Writing Reviews

Today we will be talking about how to write reviews. As with all writing, developing skill in this particular genre requires patience, practice and awareness about the expectations placed on the writer by the audience and fellow reviewers. Bonus points to any one who can name the two gentlemen in the picture above!

An outline for today's class can be found below...

Review Writing

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Explain several features common to all forms of review writing
2. Explain common differences between reviews
3. Demonstrate understanding of the structure of a movie and/or book review
4. Use key vocabulary in describing the features of a story
5. Write a short review of their own

I. Warm-Up 
How are you? How was your weekend? How are things going in your other classes? Any questions about anything from this class?

II. Vocabulary Quiz
I hope you studied!

III. Housekeeping Details and Homework Review
Including the returning of the previous week's vocabulary quiz and reviewing the homework (done in pairs) on academic style.

IV. Writing Reviews
To begin, read this review of "The Dark Knight Rises", the third and final chapter of the most recent Batman trilogy. After you read the review, find a partner and discuss these questions:

1. What kind of writing is review writing? Description? Analysis? Persuasion? Essay writing? 
2. What is the purpose? Who is the audience? 
3. What kind of information is included in the review? 
4. What are the different sections/parts of the review?
5. How would you describe the language of a review?

After we've had a chance to discuss these questions as a whole group, we will review the information found in this short presentation. I will also provide you with a handout that outlines important information on the kind of language necessary to use in your review.

*CAE Tips*

In order to write a good review on the CAE exam, remember that...

1. Keep the content of your review relevant 
2. Be sure to completely answer the question (or questions)
3. Strive to express yourself clearly
4. Follow a clear pattern of organization (Hook -> Summary -> Pros/Cons -> Final Recommendation)
5. Have fun! Take some chances, use some descriptive expressions, show enthusiasm (lack thereof). Remember, a review is your opinion of something, so don't be afraid to express yourself. 

V. Example Reviews

Below you will find a few example reviews. Take a look and analyze them carefully for 1). similarities and differences (based on the subject matter) and 2). interesting linguistic conventions, phrases and/or expressions. (These websites (and more) can also be found inside the 

Music Reviews: Pitchfork

Movie Reviews: Rotten Tomatoes

Restaurant Reviews: Zagat

Travel Stops: Trip Advisor

VI. Practice

Now, let's do a little practice in class. We will watch a short film called "Alma". The Spanish speakers in class can provide the translation of that. It is written and directed by Rodrigo Blaas and came out in 2011. 

As we watch, be sure to take notes. After, I will put you into groups of three and you will work together to write a short review of the film. Remember the steps...

1. Hook
2. Synopsis
3. Pros/Cons
4. Recommendation

If there is time, I will ask for volunteers to share their reviews. If not, I will collect them and give you feedback for next week. 

Homework for Monday, December 1st, 2014

1). Prepare for a new vocabulary quiz on these words

2). Post to the discussion board for this week. The directions have changed so be sure to note the changes. As always, you posts are due by 11:55pm on Friday night (Nov. 28th). 

3). Write a review of the short animated film "Alma" by Rodrigo Blaas. I've sent you a link via Google Drive. Due to some confusion, you have until Sunday, November 30th at 11:55 pm to finish your review. Thanks!