Review writing
Purpose: to persuade, inform, argue, to give opinion
Audience: generally teenagers
Language: informal (complete opposite to reports) /
Tone – lively/entertaining
Layout: Always give eye-catching heading/headline. Good idea to use sub-headings to help with organization.
When writing a review keep in mind that you:
· Need to be lively and interesting.
· Need to be the expert – make sure you show that you are.
· Need to be fairly detailed (provide interesting facts/background information).
· Need a clear opening to hook your reader.
· Discuss what you liked and disliked. This can be balanced or it an be quite biased.
· Can review something you don’t like.
· Can use sub-headings if you choose.
Suggested structure/layout
1. HEADING
2. Opening – summarise your view, give the reader some details about what you are reviewing (Who wrote it? Who is starring in /produced/directed it?. Remember to hook your reader. Rhetorical questions are useful here. Do not start with “I will be reviewing…” Boring! Boring! Boring!
3. Depending on your view, provide detailed opinions explaining why you like or dislike about the book/film/game/album you’re reviewing.
You could discuss a couple of the characters, highlights of the plot (without giving too much away! Tantalize!)
(Aim for 3-4 paragraphs)
4. Provide the other side of your view / the things you were less impressed with (Depends on your stance at the start of your review.)
5. Provide a clear recommendation / your final judgement.
Example questions
o Write a review of a book, film, or music CD for a magazine which is read by people of your own age.
o Write a review of a book, film, music CD or game you think is fantastic / a waste of money.
Writing techniques that can be used to make the piece entertaining:
1) Alliteration
2) Rule of three/tripling e.g. big, bad and ugly. / It was superb, scintillating and splendid.
3) Use 1 or 2 rhetorical questions.
4) Repeat for emphasise e.g. I say this without exaggeration; indeed, I say this with complete honesty: the character lacks any genuine charm.
5) Use personal pronoun to talk to your reader e.g. You are in for a treat!
Remember to aim for 2 sides and check your SPG!