Print publication
Imagine the editor of a print publication or website has contacted you. This editor needs a review to run in the next edition and has heard that you’re a smart, entertaining, and ethical reviewer.
Your task is to write an evaluation/review. Here is the first question to ask: What do you want to review? That’s your choice. You might select a TV show/series, film, album, music video, book, restaurant, video game, television show, technological gadget, car, or other “product…” or anything else you think readers will be interested in. Wait—what readers? Well, you choose those, too. The audience for the review is up to you. It can help to imagine where your review would be published. Are you writing for a general audience (subscribers to the Orlando Sentinel, for example) or are you writing for a narrower, better-informed readership (poetry readers, iPhone users, teen girls who have attended at least three Taylor Swift concerts). You decide—and write your review in a way that reflects this decision.
The review/evaluation should take a clear position on the topic and be directed towards a specific identifiable audience. The writing should be organized around 3-4 clearly stated criteria and be supported by evidence, details, descriptions, and observations from firsthand experience.
Begin the evaluation with an introduction paragraph that builds context and necessary background for the reader. End the evaluation with a conclusion paragraph that offers a summary and clear takeaway for the reader and answers the invisible question “so what?” or “what now?”
Sample Solution
For this review, I have chosen to evaluate Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album folklore. This album was released in July 2020 and has quickly become one of the most popular albums in recent years. Specifically, I will be writing for a teenage audience who are fans of Taylor Swift or interested in exploring her music further.
The first criterion I will use to evaluate this album is its musical composition. From the opening track “the 1” on, it's clear that Taylor Swift has taken a more stripped back approach to writing and producing her music for this project; there are no huge pop productions here but rather simple arrangements filled with gentle acoustic guitar strums, subtle percussion accompaniment and minimalistic string sections which really let the songwriting shine through. On tracks such as “cardigan” we can hear hints of classical elements blended together with modern pop sounds to create something completely unique yet still accessible to a mainstream audience. All-in-all the production work is great throughout and highlights the beautiful lyricism and melodies contained within each song without ever overpowering them or becoming distracting background noise.
The second criterion I will use is lyrical content & meaning contained within each track on folkore: While not every single track contains deep personal reflections (some like “hoax” feel lighter in comparison) many others remain some of Swift’s most introspective works yet such as “exile” (a duet collaboration with Bon Iver). Here she speaks candidly about unresolved issues between two former lovers while also attempting to come across an understanding over how their relationship ended so abruptly despite their strong connection when it began ("and if you're out there thinkin' 'bout comin' home / all i know is somethin' golden died when you were gone"). Other tracks tackle topics such as self-examination (illicit affairs), hope & optimism during difficult times (august) or even life lessons learned from heartbreak (seven).
Finally, let's look at the overall impact that Folklore had upon its release: It was immediately met with critical acclaim by both fans & critics alike due reviews citing it as one of Swift's best efforts so far thanks to her maturing songwriting style coupled with honest & often heartbreaking lyrics combined perfectly alongside excellent production values found throughout each track on offer here. The result was an incredibly powerful listen where even those unfamiliar with Taylor's music could appreciate what she had created here; Folklore ultimately became one of 2020's biggest selling albums worldwide proving itself just how timeless Taylor's music can truly be!
In conclusion, Taylor Swifts seventh studio album 'folklore', recorded during quarantine isolation periods amidst numerous personal struggles faced by herself along these past few years proves just how profound an artist she remains having managed to craft something special regardless of circumstance; stunning production values elevate already emotionally charged songs whose messages range from lightheartedness towards breakups all way up towards deeply reflective self examinations - all paired side by side into one beautifully crafted piece making folklore first & foremost an immensely enjoyable listening experience but also serves as a testament that artistry does indeed prevail over any situation