How to Write a Review Article

The person who is qualified to write a review article about a specific topic is someone who:

1. is highly knowledgeable of the topic
2. is familial with the history of the research topic
3. keeps up with the advance in the topic area
4. well-read in the topic area and related areas
5. is highly analytical when reading articles
6. is highly critical when appraising the findings in published articles
7. is open-minded and does not have a biased agenda to promote a specific point of view

Question #1: Why do I want write a review article?

• Answer: ? (unsure)-Don’t do it;
• Answer: It will be timely and interest to others-continue to Question 2.

Question #2: Has the topic been reviewed by others recently?

• Answer: Yes-Don’t do it;
• Answer: No-Continue to Question 3.

Question #3: Will your review provide significant amount of fresh information and ideas?

• Answer: Yes-Do it;
• Answer: Not sure-Further literature research is needed;
• Answer: Not really-Don’t do it.

Graphic by Zhiyong Han, PhD