The 7 parts of a review (and how to do them)
We explain how to write a review, step by step.
Do you know what a review is? Have you ever written one? Basically, it is a constructive criticism about a work, which can be: a book, a movie, a video game... But what are the parts of a review?
In this article, in addition to explaining what a review is, we explain what its parts are and what each one of them consists of.. Finally, we propose a series of guidelines for writing a good review.
- Recommended article: "How to make constructive criticism: 11 simple and effective tips".
What is a review?
Before explaining what are the parts of a review and what are the characteristics of each of them, let's explain what a review is.
A review is a piece of writing or informative text about a literary or cinematographic work.... It is a constructive criticism of the same, a kind of evaluation, which can be positive or negative (depending on the author).
Its length is rather short. In it we can find different elements of the work: summary, ideas, concepts, relevant aspects, comments, analysis... In addition, we also find the personal opinion of the author of the review.
Reviews can vary greatly from one author to another, depending on the type of review and also depending on the work being analyzed. However, the parts of a review are usually the same (although there may be slight variations from one review to another).
Parts of a review
Now, let's see what are the parts of a review, as well as its main characteristics.
1. Title
The first part of the review is the title. The title usually includes a short sentence that summarizes the work being analyzed; ideally, it should not be too long, should have a certain impact on the reader and should arouse curiosity to read the review.
On the other hand, it is advisable that the title is not simply the title of the work being reviewed, but that it is accompanied by other words (we should also avoid using the title "review" without further ado).
2. Header or technical data sheet
The second part of a review is the heading or technical data sheet (also called bibliographical reference). (also called bibliographic reference). Here we will find the title of the work reviewed, as well as relevant data, such as:
- Author
- Producer
- Title
- Publisher/record company...
- Number of pages
- Place and year of edition/production
- Price
- etc.
The data in the technical file should be ordered according to the citation rules for bibliographic references, specific to each sector.
3. Summary of the work to be reviewed (commentary)
The third part of the review consists of a sort of "synopsis" of the work or film in question. or film in question. Thus, it describes the original work, in a synthesized form. It includes information such as: author's background, objectives of the work, sources, structure, content, techniques used, etc. The order of presentation of these elements may vary from one author to another.
Let us see, in summary form, what each of these elements included in the summary consists of:
3.1. Background
The background includes relevant information about the author of the work being reviewed; for example, the topics he or she usually deals with, the languages he or she speaks, previous works, professional career, etc.
3.2. Strategies
Strategies are the methods and techniques used by the author to produce the work. It includes the research conducted, the phases for gathering information, etc.
3.3. Sources
A large part of the information gathered by the author for his or her work comes from these sources.
3.4. Objective
The objective is the purpose of the work, its purpose. What did the author intend to achieve with his or her work?
3.5. Content
Here the author of the review sets out the theme of the work, its plot, the events that took place in it, etc.
3.6. Organization / structure
Finally, in the organization or structure we find the order of the events of the work (chapters, scenes, maps, etc.).
4. Critical commentary of the work
The next part of a review is the critical commentary of the work; it consists of a series of explanations and arguments to "defend" or "praise" the original work, or on the contrary, "criticize" it.
It would be a kind of argumentative text, and constitutes the most important part of the review. Here the author analyzes the work critically (both positively and negatively), and sets out his arguments or ideas for doing so. That is why in this part the arguments take a very important weight (they must be solid).
Thus, the critical commentary highlights the weaknesses of the work as well as its strengths..
5. Conclusions
In the conclusions section, another part of a review, the previous information is included, but in a synthesized form, and with a series of comments or added ideas that the author logically extracts from his or her arguments and from the work itself. from his or her arguments and from the work itself.
In other words, it includes the author's opinion and judgment.It would be a kind of argumentative text, and constitutes the most important part of the review. Here the author analyzes the work critically (both positively and negatively), and sets out his arguments or ideas for doing so. That is why in this part the arguments take a very important weight (they must be solid).
Thus,
the critical commentary highlights the weaknesses of the work as well as its strengths.5. Conclusions
In the conclusions section, another part of a review,
the previous information is included, but in a synthesized form, and with a series of comments or added ideas that the author logically extracts from his or her arguments and from the work itself. from his or her arguments and from the work itself.
In other words, the author's opinion and judgment is included, alluding mainly to the weak and strong points of the work already mentioned.
6. Recommendations
In this section, the author of the review includes his/her point of view as to whether or not the work should be recommended.
. In addition, he/she can also recommend his/her own review and explain why. As for the work, in this part the author includes the reasons for watching/reading/listening to it, or the reasons for not doing so. It is a very personal section. 7. Identification of the reviewer:
- The last part of a review is the identification of the author.
- . Relevant information about the author is shown here, including his or her professional background, other reviews, etc.
- Your contact information is also included (e-mail, social networks, Internet profile...), all depending on the author's own choice. Including your contact information makes it easier for readers to comment or respond to your review.
- How to write a good review?
- We have learned about the different parts of a review, but would you dare to write one?
- Are you considering writing a review, or do you simply want to improve the reviews you already write?
- Here are some tips or steps that can help you write a good review (ideally, follow them in order)
- Choose a work and a theme that motivates you.
- Look closely at how the work is structured.
- Determine which elements are key to the work.
- Research about the author.
- Find out what strategies the author has used to create his or her work.
- Visualize (or read, listen...) the work carefully.
Write down the most relevant data of the work, as well as ideas that may arise.
Organize your notes. Make a brief script of the points you want to discuss in your review. Start writing the draft.
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Use correct language and well-supported arguments.
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Proofread the review and review it carefully.
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Make any necessary changes, but don't be in a hurry.
(Updated at Apr 13 / 2024)