How to write a review: structure, rules and examples
In this article we will tell you how to write a review correctly and what you should pay attention to when writing it.
- What is a review
- How to write a review correctly
- Structure of the review
- Features of review as a genre
- Types of reviews
- Examples
The term "review" is translated from Latin as "review", "evaluation". In Russia the genre appeared with the publication of the first literary magazines in the middle of the XVIII century.
What is a review
This is a critical-analytical form. Its essence is the analysis of journal articles and books, scientific works, works of various kinds of art. The reviews characterize the subject, point out its shortcomings and merits, make comments and suggestions.
How to write a review correctly
Writing a review requires a thorough knowledge of the subject. It requires deep reflection on what you have read, heard or seen, and the ability to analyze. But being urgent about the subject is not enough to write a good text, you also need to be able to format the material correctly.
Structure of the review
Common Components:
- Title.
- Introduction.
- The basis of the review: analysis, significance, strengths and weaknesses.
- Conclusion: value and significance, reasoned judgment, recommendations.
The title and introduction attract attention. The main body touches on the most important aspects. The conclusion is made in the conclusion.
Features of review as a genre
The reviewer is objective, impartial, and fair. He needs to:
- target a wide range of users;
- not to make offensive remarks;
- to shy away from the secondary and the trivial;
- to prove the validity of his opinion;
- to point out the special points.
Types of reviews
Critical articles differ in the style of writing. The analysis of films, theatrical plays and literary works allows for a high degree of emotionality and expression of subjective opinions. An analysis of a scientific text or a review of a product is characterized by objectivity, lack of emotionality, and structural clarity. In terms of volume the text can be a full critical article and a brief analysis. There is also such a genre as autocriticism - the author's reasoning about his own work.
Book review
The main part specifies the title, author, genre, style, and theme. It is not necessary to tell much about the plot and main characters - only to arouse curiosity. The reader should understand the reviewer's opinion and be eager to read the work, or reject it if the criticism is negative.
The conclusion requires a well-founded and very clear point of view on the material. Objective arguments for positive or negative criticism should not be forgotten.
Reviews of texts, films and research papers are written in the same way.
Let's look at two examples of reviews of Klaus Mann's novel Mephistopheles.
- "Mephistopheles. The Story of One Career".
The following words can be placed in the prologue: "He who dances with the Nazis, dances his dance of death.
The novel Mephistopheles was written by Klaus Mann in 1936. The protagonist is the actor Hendrik Hefgen, hungry for career, fame and money, sells his friends and his vocation to the Nazis. After he gets his wish and becomes director of the theatres, Hefgen realises what a terrible mistake he has made.
The idea of the work is the adaptation of a creative persona to the dictatorship of Nazism. The poignant work remains relevant for the ages. A gripping read makes you think about conscience, honour and citizenship.
- "Mephistopheles. The Story of a Career."
The novel was written by Klaus Mann, son of the famous wordsmith Thomas Mann, shortly before the outbreak of World War II. It tells the little-known actor Hendrik Hefgen. Hefgen dreams of money, fame and a brilliant career. He understands that he can get it all only by recognizing the Nazi regime. First he sells his name, becoming Heinz for the benefit of the Nazis. Further the betrayals escalate like a snowball. He is forced to sell his actor friends. Having obtained the position of director of the theatres, he stages only those works that please the Nazis, trampling on the great German literature. Confident in his powers, Hefgen appeals to "the very" Göring - and, hearing the insult in return, realizes that he must know his place. He is only a buffoon to the powerful of this world. This leads Hefgen to a loss of mental equilibrium. He cannot play on the stage anymore. I recommend the book for reading.
The first review is short, all the basic rules of writing are followed. The text encourages the reader to refer to the book. The second review lacks an introduction. It is too long, it basically retells the plot. Nothing is said about the reviewer's opinion and the value of the work.
Successful work is informative and engaging.
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