Review Paper & Critical Approaches – Lecture Notes

Definition of a Review Paper

• An essay that expresses one’s opinion on a material.

• Functions as an evaluative paper that critically examines another writer’s work.

Examples of Media / Topics Displayed

• Mock mobile‐app screen with icons (Calendar, Photos, YouTube, etc.) labeled “FLAVORS OF YOGURT,” “THE CUBE NEXT DOOR,” “MUGS,” etc.—serves as playful examples of titles that could be reviewed.

• Recurring backdrop “an Pond / Queen Energy / Blue Bear / SLEEPY TIME” used to illustrate review categories or placeholders.

Characteristics of a Quality Review Paper

• Comprehensive – covers all relevant parts of the material.

• Critical – engages in analysis, not mere summary.

• Credible – well-researched and supported by evidence.

• Original – shows independent thought, avoids plagiarism.

• Timely – discusses up-to-date or still-relevant works.

• Fair / Objective – balanced evaluation, avoids bias.

• Decisive – arrives at clear judgments or recommendations.

Major Critical Approaches Presented

1. Formalism

• Claims each literary or artistic work possesses intrinsic properties.

• Treats the work as an independent object—external context is minimized.

• Key focus areas (film example “UN/HAPPY FOR YOU” used):

  • Story / Plot

  • Characters

  • Cinematography

  • Structure & stylistic devices

2. Feminism

• Explores how gender bias influences creation and reception.

• Seeks to uncover patriarchy-driven assumptions in texts.

• Illustrated focus: protagonist Zy’s choice to leave unhealthy relationships (agency & empowerment).

3. Reader-Response Theory

• Centers on the reader’s or viewer’s reaction.

• Argues meaning is co-created by the audience; cannot separate reader from text.

• Example emphasis: audience feelings about Juancho begging a second chance.

4. Marxism

• Studies class distinctions and class conflict within literature / media.

• Reviews economic forces shaping characters, themes, and plots.

• Sample angle: how Juancho and Zy’s socio-economic status affects their relationship.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Review / Critique

1. Choose & understand a material.

2. Decide what to examine. (Which critical lens? Which elements?)

3. Establish criteria that differentiate good vs. bad aspects.

4. Outline the review paper.

5. Write the review with standard structure:

   • Introduction – answer basic WH questions (Who, What, When, Where, Why, How).

   • Body – detail likes and dislikes, evidence, and analysis.

   • Conclusion – provide summary, judgment, and recommendation.

6. Revise & polish the draft for clarity, coherence, and correctness.

In-Class Activity Prompt

• Title: “Mareng Marites!” (mockumentary)

• Task: Compose a Review Paper of $300$–$500$ words applying the presented guidelines and any chosen critical approach(es).

• Submission Timeline:

  • Outline – Thursday

  • Draft 1 – Friday

  • Draft 2 – Tuesday

Rubric (Total $100$ points)

• Content: $40$ pts

• Organization: $30$ pts

• Grammar & Mechanics: $30$ pts

Closing Prayer

• Thanked God for accomplishments during the session.

• Requested that discussed matters become catalysts for growth.

• Affirmed God as source of wisdom guiding participants forward.

• Concluded in Jesus’ name.

Reference Materials (Textbooks Cited)

• Bernales, Rolando A. et al. ($2017$) – English for Academic and Professional Purposes. Mutya Publishing House.

• Salvador, Kahrein A. ($2023$) – Essentials of English for Academic and Professional Purposes. Diwa Learning Systems.

• Valdez, Paolo M. ($2016$) – English for the Globalized Classroom: English for Academic and Professional Purposes. Phoenix Publishing House.

Quick Study Tips / Takeaways

• Always match your critical approach with the work’s most salient issues.

• Embed textual evidence or scene references to support every evaluative claim.

• Maintain a balance between summary (what happened) and analysis (why it matters).

• Keep paragraphs cohesive: one central idea + supporting details.

• Proofread meticulously—grammar errors can lower up to $30\%$ of your score according to the rubric.