Tips for writing - Part 4 Lets write a review and give our opinion
Be it watching a movie, eating at a new restaurant or getting some bad service at the shop, we all have an opinion about our experiences.
Be it good or bad. If you are honest about how it made you feel, you can easily write a 'review'.
If you write a review, you are 'judging' a movie or play or product and you are giving your opinion on why you think it was good or bad and why you think people should try or avoid it.
A review is an evaluation of a publication, service, or company such as a movie, video game, musical composition, book; a piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer; or an event etc.
If you want to write a review, you will have to focus on the strengths and weaknesses (the good and the bad) of the product or place you are writing about. You will also have to inform your readers if it will be useful and you may give your own opinion on it.
In order to make sure that the reader feels that he is part of the experience, you use the pronoun 'you' (like you are talking to the reader) and also ask some question.
like for instance - If you buy this book, you will be very surprised. 'Why?' you ask. 'It is just another book.' Well, let me tell you ....
Try and use 'metaphors' in which you will compare the item or experience to something else, so that you can create a 'imagery' (picture) in the reader's mind.
You can use formal language, but a little 'informal' language here and there is fine. Depending on who you readers are, you can adapt your language usage. If your readers are for instance 'tech guys' you can surely use a few term that they will understand. We say you use the 'jargon' that you readers know and understand.
Jargon -special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand."legal jargon"synonyms:specialized language, technical language.
Once you are done with your review, you can go through the checklist to see if you have covered all aspects and has written a good review.
- Is your language usage good and mostly formal?
- Do you sound 'lively' and your sentences are different lengths?
- Have you engaged the reader by using 'You' and asking questions?
- Are you sure your readers will understand the 'jargon' you have used?
- Have you given your honest opinion and given it in a short version without carrying on for too long?
- If you are writing a review on a book, play or movie, did you make sure not to give away all the detail and spoil the experience for the reader?
- Have you used some 'references' from other people's reviews or quotes?
- Have you used any figurative language?
You cannot remember what is the meaning of 'figurative language'? Have a look at the video and try and use some of this in your review. It gives a much better 'picture' and experience to the reader.
Even if you do not write a long review, it is still very important that you plan before you write and make sure of what you want to say and how you want to present that to the reader.
Activity
Go to the shop and buy any food item or sweets that you have never tasted before. Eat it and then write an honest review on it.
Your readers will be your peers at school and they would like to know what your experience was and why they should or should not try it.
Have fun doing it and you can even make a video where you taste the product or products (it is your choice how many you choose.)
Have a look at the video, have a laugh and then start on your own review ☺☺☺
