Genre Overview: 

The “Review” writing genre is a critical analysis of a work, product, or service. Unlike Descriptive or Narrative essays, Review essays must present an evaluation based on specific criteria. They focus on assessing the quality, effectiveness, or value of the subject. This allows the audience to make informed decisions or gain a deeper understanding of the subject.

Genre in Action: 

Reviews are ubiquitous in today’s society. From movie reviews on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes to product reviews on e-commerce sites like Amazon, reviews guide consumer choices and opinions. Reviews can also be found in traditional media, such as newspapers and magazines, where professional critics share their assessments of movies, books, music, theater, and more. In the academic world, peer reviews are a crucial part of the research process. Even in our daily lives, we often ask for or give reviews about restaurants, vacation spots, or the latest gadgets. In contemporary society, reviews permeate various domains, influencing decisions and shaping perceptions. For instance, the animated film Ratatouille underscores the power of reviews in the culinary world, where the reputation of a restaurant hinges on the critique of a renowned food critic, Anton Ego. Similarly, automobile magazines like Car and Driver offer comprehensive reviews that guide consumers in their car purchasing decisions. In the realm of music, platforms like Spotify and Apple Music feature user reviews that can sway the popularity of songs and artists. In the real estate market, websites like Zillow have become a common pastime. Users get to virtually dream, critique, and review homes around the world. Furthermore, in academia, peer reviews are integral to the research process, ensuring the quality and credibility of scholarly work. On a micro-scale, we are constantly engaging with the genre. We review clothes, vacation spots, musical instruments, restaurants, groceries, the list goes on. Thus, the "Review" genre plays a pivotal role in various aspects of life, guiding choices, shaping opinions, and influencing trends in multiple industries.

Remember - Review essays aim to offer a well-rounded, insightful evaluation of the subject. Thus, the writer’s unique perspective and observations are integral to this genre as are the sources found within whether these be print, online, or empirical. Your review essay should not only inform but also engage and most times inspire the reader. It should reveal the subject in a way that allows the reader to see it from a new angle or appreciate it in a deeper way.

Genre in Practice:

Free Write

1. If you could review any music album, movie, book, product, or service, what would it be and why? 

2. What aspects make it an interesting subject for a review? 

3. How would you approach evaluating it?

4. What are your favorite reviews to read? (Positive or Negative)

5. Some of the best reviews have unique tones. For instance, some are comedic, aggressive, technical, nerdy, interesting - the list goes on. What would your tone be? Why?

Mini-Activity: Savoring the Flavor

For this activity, students will write a review of a food item or meal they’ve recently had. This could be anything from a simple bowl of Ramen noodles at home to a gourmet meal at a local five-star restaurant.

Step 1: Choose a Food Item or Meal: Select a food item or meal that you’ve recently had and found interesting. This could be a homemade dish, a takeout meal, or a dining experience at a restaurant.

Step 2: Pay attention to the various aspects of the food item or meal. Consider its presentation, aroma, texture, taste, and aftertaste. If it’s a restaurant meal, also consider the ambiance of the place and the service provided.

Step 3: If possible, find out more about the dish or meal. This could include its ingredients, preparation method, cultural significance, etc. If it’s a restaurant meal, you could also research the restaurant’s history, chef, or cuisine style.
Step 4:  Based on your experience and research, write a brief review of the food item or meal. This should include:

1. An introduction that provides basic information about the food item or meal and engages the reader’s interest.

2. A body section that delves into specific aspects of the food item or meal. This could include a discussion of its taste, texture, aroma, presentation, and any other notable features. If it’s a restaurant meal, also include your evaluation of the restaurant’s ambiance and service.

Step 4: Share your review with the class and discuss what you learned from your experience. How did this activity change your understanding of the food item or meal? What new insights did you gain? 

The goal of this activity is not just to evaluate the food item or meal, but also to engage the reader and convey your unique perspective and experience. Happy reviewing!

Questions to ask AI

1. Can you provide examples of effective review essays?

2. How can I make my review more engaging?

3. What are some unique angles I can explore in my review?

4. How can I effectively incorporate my research into my review?

5. Can you help me improve the structure and flow of my review?

6. Can you provide feedback on my review essay?

7. How can I effectively conclude my review essay?

8. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a review essay?

9. Can you help me brainstorm ideas for my review essay?

10. How can I effectively use descriptive language in my review essay?