How to Write Critical Review?

From time to time, all of us need critical reviews. Usually, people refer to them while deciding which movie to choose or whether to go to a famous exhibition. This kind of articles is prepared by experienced writers or journalists, and their opinion should be taken into consideration, but sometimes students also have to implement such a work. What is the point of the task? A critical review aims to demonstrate the way of analytical thinking and the depth of understanding of a novel, an article etc.

; as well, it develops objective thinking, which is very important for everybody. It is not enough to write your opinion concerning a reviewed object; you also have to understand which requirements put forward by your professor.

What is a critical review?

It is an article, which considers a book, a movie or other piece of art in details. The main task of a student who does not have much experience in such writing is to view the topic, plot, ideas and summarise all the information with the personal evaluation of the quality.

The paper requires applying for different theories, opinions of other critics, and researches which are related to the studied subject.

As a matter of fact, students who have not read a lot of novels cannot write a good review, because they do not have well-developed critical thinking concerning literature. Experience helps us compare subjects, find the most valuable work among many others, evaluate a good style and stylistic devices and, eventually, notice the freshness of ideas.

In addition, it is important to read other critical review examples to understand how to express your thoughts.

Critical review structure is an important factor to get a high score. Sometimes students begin to write the paper being inspired and persistent, but in the middle of the work, they lose their spirit. All the ideas that seemed rich from the very beginning are described in several sentences, and the writing looks boring. It is the result of poor work organisation. After you have collected and studied material, create a plan of the paper. Write a scheme and arrange all the ideas among the points of the plan, as well note down where exactly you want to use certain information from the sources. It helps to estimate how many words you need to describe each statement, and you will not have to keep all the thoughts in mind.

Introduction

An introduction contains all the facts concerning the reviewed object, which are the title of the work, the name of the author and other theoretical data. You should also include the main thesis and ideas. The volume of introduction depends on the general number of words. If the review is extensive, you can also add your evaluation statement and briefly outline what you consider as advantages and disadvantages. Remember, that the beginning must be laconic; it prepares readers to the main information. On the other hand, it should be more narrative than an indifferent statement of facts.

Body

This part has to include all your affirmations and arguments. “Critical” does not mean that you should emphasise the negative aspects of the work. Try to be objective and refer to reliable sources. The structure of the body depends on how you plan it, but the main demand is adherence to order: if you describe weak sides in one part and strong in another, then do not go back to the issues from the previous paragraph. You may shortly consider the whole plot, focusing on the matters that deserve a sharpening of attention, and add a few citations if it is required.

Conclusion

In the last part of the paper, you have to sum up everything above written and offer some recommendations. Describe the aftertaste and general impression of the book. Mention what was the key point in the success of the analysed work and make sure that the work sounds finished. Quality critical review samples always have a good conclusion; pay attention to them and try to write your own in the same style. Do not forget about correct design and the list of references. The final step is to give a strict glance to your own review. Do not be too severe, but take note that all the arguments have to be objective; avoid first-person pronouns, unless you are expressing your point of view.

Develop your general knowledge first and expand the vocabulary; this will help to articulate own opinion easily; reading many reviews, you will learn which issues need priority attention and what determines a work as quality. As well, pay some attention to non-popular pieces of art; famous not always means good. For example, avant-garde literature and art films can change your preferences and improve your taste, which will positively impact your critical reviews.