The 7 parts of a review (and how to do them)

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 of them consists of. Finally, we propose a series of guidelines to prepare a good review.

• Recommended article: "How to make constructive criticism: 11 simple and effective tips"

What is a review?

Before explaining what the parts of a review are and what characteristics each of them has, we are going to explain what a review consists of.

A review is an informative writing or text about a literary, cinematographic work... It is a constructive criticism of it, a kind of evaluation, which can be positive or negative (depending on its author or author).

Its extension is rather short. In it we can find different elements of said work: summary, ideas of it, concepts, aspects relevant, comments, analysis... In addition, we also find the personal opinion of the author or author of the own review.

Reviews can vary greatly from one author to another, depending on the type of review and also depending on the work in question that is being analysed. However, the parts of a review are usually the same every time (although there may be slight variations from review to review).

parts of a review

Now yes, we are going to see what are the parts of a review, as well as its fundamental characteristics.

1. Qualification

The first part of the review is the title. The title usually includes a short sentence that briefly summarizes the work being analyzed; Ideally, it should not be too long, that it will cause a certain impact on the reader and that it arouses curiosity to read the review.

On the other hand, it is recommended that the title is not simply the title of the work in question, but that it be accompanied by other words (we must also avoid putting “review” as the title without further ado).

2. Header or data sheet

The second of the parts of a review is the header or technical sheet (also called bibliographic reference). Here we will find the title of the reviewed work, as well as its relevant data, such as:

• Author
• producer
• Qualification
• Publisher/record company...
• Number of pages
• Place and year of edition/production
• Price
• Etc.

The data in the technical sheet will be ordered following the citation rules for bibliographic references, specific to each sector.

3. Summary of the work to review (comment)

The third part of the review consists of a kind of "synopsis" of the work or movie in question. Thus, he describes the original work, in a synthesized way. It includes data such as: background of the author or author, 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's see, in summary, what each of these elements included in the summary consists of:

3.1. Background

The background information includes relevant data on the author or author of the reviewed work; For example, topics that you usually deal with, languages ​​you master, works previously carried out, professional career, etc.

3.2. Strategies

The strategies are the methods and techniques used by the author or author of the work, to carry it out. It includes the investigations carried out, the phases for gathering information, etc.

3.3. Sources

Much of the information that the author or author compiled to carry out her work comes from them.

3.4. Aim

The objective is the purpose of the work, its finality. What did the author or author intend to achieve with her work?

3.5. Content

Here the author or author of the review exposes the theme of the work, its plot, the events that occurred 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 on the work

The next of the parts 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 it constitutes the most important part of the review. Here the author analyzes the work critically (both positively and negatively), and presents her arguments or ideas to do so. That is why in this part the arguments take on a very important weight (they must be solid).

So, in the critical commentary the weaknesses of the work are highlighted as well as its strong points.

5. conclusions

In the conclusions section, another part of a review, The above information is included, but in a synthesized form, and with a series of comments or added ideas that the author logically extracts. as a result of their arguments and the work itself.

That is, the opinion and judgment of the author is included, alluding above all to the weak and strong points of the work already mentioned.

6. recommendations

In that section, the author of the review includes her point of view regarding whether or not she should recommend said work.. In addition, you can also recommend your own review and explain why. Regarding the work, in this part the author includes the reasons for seeing/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 its author or author. Here relevant information is shown about him or her, including her professional career, other reviews, etc.

Their contact details are also included (e-mail, social networks, Internet profile...), all depending on the author's own choice. The fact that your contact details are included makes it easier for readers to comment or reply to your review.

How to write a good review?

We have known the different parts of a review, but would you dare to write one?

Are you considering writing a review, or just want to improve the reviews you already do? We propose 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 (n).
• Observe carefully how the work is structured.
• Determine which elements are key in the work.
• Research about its author or author.
• Investigate what strategies the author or author has used to carry out her work.
• View (or read, listen...) the work carefully.
• Write down the most relevant information about it, as well as ideas that may arise.
• Organize your notes.
• Create a short script about the points you want to cover in your review.
• Start writing your draft.
• Use correct language and well-founded arguments.
• Correct the review and review it carefully.
• Make the changes you consider necessary, do not rush.

You can now submit your review!

Bibliographic references:

• Cervera, A. (1999). Guide for writing and commenting on text, Madrid, Espasa Calpe.

• Navarro, f. and Abramovich, A.L. (2012). The academic review. UNGS: 39-59.

• San Miguel, A. OR. and Barrios, G.C. (2008). Theory of the text and discursive typology. Sign and thought, 53: 295-313.