Review & Essay RUBRIC & Instructions
Your text should be 120-160 words long. What happens if there are 180 words?
The examiner will stop reading at word 160
A good review starts with (1.) an Introduction to the thing being reviewed, then continues with (2.) a brief description of the thing being reviewed, and should then continue with (3.) _____ (what?) and (4.) _____ (what?)
(3.) Your opinion (whether you liked it) and (4.) recommendation (whether you think other people should try / buy it)
Think of 2 specific vocabulary words which could help you write a BOOK REVIEW
SUGGESTIONS:
Plot
Characters
Setting
Theme
Narrative
Writing Style
Protagonist
Tone
Perspective
Symbolism
An essay usually begins with a _______, followed by background information and a thesis statement
hook
What kind of HOOK is this: "As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, 'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.'"
--> QUOTATION
"The pictures/comments above may give you some ideas, and you should try to use some ideas of your own." Should you:
1. use the ideas in the pics
2. use only your own ideas
3. use a combination
3. use a combination
When writing a review of a BOOK or a MOVIE, what is one thing you should make sure NOT to do?
Don’t write the whole story, and don't give any spoilers of the plot! (this way your readers can still enjoy the book or movie when they read or watch it)
Think of 3 specific vocabulary words which could help you write a RESTAURANT REVIEW
SUGGESTIONS:
Ambiance
Flavor
Service
Presentation
Atmosphere
Portion
Freshness
Decor
Texture
Pricing
Mention ONE of the THREE MOST COMMON types of HOOK
1. quotation
2. rhetorical question
3. statistical fact
Think of a simple rhetorical question hook about this topic: "All students should wear school uniforms."
Example: "Does it really matter what you wear at school?"
The text should be "effectively organised and sequenced". Do you need to use paragraphs or can it all be in one block of text?
YES! Use paragraphs!!
A good REVIEW doesn't just explain why you recommend (or don't) the book / movie / product / place, but also for ______!
The group of people WHO you recommend the thing for! (Try to be as specific as possible, as in "I recommend this book for anyone feeling lonely or anyone who wants hope for the future" etc. etc.)
Think of 3 specific vocabulary words which could help you write a PRODUCT REVIEW
SUGGESTIONS:
Features
Quality
Durability
Performance
Ease of use
Design
Value
Reliability
Functionality
Warranty
Each body paragraph should start with what kind of sentence?
Main idea sentence / also known as a TOPIC SENTENCE
Think of one "pro" topic sentence (to start a paragraph) supporting the thesis that "All students should wear school uniforms."
EXAMPLES:
1. Wearing uniforms promotes equality and reduces socioeconomic differences.
2. Wearing uniforms fosters discipline and promotes school spirit.
3. Wearing uniforms improves student focus and reduces distraction.
"Use both simple and complex sentences."
Is this an example of a complex sentence?
"If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."
YES
Here are some ideas for a PRODUCT REVIEW. What kind of questions could you answer for a RESTAURANT REVIEW?
Product Review Outline
Introduction: Name the product, brand, and type. Give a quick summary of your impression (e.g., useful, disappointing).
Product Features: Mention key features and what makes it unique.
Performance: How well did it work? Was it easy to use?
Value for Money: Was it worth the price?
Recommendation: Would you recommend it? To whom and why?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Restaurant Review Outline
Introduction: Name the restaurant, location, and type of cuisine. Give a quick summary of your experience (e.g., delightful, disappointing).
Ambiance and Service: Describe the atmosphere (e.g., casual, elegant). Mention the service quality (e.g., friendly, efficient).
Food and Drinks: Briefly describe what you ordered. Mention any highlights or disappointments.
Value for Money: Was the price reasonable for the quality?
Recommendation: Would you recommend it? To whom and why?
Think of 3 specific vocabulary words which could help you write a MOVIE REVIEW
SUGGESTIONS:
Cinematography
Acting
Plot
Genre
Soundtrack
Special effects
Characters
Dialogue
Pacing
Direction
Each body paragraph will start by giving a new idea supporting the thesis statement, and then after this it will also include what?
SUPPORTING SENTENCES / information such as data and evidence to demonstrate the idea
Think of one supporting sentence for the topic sentence "Wearing uniforms fosters discipline and promotes school spirit."
[ANY ANSWER that helps to explain / justify / clarify or give an example of the claim!]
What is the definition of a complex sentence?
It has an INDEPENDENT clause and a DEPENDENT clause:
example: You cannot leave class until the lesson is over.
(Dependent means it cannot be alone: "until the lesson is over" is a dependent clause)
Here are some ideas for a BOOK REVIEW. What kind of questions could you answer for a MOVIE REVIEW?
Book Review Outline
Introduction: State the book's title, author, and setting. Give a quick summary of your impression (e.g., insightful, beautiful).
Plot Overview: Briefly describe the main storyline without spoilers. Mention key characters and the setting.
Impact: How did the book affect you? Was it inspiring or thought-provoking?
Writing Style: Describe the writing style (e.g., simple, descriptive). Did it enhance your experience?
Recommendation: Would you recommend it? To whom and why?
SUGGESTED ANSWER:
Movie Review Outline
Introduction: State the movie's title, director, and genre. Give a quick summary of your impression (e.g., thrilling, emotional).
Plot Overview: Briefly describe the main storyline without spoilers. Mention key characters and setting.
Acting and Characters: Were the actors convincing? Mention any standout performances.
Visuals: Comment on cinematography or special effects.
Themes: What were the main themes or messages?
Recommendation: Would you recommend it? To whom and why?
Find 3 grammar errors in the closing paragraph of this review of the 1995 movie Toy Story:
Toy Story captivated me with its creativity and relating themes of jealousy and friendship. The animation was groundbreaking for its time, and the characters felt realistic and endearing. I recommend highly Toy Story to audiences of all age. Its humor, heartwarming message, and memorable characters make it a timeless watch for both kids and adults.
The CORRECT PARAGRAPH SHOULD BE:
Toy Story captivated me with its creativity and RELATABLE themes of jealousy and friendship. The animation was groundbreaking for its time, and the characters felt realistic and endearing. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Toy Story to audiences of all AGES. Its humor, heartwarming message, and memorable characters make it a timeless watch for both kids and adults.
A conclusion will start by rewording the thesis statement. What else will the conclusion have in it?
1.) A summary of all the main points in the essay
OR
2.) a final comment which makes an impression on the reader
Think of two "CON" topic sentences (to start a paragraph) OPPOSING the thesis that "All students should wear school uniforms."
EXAMPLES:
1. School uniforms limit students' ability to express themselves through their clothing.
2. Uniforms can be expensive, adding financial strain to families, especially those with multiple children.
3. Uniforms may not be comfortable for all students, especially in varying climates or seasons.
4. There is no conclusive evidence that wearing uniforms improves academic performance or discipline