critique of two or three articles (e.g. a comparative critical review).

To be critical does not mean that you should criticise the text or its author in an exclusively negative manner. To be critical means you question the information and opinions in the text, in an attempt to evaluate or judge the strengths and weaknesses of the text and its worth overall. 

This IoE guide for writing a critique provides an excellent overview of how to plan, read effectively and write a critical review.