Sasanka De Silva Pannipitiya

Writing a good review is a valuable skill, whether you’re reviewing a product, service, book, movie, restaurant, or any other type of experience.

A well-written review provides useful insights and helps others make informed decisions. Here’s a guide on what to include and what to avoid in your review:

What to Include in a Good Review:

1.     Introduction:

·         Start with a catchy introduction that gives a brief overview of what you’re reviewing.

2.     Context:

·         Provide relevant context about the product, service, or experience. Explain why you tried it or why it caught your interest.

3.     Description:

·         Describe the product or experience in detail. Mention its features, characteristics, or aspects that stand out.

4.     Personal Experience:

·         Share your personal experience with the product or service. Explain how it met your expectations, exceeded them, or fell short.

5.     Positives:

·         Highlight the strengths and positives of the product or experience. Discuss what you liked, enjoyed, or found impressive.

6.     Negatives (if any):

·         If there are shortcomings or areas that need improvement, mention them in a constructive manner. Avoid overly negative language and offer suggestions for improvement.

7.     Comparison (if relevant):

·         If you have experience with similar products or services, compare them briefly to give readers a better perspective.

8.     Value:

·         Explain whether you believe the product or experience offers good value for the price or effort invested.

9.     Details:

·         Include specific details, examples, or anecdotes that support your opinions and observations.

10. Audience Consideration:

·         If the product or experience is targeted at a specific audience, discuss how well it caters to that audience’s needs and preferences.

11. Visuals (if applicable):

·         If possible, include relevant images or visuals to illustrate your points.

What to Avoid in a Review:

1.     Bias:

·         Avoid writing overly biased or one-sided reviews. Provide a balanced perspective, even if you have a strong opinion.

2.     Personal Emotions (Excessively):

·         While sharing personal experiences is important, avoid overly emotional or rant-like language. Stick to objective observations.

3.     Vague Statements:

·         Be specific in your descriptions and avoid vague statements like “It was great” without explaining why.

4.     Unsubstantiated Claims:

·         Back up your statements with facts, examples, or reasons to make your review more credible.

5.     Inappropriate Language:

·         Maintain a professional tone and avoid using offensive or inappropriate language.

6.     Irrelevant Information:

·         Stick to discussing aspects directly related to the product or experience. Irrelevant details can distract readers.

7.     Lengthy Tangents:

·         Keep your review concise and to the point. Long-winded tangents can make your review hard to follow.

8.     Spoilers:

·         When reviewing books, movies, or other media, avoid giving away major plot twists or surprises without warning.

9.     Incomplete Reviews:

·         Avoid writing reviews that lack substance. Provide enough information for readers to make informed decisions.

10. Lack of Constructive Criticism:

·         If you have criticisms, present them constructively rather than resorting to purely negative comments.

Remember that the goal of a review is to provide useful information to others.

Honest, well-structured, and balanced reviews are more likely to be helpful and respected by readers.

Conclusion:

·         Summarize your overall impression and reiterate the key points you discussed. Conclude with a recommendation or final thoughts.

Sasanka De Silva

Pannipitiya.