Junior High School

Grade 8

Journalism (English)

JOURNALISM LEARNING KIT

First Quarter – Week 4 – MELC 2

Writing a
Book / Movie Review

Journalism 8-Print Media

Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 Journalism (English) 8
Journalism Learning Kit
Writing a Book/Film Review
First Edition, 2020

Published in the Philippines

By the Department of Education
Schools Division of Iloilo
Luna Street, La Paz, Iloilo City

Republic Act 8293, Section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
work of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the
government agency or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for
exploitation of such work for profit. Such agency or office may, among other things,
impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

This Journalism Learning Kit is published to be utilized by the Schools

Division of Iloilo.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this learning resource may be

reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical
without written permission from the Schools Division of Iloilo.

Development Team of Journalism Learning Kit

Writer: Cheza T. Plondaya

Illustrators: Armand Glenn S. Lapor, Mark T. Dasa

Layout Artists: Lilibeth E. Larupay, G.L. John C. Haro, Jun Victor F. Bactan
Ricky T. Salabe, Leopoldo P. Quiñon Jr.

Division Quality Assurance Team:

Lilibeth E. Larupay, Dr. Ruby Therese P. Almencion
Armand Glenn S. Lapor, Dr. Alma S. Janagap,
Leopoldo P. Quiñon Jr.

Management Team: Dr. Roel F. Bermejo, Dr. Nordy D. Siason, Jr.

Dr. Lilibeth T. Estoque, Dr. Azucena T. Falales
Ruben S. Libutaque, Lilibeth E. Larupay
Dr. Ruby Therese P. Almencion

Journalism 8-Print Media

Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 Writing a Book / Film Review

BEGIN

According to Clark A. Frank,

criticism, like rain, should be gentle
enough to nourish a man's growth
without destroying his roots. Great
feedback is a critical element for
improvement. Thus, mistakes
should be examined, learned
from, and discarded; not
dwelled upon and stored.
After honing your skills in writing
the different news types for three weeks,
another challenge is up, this time, it is
about writing book and film reviews.
Reviews are good alternatives
that can break the monotony in the
feature page of the paper. Writing
reviews is one of the essential elements
of good communication because this
requires feedback. Now, embark in your
new JOURNey and start enjoying the
world of book and film reviews.

TARGETS

At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

1. explain the nature and purpose of writing reviews; and
2. write a film and/or book review. (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)

1
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 TRY THIS

Directions: Read the questions carefully and write the letter of the correct answer in
your Journalism-English notebook.

1. A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is merely

described or analyzed based on the following criteria EXCEPT one.
A. style B. merit C. length D. content

2. Reviews test ones capacity to sum up some major work and report it in this
format.
A. cohesive, logical, and interesting manner
B. concise, factual, and informative manner
C. sequential, detailed, and educational manner
D. lengthy, comprehensive, and sensible manner

3. Reviews can be formal or informal but these are usually written in this tense.
A. past tense B. future tense C. present tense D. perfect tense

4. Reviews in whatever form test the following skills test these skills.
A. writing and vocabulary skills C. listening and viewing skills
B. comprehension and research skills D. spelling and reading skills

5. An ideal book or film review must use this kind of approach in crafting one.
A. personal B. subjective C. unbiased D. compromising

Directions: Read each statement below carefully. Write T if the statement is true
and F if the statement is false. Write your answers in your Journalism-
English notebook.

6. A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine,

newspaper, and other reading materials giving a brief description and
evaluation of the film, book, play, TV/ radio programme, and novel.

7. Reviews can still be more interesting even without personal comments.

8. The main purpose of a movie/book review is to inform the reader about the
film/book and its ideas.

9. A book or film review does not involve analysis of events in the story.

10. A book review's length may vary from a single paragraph to a

substantial essay.
2
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 DO THIS

Activity 1: Critique Me!

Figure 1: Image of the a Disney movie poster and book cover

Source: https://www.popcorn.app/sg/frozen-2/movie/4430 https://www.amazon.ca/Crazy-
Rich-Asians-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00B3GM

Directions: Given the images in Figure 1, list down some comments that you
have in mind about the movie and book. Follow the table format
and write your answers in your Journalism-English 8 notebook.
Limit your answers to 1-2 sentences only.

Elements Frozen II Crazy Rich Asians

Setting The setting should have The original setting
been in a more autumnal Singapore must have been
palette and the fictional place more outlandishly described.
should have been named.
Character/s

Plot

Conflict

Major twist/s

Ending

3
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 EXPLORE

Amazing! You did a wonderful job in

providing possible answers in the first
activity. Now let us connect your responses
to the following questions. Write your
answers in your Journalism-English
notebook.

1. How do you find the first activity?

2. Based on the images, do you think it will be hard to comment on those elements
given? Why or why not?
3. What made you decide that those comments are necessary to evaluate the book
or film?
4. What are your considerations in order to be able to come up with those
comments?
5. Why do you think it is important to identify the main elements of the story before
starting to write the various comments about a book or film?
6. How can this activity develop your understanding of how to write a book/film
review?

KEEP THIS IN MIND

Well done! You have successfully made a

meaningful connection after answering the previous
activities. Now you are all set for the discussion about
the nature and purpose of writing reviews as well
writing a book/film review after.

WHAT IS A BOOK/FILM REVIEW?

A review is an evaluation of a publication, service, or company such as

a movie (a movie review), video game (video game review), musical

4
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
composition (music review of a composition or recording), book (book review); a
piece of hardware like a car, home appliance, or computer; or an event or
performance, such as a live music concert, play, musical theater show, dance show,
or exhibit.
A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is merely
described (summary review) or analyzed based on content, style, and merit. A book
review may be a primary source, opinion piece, summary review or scholarly review.
Books can be reviewed for printed periodicals, magazines and newspapers, as
school work, or for book web sites on the Internet. A book review's length may vary
from a single paragraph to a substantial essay. Such a review may evaluate the
book on the basis of personal taste. Reviewers may use the occasion of a book
review for an extended essay that can be closely or loosely related to the subject of
the book, or to promulgate their own ideas on the topic of a fiction or non-
fiction work.
The film review is a popular way for critics to assess a film's overall quality
and determine whether or not they think the film is worth recommending.

Purpose of Writing a Movie/Film/Book Review

The main purpose of a movie/book review is to inform the reader about the
film/book and its ideas. Reporting all events that happen and stating one’s opinion
about them is a common mistake that many students make. While movie/book
review allows writers to express their opinions about some film or documentary or
book, there is also the need for the unbiased and objective approach. An ideal
review combines both.
The review determines whether someone will want to see/read the
movie/book. Even if the professor (or teacher) assigned a specific title and film/book
to review, one should act like this is the perfect opportunity to introduce the
cinematography/literary work to their lecturer.
Film/book review should be detailed enough to provide assistance in making an
honest decision i.e. whether the reader wants to see it or if they’d like it.
In addition, this is a way to assess the way you analyze plot and characters.
After all, movie/book reviews also involve the analysis of events that happened in a
documentary or “regular” film or book. Reviews test writing and vocabulary skills,
adapting to different genres and events they portray, and your capacity to sum up
some major work and report it in a cohesive, logical, and interesting manner.1

Steps in Writing a Book/Film Review

I. Pre-writing
A. Reading/Viewing
B. Note-taking

1
"How to write a Movie Review? The Complete Guide | Edusson ...." https://edusson.com/blog/how-
to-write-movie-review. Accessed 16 Aug. 2020.

5
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 Remember and take note of the plot of the story. What impression did it produce
on you.

II. Writing
A. Introduction: give the title and author of the book. If you're reviewing a film
mention the director or actors.
B. Body:
1. Summarize the plot in a few sentences.
2. Mention the setting: the place and time of the plot.
3. Say something about the main characters.
4. Say something about the content.
C. Conclusion:
1. Comment on the book or film.
2. Let others know whether or not you liked the book/film.
3. Why do you like it? Why don't you like it?
4. Is the author's style good or bad, is the book / film interesting or boring
5. Do you want to recommend the book/film?
III. Post writing
Edit your writing.

Useful Expressions:
6
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
Title, Author / Director, Actors

The film is directed by

The film is produced by..
It is starred by...
The book is written by ...

Setting
The action takes place in ... (setting)
The action of the film is set in ...
The story takes place in...

Characters and Plot

The main characters are ...
The story is about ....
The novel tells the story of ...
In the course of the novel the action develops dramatically.
The novel / film begins with...
The novel has an unexpected ending.
The end of ... is ...
Reaction
I am impressed by
I think ....
The book is terribly / beautifully written
The film is terrible / exciting.
What surprised me is ...
What I liked is...
What I didn't like is...
I liked/didn't like the film / novel because ...

REMEMBER: A review is a special type of article written for publication in a

magazine, newspaper, and other reading materials giving a brief description and
evaluation of the film, book, play, TV/ radio programme, novel. It may be formal or
semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership, and is usually written
using present tenses. 2

Points to Ponder in Writing a Book/Film Review

 Where is the film or book set? - Knowing this will give the reader a clear
picture and visual imagery into the piece and save you time having to
describe it later.

2
"Writing Lessons - Film / Book Review - My English Pages."
https://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/writing-film-book-review.php. Accessed 17 Aug.
2020.
7
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
  Is it a sequel and what are the origins? - Such knowledge will benefit the
reader if they do not already know the series or the history and will gain a
better understanding of the piece.
 Does the book or movie fall into any genre? - Establishing this will help
you compare it to other books or movies later on.
 Is it a famous author or director? - This will give out more background
information which you can use to make comparisons in the review.
 Interesting or significant facts about the movie or book? - Presenting
these associations well will build more interest in the reader and also give you
extra points to write about.
 Is the plot riveting, any major twists? - Describing the most gripping
elements without spoiling the piece for the reader will give you most interest
and marks.
 Are the characters well developed or believable? - If you can write about
main characters or actors, this will give you more content to compare and
create further interest with the reader.
 Who is the target audience and does it have appeal to others? - This will
help you analyze it faster and also gain more understanding to who will
appreciate the piece.

SUM UP

You are almost done with this module.

This time you have familiarized yourself with
the purpose of writing a book/film review as
well as the steps in crafting one. Now, let’s
recap important things you have learned.

A review is an evaluation of a publication, service, or company such as

a movie, video game, musical composition, book; a piece of hardware like
a car, home appliance, or computer; or an event or performance, such as a live
music concert, play, musical theater show, dance show, or exhibit.
A book review is a form of literary criticism in which a book is merely
described (summary review) or analyzed based on content, style, and merit.

8
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 The film review is a popular way for critics to assess a film's overall quality
and determine whether or not they think the film is worth recommending.

APPLY WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

ACTIVITY 2: MY FAVORITES
Directions: Is there one special book and film that have had a great influence on your
life? Write in and tell us about them. Tell us briefly about the book and
film/movie, more importantly, what they taught you or how they helped you.
Be sure to follow the format given under “Keep This in Mind”.

Book Review

Film/Movie Review

9
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 REFLECT
REFLECT

We Good job! You have shown great

improvement after accomplishing all the
tasks in the lesson. This time you will reflect
on your work and rate your confidence.
ll done! You have shown great improvement

ACTIVITY 3: STOP, LOOK, GO!

Directions: Accomplish the infographic. Write your answers in your Journalism-
English notebook.
How are you doing so far?

1 THING I REALLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND

Things I still do

2 THINGS I WANT TO ASK

3 THINGS I HAVE LEARNED

10
ASSESS WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
Directions: Read carefully the given questions and write the letter of the correct
answer in your Journalism-English notebook.

1.Describing these most gripping elements in the book/film will give your readers
most interest and marks.
A. settings B. characters C. conflicts D. major twists

2.This is the number of steps in writing a book/film review.

A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6

3.This activity is part of the pre-writing activity.

A. summarizing B. note-taking C. recommending D. editing

4.These are all purposes of a book/film review EXCEPT one.

A. determine whether someone will want to see/read the movie/book
B. assess the way you analyze plot, characters, and setting of the story
C. promulgate one’s own ideas on the topic of a fiction or non-fiction work
D. provide a perfect opportunity for a reader/viewer to critique another person

5.Bree would like to write the title of the book/film that she read/viewed. This should
be written in this part.
A.body B. conclusion C. introduction D. suggestion

Directions: Read carefully each statement below. Write T if the statement is true
and F if the statement is false. Write your answers in your Journalism-
English notebook.

6.Writing about main characters or actors in the review will give you more content to
compare and create further interest with the reader.

7.The genre of the book/film this will give the reader a clear picture and visual
imagery into the piece and save the writer time having to describe it later.

8.The main purpose of a movie/book review is to entertain the reader about the
film/book and its ideas.

9.A review can only be done on a book or a film but not on theatrical plays or
TV/radio programmes.

10.A book /film review may vary in length which ranges from 100-500 words.

11
GLOSSARY
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
 assess – v. Evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of

cinematography – n. The art of making motion pictures

documentary – n. A movie or a television or radio program that provides a

factual record or report

genre – n. A category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by

similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

promulgate – v. promote or make widely known

ANSWER KEY

Try This
1.C 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. C
6. T 7. F 8. T 9. F 10. T
Critique Me!
Answers may vary.
Assess What You Have Learned
1. D 2. A 3. B 4. D 5. C
6. T 7. F 8. F 9. F 10. F

12
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)
REFERENCES
Alkuino, Gelly Elegio,Campus Journalism in the New Generation, 2017 Edition,
GenSan RFM Printing,General Santos City.2017.

"Assess,cinematography,documentary,genre,promulgate | Definition of Assess,

cinematography,documentary,genre,promulgate by Merriam-Webster."
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assess. Accessed 17 Aug. 2020.

Cruz, Ceciliano-Jose,Journalism and School Paper Advising, Fourth Edition, Rex

Bookstore,Manila.1997

“How to write a Movie Review? The Complete Guide l Edusson …” https://edusson.

com/blog/how-to-write-movie-review.Accessed 16 Aug. 2020.

“Writing Lessons – Film / Book Review – My English Pages.”https://www.myenglish

Pages.com/site php files/writing-film-book-review.php.Accessed 17 Aug.
2020.

13
Journalism 8-Print Media
Competency: Write a book/film review (SPJ8SJW-Id-12)