1. Creative and Media: Level 2 Higher Diploma Unit 1: Scene
Level 2 Higher Diploma Creative and MediaUnit 1: Scene
1.3.1 Deconstructing a review
Student Book
pp 34–43
Understanding how other reviewers or commentators have presented their personal
opinions to an audience will help you gain the skills to formulate and present your own
thoughts effectively.
1 Get two copies of recent specialist magazines (such as film or computer games
magazines), or the review sections of newspapers.
2 From each publication, find a review of the same film, game, play, book, art exhibition
etc.
3 Use the grid below to analyse what the reviews tell you. Fill in the names of the
magazines or newspapers you have chosen as your sources.
Product being reviewed Source 1 Source 2
Does the reviewer like what they The film is My name is Khan The film is My name is Khan
have reviewed or not?
Yes (Los Angeles Times) No (Access Bollywood)
Can you find a quote from the ‘..., engaging and timely ‘..., ultimately fails by
review that tells you this? entertainment.’ overreaching.’
What particular words does the ‘..., energetic heart-tugger...’ ‘...impossible...’
reviewer use to describe their
feelings about the subject of the
review?
What examples does the ‘Having been raised with ‘The movie doesn’t make it clear
reviewer give to back up their affection and sensitivity, exactly how long Rizvan’s
opinions? Khan, who is well-educated journey takes, but it would be
and exceptionally intelligent, almost impossible for anyone to
is already high-functioning.’ execute, let alone someone
coping with Asperger’s.’
Does the reviewer give you an Not really Definitely
overview or synopsis of the
product?
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