How to write a review Subject: Teacher: Students: Language I María Inés Artigas de Cambiasso Students: Luján Chaluat Josefina Smith María José Ferrari Santiago Alegría Julián Odorisio How to write a review

What is a review? It’s a critical evaluation of a text, publicaton, object or phenomenon It can consider publications such as books, articles, entire genres or fields of literature, movies, musical compositions, as well as architecture, art, fashion, restaurants, policies, exhibitions, performances, and a piece of hardware like a car, appliance or computer Above all, it makes an argument It is a commentary, not merely a summary It clearly states the reviewer’s opinion of the work through a thesis statement, supporting body paragraphs and a conclusion

Common features Typically, reviews are brief In newspapers and academic journals they rarely exceed 1000 words Present tenses are normally used They can vary in tone, subject and style: reviews can be formal or informal depending on the readers they are adressed to, but all of them have these features in common: They give the reader a concise summary of the content: description of the topic, overall perspective, argument, or purpose They offer a critical assessment of the content: reviewer’s reactions to the work They suggest whether or not the audience would appreciate the work

What does it consist of? An introduction in which all the background information of the work is given A main body consisting of different paragraphs presenting all the main points and comments A conclusion in which the writer recommends or does not recommend the film, book, performance, etc., giving reasons

Writing a review 0. Organization Take notes with observations and assessments of the work Try to unify your impressions into a statement that will describe the purpose of your review Outline the arguments that support your thesis Arguments should develop the purpose or thesis in a logical mannerThe emphasis depends on the nature of the review and the readers

Writing a review 1. Introduction Begin with a catchy quip or anecdote that delivers the argument, though you can start differently depending on the argument and audience. Link the title to the subject matter, if possible Be careful not to give any information thay may “spoil” the story. It should include: Name of the author, of the work and the main theme Details about the author The context of the work and/or your review The thesis or purpose of the work: identifying it’s particular novelty, angle, or originality, showing what specific contribution the piece is trying to make

Writing a review 2. Summary of Content A brief summary of content: the necessary amount of summary depends on the audience 3. Analysis and Evaluation of the Work The analysis should be organised into paragraphs that deal with single aspects of your argument: it helps you to differenciate elements of your criticism and pair assertions with evidenve more clearly If comparisons with other works of the same type are included keep them brief so that the work under review remains in the spotlight Avoid excesive quotations, if it is the case

Writing a review 4. Conclusion Sum up, restate your thesis or make the final judgement regarding the work Do not introduce new evidence for your argument This paragraph must balance the work’s strenghts and weaknesses in order to unify your evaluation

Writing a review Book review: Jane Eyre If you are looking for a romantic but mysterious story about a lonely woman who, after many strange experiences, finds lasting love, you should definitely read Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre, the main character of the novel, is an orphan who has a very unhappy childhood. Despite this, she becomes a strgn-willed young woman. When she leaves the orphanage she becomes the governess at Thornfield Hall, Mer Rochester’s mansion. Strange things begin to happen there, and when a mysterious secret is revealed, Jane´s life is changed forever. The book is beautifully written, with poetic descriptions and excellent dialogue. The writer has created a dramatic, gripping plot with well-developed, very believable characters, letting us see into the soul of a sensitive but strong young woman. This book’s fascinating plot is guaranteed to keep the reader absorbed from beginning to end. Don`t miss your chance to read this classic masterpiece. Once you have read it, you will never forget it.

Writing a review Movie Review: Jane Eyre (movies.yahoo.com) Charlotte Bronte's classic novel of Gothic romance gets the Zeffirelli treatment in this moving 1996 adaptation. Orphaned Jane Eyre (Charlotte Gainsbourg) grows into a strong-willed heroine after enduring a miserable childhood (where she's played by Anne Paquin). Things start looking better when she falls in love with the brooding Rochester (William Hurt), lord of the manor where she gets a job as governess. Unfortunately, Rochester's family skeletons threaten to sabotage their happy ending. Director Franco Zeffirelli (HAMLET, OTELLO) stays faithful to the book while stressing natural characters and landscapes over stylized gloom and mystery, with rewarding results. Genres:Drama MPAA Rating:PG