Reviews: understand now what it is, types and examples

Do you know what they are? reviews? You've certainly heard this term somewhere! However, do you really know what it means?

What is a review?

THE review It is an analysis of something, which could be a product, book, service, company, music, fashion concept, etc.

It is also considered a textual genre, being used to describe a specific work: text, documentary, series, or film.

When it is a critical model, emphasis is placed on the opinion of the person writing, and it also serves to prepare the reader who wants to know the original work.

Nowadays it is very common to find content channels specialized in making reviews of a certain topic, for example, books, series or films.

The number of people who search for this type of content is also very large. This is because they are looking for opinions about a certain work or product, other points of view and also how it is evaluated by critics.

In addition to doing an analysis, the reviewer can rate work to indicate its value, importance, level of quality or impact.

This tool is also used in academic environments for different purposes, including assessment.

What is the difference between reviews and summaries?

Some people often confuse these two genders, but despite their similarities, they differ and have different roles.

THE summary It also has the function of presenting the main information about a work. However, it is more precise and is limited to summarizing the content in its main message.

THE review, in turn, in addition to presenting the information and structure of the work, also includes critical analyses and more detailed data.

This genre can add a lot of value to a work; listing important points and opinions.

What are the main types of reviews?

There are four main types of reviews, but this classification is more used in academic environments.

In other environments, a single review can encompass two or more types: it can be descriptive and opinionated, in most cases. Learn more about each type below.

#Descriptive reviews

Also known as an informative review, its main function is to describe content and its structure.

In this review model, it is important to avoid personal criticism. It maintains the focus on the accurate and faithful presentation of the elements of the work.

Its main objective should be to inform the reader about the content, characteristics, highlights, ideas covered, but without making an analysis.

This review model is not only used to describe a book, but also an event, exhibition, play, lecture, etc.

To carry out an efficient review of the work, you can answer questions such as:

Who is the author?
When was it produced?
Where was the work presented?
Where do the events take place?
What are the main topics covered?
How is the content organized?
What is the author's conclusion?

Of the three types of reviews presented in this text, the descriptive one is the one that most resembles a summary.

Although it is not critical, you can contextualize the subject, always being careful not to express your point of view.

To do this type of analysis, consider the following steps:

Identify the work (title, author's name, number of pages, place of publication…).
Present the work and explain the historical context in which it is inserted.
Show how the chapters are divided with a summary description.
Summarize the main ideas.

As an example of a descriptive review, observe the text by José Patrício Pereira Melo, about the book “Introduction to Critical Legal Thinking”, by Doctor Antônio Carlos Wolkmer.

READ TEXT ➔

# Critical review

A critical review is also called an opinion review, because the reviewer carries out a critical analysis of the work and presents their points of view.

In addition to presenting a summary, it also points out your interpretation of the original content.

This is one of the most common reviews. In this alternative, the reviewer uses solid arguments to attribute a value judgment to the work, which can be positive or negative points.

The critical reviewer can have great power of influence over his readers when presenting his personal appreciations and considerations regarding the object analyzed.

It is very common to find people who dedicate their time to doing this type of activity.

It is certainly a very interesting topic and you can create content of this type if you identify with it.

If you love binge-watching series, how about becoming a critical series reviewer? Use the main digital channels to promote your reviews.

To write a good critical review, keep the following steps in mind:

Know the subject of the review very well.
Take notes and use descriptive review.
Research the author or main cast.
Develop your opinion about the work.
Use a dissertative structure: introduction, development and conclusion.

It is worth highlighting that academic critical reviews must follow some requirements and ABNT standards.

As an example of a critical review, we recommend the text by Professor Daniela Diana, about the book “Menino Maluquinho”.

The review is on the portal todamateria.com.br. In the post, you will also find more precise tips to help you develop this analysis model, including some information that served as a reference for this topic.

KNOW ABNT STANDARDS ➔ SEE REVIEW ➔

#Scientific review

It is like a critical review, but it is limited to analyzing only texts of a scientific nature. The reviewer will have the mission of addressing how the work is distributed and other descriptive information related to it.

This genre is commonly used in academic environments. Criticism attributed to the work must be based on and structured according to scientific parameters and standards.

Scientific reviews must also follow the academic style and present a structure according to ABNT standards.

#Thematic reviews

This genre is summarized in the analysis of several works, that is, several texts that talk about the same subject.

To write this review model, first introduce the topic. It is essential to show the reader right from the beginning what the subject will be covered in all the works.

The next step is to present a summary of all the texts used in the review. It is very important to create well-organized and structured content to ensure that the reader understands the message.

To make this process easier, you can set aside one or two paragraphs to discuss each text.

See below an example of a theme for a thematic review, this way, it is easier to understand the concept.

Is drinking a glass of wine a day bad for your health? Learn about the different opinions of experts on the subject.

This review model can have different objectives, for example, presenting different points of view on the subject or even showing how certain concepts have evolved over time.

How do you write a review?

Now that you've discovered what is a review and the main types. Likewise, it is important to find out how to make a review with more details.

First, you need to clarify to the reader what work you are analyzing. Include information such as the name of the work, author, date, etc.

In the next step, you must write the introduction. Make an initial overview to prepare the audience for what will be covered in the following lines.

Then, describe the structure of the work. How it is written, what the narrative model is, textual structure, etc.

In the following lines, you should present the author's content and main ideas. Don't make any critical analyses yet, just tell the message of the work in your own words.

Finally, tcham tcham tcham… do your critical analysis, if that is the genre of the review.

Reviews are a way of communicating with the public, so it is very important to use some communication techniques and strategies, for example, thinking about the target audience and the language used.

To close with a flourish, you can talk a little about the author and his professional life or other successful projects.

It is important to pay attention to the length of your review. Keep it balanced and don't make it too long and tiring to follow.

Care when writing reviews

If the review was requested by another person or institution, it is very important to comply with what was requested.

If your mission is to write a descriptive review only, be careful not to include your opinion, as this model should not make value judgments.

Apart from that, as already mentioned, academic reviews must follow some ABNT requirements and standards.

Furthermore, create a good structure for the text and organize the ideas so that it is cohesive, coherent and conveys the message you want to convey.

Conclusion

It is very common to identify with just one type of review. And you can use it professionally, in the academic field, as a hobby or just to pass the time.

Regardless of your goals, study the main types of reviews individually to see which one or ones you identify with best.

This genre is a great way to exercise your brain, gain more knowledge and learn to express yourself.

How about starting by reviewing a film, without any commitment, just to find out how it performed?

You will certainly want to do it more often.

This contextual modality is very common in a writer's routine, including. Do you want to work as a freelance writer? Read the text and find out how.

Nara Sampaio November 17, 2022