Review
ü You may be asked to write a review on a specific topic such as a book, film, restaurant, TV programme, play, concert, CD, etc. The key to answering this question is to remember that you are judging and evaluating. Give information about the content (language of information) and persuade the reader of its quality (language of persuasion).
ü Aim to write reflectively about a product, taking account of the needs of those who might use it.
ü Be clear about the purpose of the review, the audience (who is likely to read it), and the appropriate language (depending on your target audience).
ü No headings or sub-headings are used (unlike a report). The structure of a review is as follows:
Paragraph 1: Introduction – state the name of the product, the name(s) of those involved, the genre, and where it can be found. [1-2 sentences]
Paragraph 2: Description – give a brief description of the product (i.e. such as what you read on the back of a video case or book). The details should be enough to interest the reader, but not give away the ending. [3-4 sentences]
Paragraphs 3, 4, 5: Evaluation – give your own estimation of its strengths and weaknesses. Your judgement is the evaluation. Make sure your criticism is constructive. Choose two positive points and one negative or vice versa to balance your viewpoint. Remember to use one point per paragraph. You may compare or contrast to similar products on the market.
Final Paragraph: Recommendation – this is your personal opinion as to whether the reader should buy the product or not. Suggest the type of reader, viewer, etc. who might like it. You may give it a star rating at the end as follows: âââââ, where 5 stars = excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = satisfactory, and 1 = poor. [1-2 sentences]
ü By the end of the review, there should be no ambiguity as to the reviewer’s opinion of the product.
ü Aim to write reflectively about a product, taking account of the needs of those who might use it.
ü Be clear about the purpose of the review, the audience (who is likely to read it), and the appropriate language (depending on your target audience).
ü No headings or sub-headings are used (unlike a report). The structure of a review is as follows:
Paragraph 1: Introduction – state the name of the product, the name(s) of those involved, the genre, and where it can be found. [1-2 sentences]
Paragraph 2: Description – give a brief description of the product (i.e. such as what you read on the back of a video case or book). The details should be enough to interest the reader, but not give away the ending. [3-4 sentences]
Paragraphs 3, 4, 5: Evaluation – give your own estimation of its strengths and weaknesses. Your judgement is the evaluation. Make sure your criticism is constructive. Choose two positive points and one negative or vice versa to balance your viewpoint. Remember to use one point per paragraph. You may compare or contrast to similar products on the market.
Final Paragraph: Recommendation – this is your personal opinion as to whether the reader should buy the product or not. Suggest the type of reader, viewer, etc. who might like it. You may give it a star rating at the end as follows: âââââ, where 5 stars = excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = satisfactory, and 1 = poor. [1-2 sentences]
ü By the end of the review, there should be no ambiguity as to the reviewer’s opinion of the product.