Writing a Review Paper
What is a Review?
A review is judgment or discussion of the quality of something. Review also means to go
over a subject again as part of study or to look at something another time. A review is a critique
of something-a look at something’s good and bad points.
What is a Review Paper?
A review paper is not a pure summary of the information you read for your review.
You are required to analyze, synthesize, and interpret the information you read in some
meaningful way (Aspiras, 2016).
When writing the review paper, keep these objectives in mind:
1. Refine your skills at critically evaluating scientific papers in a historical context;
2. Become familiar with using reference database in libraries;
3. Develop scientific writing skills; and
4. Gain experience in an area of freshwater ecology.
Four components to writing a Review
1. Your topic
Keep you on track. Prepare a 1-2 sentence objectives/description.
2. Annotated bibliography
An annotated bibliography is a list of peer-reviewed scientific papers that you are considering
reviewing in your paper and a short summary (like an abstract) of findings relative review.
3. Outline
The outline will help you provide constructive feedback on your review and will helpfully make
writing the final version of the term paper easier.
4. Review Paper
The paper should discuss a topic related to fresh water ecology drawn from the scientific
literature. This is your sign opportunity to learn more about an aspect of river and stream
ecology.
Your paper should include a title and four general sections:
1. Introduction
2. Body of paper
3. Conclusion and future directions; and
4. Literature cited
Writing a Book Review
Method 1: Learning about the Book
1. Pick a book that you would like to review
2. Get to know your book
3. Research the author
4. Read the preface of introduction
Method 2: Reading the book
1. Take notes as you read
2. Make a list of the characters
3. Pick out what you think is the main idea of the book
4. Make a list of the themes you notice
5. Determine the author’s argument. If there is none
6. Write down any quotes that stand out to you
Method 3: Writing your Book Review
1. Understand the structure of a book review
2. Keep your audience in mind
3. Write the summary
4. Write your evaluation of the book
5. your article by including a sentence or two about the publisher and the price
Method 4: Finalizing your Book Review
1. Read your essay from the viewpoint of your audience
2. Have someone else read your review
3. Double check your spelling
4. Proofread your review
Sample Book Review Template
Summary
Narration
Who narrated the story?
Was it first-person narration or third person narration?
Was the narrator a reliable source of information?
Setting
Note the time period and location the book is set in.
How did setting drive or influence the plot of the book?
Theme
Note the overall theme or message of the book.
Genre
What genre of literature was it?
Author
Name the author
Discuss by previous works.
How did previous works compare with this work?
Plot
Give a brief plot summary without giving away any key details.
Evaluation
Your opinion: This is the most important part of the review.
