How to write an outstanding review
Our editors rate all of the reviewer reports we receive on a scale of 1–5, with 5 representing a review of outstanding quality. Click here to read the full breakdown of the reviewer report ratings. These are the criteria to have a reviewer report rated 5 out of 5:
Criteria | Level to be rated 5 out of 5 |
Thoroughness | Detailed and very thorough: comments on essentially all sections of the manuscript |
Assessment of significance | Comments on the significance of the work within the context of the field |
Literature comparison | Includes a comprehensive comparison with existing literature |
Feedback quality | Constructive feedback that enables the author(s) to improve the manuscript |
Recommendation | Recommendation is clearly justified and consistent with the journal’s editorial standards |
Timeliness | Submitted in the agreed timeframe |
These documents contain examples of outstanding reviews in the fields of:
- Smart materials
- Laser-induced fluorescence
- Plasmas
- Medical imaging
- Quantum computing
- Cosmology
- Medical physics
- Piezoelectric energy
This document contains examples of reviews rated 1, 3 and 5.
Here is a template you can use to help structure your review:
Comments to the editor/s | |
These comments will not be shared with the authors. Use this section if there is anything you want to say that would not be appropriate to tell the authors. If you suspect any form of author misconduct, mention it here. | |
Comments to the author/s | |
The following is a good way to structure your review. | |
Summary | Open your review with a summary of the manuscript and its findings. This shows the authors and editors of the journal that you have read and understood the work. |
Comments on the manuscript |
|
Recommendation | At the end of your review, make a recommendation to the editor. Clearly state and justify your recommendation. This means explaining why you have chosen the reject/revise/accept option. |
For more information about reviewing for IOP Publishing, go to our homepage for reviewers.