UdallGuidelines for Essay 2: The ReviewFor your second major essay, you will write a review of a subject of your choice: a movie, a TV series, a book, a website, a sports team, etc. The essay should be a minimum of four double-spaced, computer-printed pages in length.Your essay must use a minimum of two source in a substantial way (not just briefly refer to or quote the sources). At least two of your sources must be evaluative (the writer should express a clear judgment of the movie, TV series, etc.). Your evaluative sources must be authored (a writers name must appear on the review) and should be written by professional reviewers. Your essay must employ the MLA system of citation, including a Works Cited page.Be sure to choose a subject that youll enjoy working with. This will make the entire process all the more satisfying and rewarding. Your chosen subject should pass two preliminary tests: 1.) you can find relevant sources on it, and 2.) you can generate at least four pages of commentary on it.Your review should include each of the following elements: Background: Assume that your audience doesnt know your subject. Introduce us. Background info. may be offered near the beginning or the end of a review; it shouldnt comprise a major portion of your essay–just a paragraph or two. What year did the album/movie/book come out? How many other albums/movies/books has this artist/group created? How were their other works received? What is their critical reputation? Who are the major personnel involved? How did they get their start? Who
are some of their influences? You dont necessarily have to include all of this information, but provide enough to help your reader appreciate the subject in context.Judgment: In a review, youre essentially evaluating a subjects quality–whether or not its well done, worthwhile, valuable, etc. Your judgment is your reviews thesis. Note that your judgment doesnt have to be entirely positive or entirely negative. For example, I might write, While U2s 2004 album, How to Dismantle an Atom Bomb, isnt necessarily their greatest collection to date–The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby may still be the top contenders for that titleits a strong work that offers many pleasures. Supporting Reasons: Provide general reasons that support your judgment. Why is your subject worthwhile or not, well done or poorly done, of high quality or low quality? The answers to this question are your criteria. Continuing with the above example, U2s How to Dismantle an Atom Bomb, I might decide that Im going to focus on three reasons: the variety of styles, the emotional complexity, and the unifying theme (idea). Maybe youll only have two supporting reasons; maybe youll have four. Whats important is that you clarify these supporting reasons for yourself–and for your audience. Evidence (aka Supporting Specifics): To support your general criteria, you have to provide specific evidence or proof from the subject. In an album review, for example, I might include quoted lyrics, details and descriptions of the songs, etc. If Im going to argue that Howto Dismantle an Atom Bomb is a strong album because it offers an intriguing mix of musical styles, for instance, I have to prove that criteria by offering specific examples from the songs–the rock anthem of City of Blinding Lights, the heavy metal neo-punk of Vertigo, the acoustic jazz of A Man and a Woman, etc. Think of your supporting specifics as the foundation of your essay. The houseof your essay can only be as strong as that foundation. Description: This element often works in combination with your judgment and evidence; dont neglect it. Whatever your subject, work to describe it in sufficient detail so that we can experience it. If its an album, for example, describe the songs, the singing, lyrics,
use of instruments, etc. You dont need to describe everything, but give us enough to provide a good taste of your subject. Relevant Comparisons (Optional): How does your subject compare to other subjects of the same genre? How does it compare to earlier creations by the same artist, creator, or designer?Evaluative Criteria*The essay expresses a clear judgment of its subject, and effectively supports that judgment with relevant reasons and evidence.*The essay is well organized, with a clear sequence of ideas and effective paragraphing and transitions. *The essay uses a minimum of two evaluative sources in a substantial way.*The essay effectively introduces and integrates source material.*The essay properly employs the MLA citation system, including a Works Cited page.*The essay displays strong attention to grammar, spelling, style, mechanics, etc.*The essay includes an interesting and effective title (not just the title of the subject).
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