Critical Review Guidelines for Articles

Probable Comments Raised Category

Does the title lead you to grasp the main question or the purpose of the article?
Does the abstract present a good summary of the article, based on which you can make Title
decision on the quality of the article? &
Does it include topic and purpose, methodology, analysis, results and conclusion? Abstract
Is the purpose of study mentioned clearly and completely?
Are the research questions clear enough? Introduction
Are the hypotheses (if there are any) explained in an understandable way? Thesis
Does the review of literature state the necessary information on the topic and key terms? Review of
Does it include related previous studies, and opposing views? Literature

Do the supporting details reasonably support the main purpose of the study?
Does the author provide sufficient convincing evidence and data? Supporting
Are the evidence and data relevant and up-to-date and are they mentioned in a logical order? Details
Are evidence and interpretations facts or opinions?
Are they well supported in case of opinions?
Are the argument developing strategies (such as: definitions, process analysis, causal
analysis, statement or refutation) used in the article suitable to the study?
Are the opposing views mentioned and refuted?
Does the author mention and explain any exception?
Are there any sign of fallacy of reasoning?
Argumentation
Does the author use any unqualified comparatives?
Does the author use any emotionally loaded vocabulary such as: only, never, completely,
absolutely, etc. affecting the argumentations and conclusions?
Can you find any sign of subjectivity of the author?
Does the author elaborate, in sufficient details, on subjects, materials, instruments, procedure
and analyses? Methodology
Does the research method fit the study?
Are the findings explained comprehensively?
Are there anything not accounted for that may make the results different? Results,
How do the tables and illustrations (if included) help you understand the data and Discussions &
interpretations?
Conclusions
Has the author answered the research question/s fully and convincingly?
Are the conclusions (or generalizations) well supported and reasoned?
Are previous studies included and compared?
Are all citations included?
 Has the author included recent references? References&
Are the appendixes (if included) necessary and complete? Appendixes
What is the main message of the article?
Does it reinforce the knowledge in the field or reject it?
What new knowledge is added to the existing one?
Do you accept it or react to it? What is your comment on it?
Themes
What parts would you like to have more information or more debates?
What additional facts or interpretations do you come up with by synthesizing mentioned facts
and interpretations?
How do you relate the new knowledge to your own?
What do you think of applicability of the recommendations?
What hints do you get for further research?

Taken from: Ashraf, H. (2011). Research Articles’ Critical Reading: Developing an Effective
Approach in an EFL Context, Iranian EFL Journal, 7(1): 67-90.