A review is a personal response that shows you an overall impression of a piece of literature, work of art, restaurant, film or theatre.

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• It is written from a personal viewpoint and therefore uses the first person pronouns (I, me).
• The present tense is generally used.
• Use adjectives and emotive words appropriately to convey thoughts and feelings.
  The tone may be used to inform and/or entertain the audience.
• Substantiate your viewpoint with reference to the text or other reliable sources.
• Comments on technical aspects may be made e.g. lighting and sound.
• A judgementof the subject is made and recommendations may be included.
  
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Book Reviews

The aim is to offer information about the book and to instil an interest in it.

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• The book review should briefly discuss the plot, setting and characters but should not be over-detailed nor too explicit.
• The reviewer has the prerogative of taking a standpoint and offering his opinion.
• Based on this, readers will decide whether or not to read this book.

Blurbs

This is the publisher's advertorial which aims to encourage the potential reader to buy the book.

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• It is usually found on the inside jacket or on the back cover of the book.
• The blurb is similar to a book review but it is more of a summary, offering a brief insight into the book. (The secret is to wet the reader's appetite without divulging too much.)
• It states the genre (type) of the book and briefly introduces the setting, characters and plot.

Entertainment - Films and Theatres

The aim of this short summary is to inform readers about films and plays that are currently on the circuit.

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• It is possible to praise and criticises within the same review.
• The writer (critic) must make his impressions clear and commit himself/herself to a opinion.
• All opinions must be substantiated.

Restaurants

The reviewer is expected to give his opinion and he may praise and criticise within the same review.*

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• The restaurant critic is usually an excellent cook or food connoisseur.
• Different aspects of the meal and the restaurant will be reviewed.
  These might include: location, parking facilities, service, presentation, price and most important, the food itself.

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Source: EBH Joubert: English Grammar in Writing

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