B Oh, I saw that- yes it was @@tedious@@, wasn’t it? Full of @@clichés@@- you know, all men are shallow, dishonesty is bad…
A Yes, it was all terrible- @@feeble@@ jokes, @@wooden@@ dialogue, and the acting was very mediocre. And Jack Burns was totally @@miscast@@ as the romantic lead, wasn’t he?
B Yeah, he was @@dire@@, and was pretty unconvincing too. I don’t know why I watched it all the way through- it was @@utter@@ rubbish.
An analytic or critical review of a book or article is not primarily a summary; rather, it comments on and evaluates the work in the light of specific issues and theoretical concerns in a course. (To help sharpen your analytical reading skills, see our file on Critical Reading.) The literature review puts together a set of such commentaries to map out the current range of positions on a topic; then the writer can define his or her own position in the rest of the paper. Keep questions like these in mind as you read, make notes, and write the review
1. What is the specific topic of the book or article?
2. What overall purpose does it seem to have?
3. For what readership is it written? (The preface, acknowledgements, bibliography and index can be helpful in answering these questions. Don’t overlook facts about the author’s background and the circumstances of the book’s creation and publication.)
4. Does the author state an explicit thesis?Does he or she noticeably have an axe to grind? What are the theoretical assumptions? Are they discussed explicitly? (Again, look for statements in the preface, etc. and follow them up in the rest of the work.)
5. What exactly does the work contribute to the overall topic of your course? What general problems and concepts in your discipline and course does it engage with?
6. What kinds of material does the work present (e.g. primary documents or secondary material, literary analysis, personal observation, quantitative data, biographical or historical accounts)?
7. How is this material used to demonstrate and argue the thesis? (As well as indicating the overall structure of the work, your review could quote or summarize specific passages to show the characteristics of the author’s presentation, including writing style and tone.)
8. Are there alternative ways of arguing from the same material? Does the author show awareness of them? In what respects does the author agree or disagree?
9. What theoretical issues and topics for further discussion does the work raise?
10. What are your own reactions and considered opinions regarding the work?
Browse in published scholarly book reviews to get a sense of the ways reviews function in intellectual discourse. Look at journals in your discipline or general publications such as the London Review of Books or the New York Review of Books
Some reviews summarize the book’s content and then evaluate it; others integrate these functions, commenting on the book and using summary only to give examples. Choose the method that seems most suitable according to your professor’s directions
To keep your focus, remind yourself that your assignment is primarily to discuss the book’s treatment of its topic, not the topic itself. Your key sentences should therefore say “This book shows…the author argues” rather than “This happened…this is the case.
Shadows of Tomorrow by Lila Hartley is a dystopian science fiction novel that explores the consequences of a fractured society through a gripping tale of rebellion and sacrifice. Hartley, known for her insightful take on social issues in speculative worlds, continues to captivate audiences with her thought-provoking narratives. This review will cover the book's major themes, character development, plot structure, and overall impact, aiming to offer readers a balanced perspective.
Set in a world where personal freedoms have been sacrificed for security, Shadows of Tomorrow follows sixteen-year-old Aria Kline, who discovers that her small town is controlled by an enigmatic organization enforcing strict conformity. As Aria joins a group of rebels determined to reclaim their rights, she faces complex moral choices that challenge her sense of loyalty and justice. The novel’s central themes of freedom, loyalty, and resistance are woven into Aria’s journey as she learns the cost of true autonomy.
Hartley skillfully examines themes of control and rebellion, bringing depth to Aria’s internal struggles and relationships. Aria’s complex relationship with her best friend-turned-adversary adds tension, while her evolving bond with the rebel leader, Marco, introduces a layer of intrigue. The plot is well-paced, though occasionally interrupted by overly descriptive passages. The setting, a bleak, hyper-surveilled town, reinforces the novel’s oppressive tone, and Hartley’s clear, evocative language draws readers into her vision of a controlled society.
The book’s strength lies in its nuanced characters and its exploration of moral ambiguity. However, the middle section drags slightly due to excess detail. More background on the antagonistic organization would have added clarity and depth, though the overall narrative remains compelling and engaging.
Shadows of Tomorrow left a strong impression on me, particularly its exploration of personal sacrifice for the greater good. I felt drawn into Aria’s journey and found myself reflecting on the importance of challenging oppressive systems. I’d recommend this novel to fans of dystopian fiction and anyone interested in narratives that push readers to question societal norms.
Overall, Shadows of Tomorrow is a powerful, introspective journey that both entertains and provokes thought. While it has minor pacing issues, its compelling themes and well-crafted characters make it a worthwhile read. I’d rate it 4 out of 5 stars, with a recommendation for those who enjoy thought-provoking, character-driven dystopian tales.
Grammar
2
Review of Cleft Sentences
A cleft sentence is used to connect known information with new information. This has the effect of emphasising the already-understood part.
In a cleft sentence, one message is “cleft” (cut, or divided) into two parts.
Cleft sentences are often used in conversation. They will help an English-language student sound more natural.
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Examples:
It was his dedication to detail that made him a successful author, not his connections in the industry.
It is the vivid imagery in the poem that resonates with readers, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia.
Examples:
What fascinates me is how the artist captures raw human emotions in such a minimalistic way.
What we need to focus on is the underlying principles of sustainable design, rather than temporary solutions.
Examples:
The reason why the conference was postponed was due to unforeseen travel restrictions affecting many of the keynote speakers.
The day when she finally completed her novel was a milestone, marking the end of a decade-long journey.
The thing that surprised everyone was how quickly the team adapted to the new technology.
Created by Elena Gómez and Ángel Milla
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Pronunciation
Intonation in Question Tags
Watch the following video and learn the intonation patterns when using question tags.