Introduction
The length of an introduction is usually one paragraph for a journal article review and two or
three paragraphs for a longer book review. Include a few opening sentences that announce the
author(s) and the title, and briefly explain the topic of the text. Present the aim of the text and
summarize the main finding or key argument. Conclude the introduction with a brief
statement of your evaluation of the text. This can be a positive or negative evaluation or, as is
usually the case, a mixed response.
Summary: Present a summary of the key points along with a limited number of examples.
You can also briefly explain the author’s purpose/intentions throughout the text and you may
briefly describe how the text is organized. The summary should only make up about a third of
the critical review.
Critique
The critique should be a balanced discussion and evaluation of the strengths, weakness and
notable features of the text. Remember to base your discussion on specific criteria. Good
reviews also include other sources to support your evaluation (remember to reference).