How to Write: Reviews
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The Prison Journalism Project
The Prison Journalism Project is a non-profit, non-partisan organisation from the USA that aims to empower incarcerated journalists to be a vital voice in criminal justice reform.
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Culture
How to Write: Reviews
Have you seen a good (or bad) movie lately? Read an interesting book? We need reviews for our Culture section – and we want you to write them! Here are some tips for writing a review, courtesy of the Prison Journalism Project.
What is a review?
Newspapers often feature reviews or brief summaries of popular media, such as books, films, television shows, musical albums and more.
Why should you write a review?
Reviews keep readers up-to-date on pop culture and help them decide what to read, watch and listen to. As a writer with first-hand experience in the criminal legal system, you are uniquely positioned to offer insightful comment on how books, films, TV shows, songs and other art portray life in prison and other aspects of the criminal legal system. You can tell readers what they got right, what they got wrong, what resonated with you and what didn’t.
Elements of a review:
Your review does not need to include all these elements, but try to aim for at least five!
Summary:
The review includes a brief paragraph introducing the book, film, collection of poetry or musical album. It can include the title, author, topic and summary of what it’s about.
Major plot points:
The review focuses on a few scenes, poems, or songs that you find to be particularly important. The review includes quotes and specific details but doesn’t contain spoilers.
Quality of the text:
Take a small excerpt from the book, the plot or a particular movie scene. Explain why the excerpt is significant, what it got right, what it didn’t or how it could be better.
Quote:
The review includes up to three important lines from the work that can help illustrate your points and will give the reader a flavor of the work.
Reflection:
The writer explains why they would or would not recommend it to someone else.
Attribution:
All facts and quotes are attributed to their source, i.e. to the author or another reviewer.
Fact-checking:
The review does not include any unsubstantiated claims. All statements are supported using evidence.
Writing, editing and style:
The review is written and edited so it’s clear to understand.
Have you seen a good (or bad) movie lately? Read an interesting book? We need reviews for our Culture section – and we want you to write them! Here are some tips for writing a review, courtesy of the Prison Journalism Project.
What is a review?
Newspapers often feature reviews or brief summaries of popular media, such as books, films, television shows, musical albums and more.
Why should you write a review?
Reviews keep readers up-to-date on pop culture and help them decide what to read, watch and listen to. As a writer with first-hand experience in the criminal legal system, you are uniquely positioned to offer insightful comment on how books, films, TV shows, songs and other art portray life in prison and other aspects of the criminal legal system. You can tell readers what they got right, what they got wrong, what resonated with you and what didn’t.
Elements of a review:
Your review does not need to include all these elements, but try to aim for at least five!
Summary:
The review includes a brief paragraph introducing the book, film, collection of poetry or musical album. It can include the title, author, topic and summary of what it’s about.
Major plot points:
The review focuses on a few scenes, poems, or songs that you find to be particularly important. The review includes quotes and specific details but doesn’t contain spoilers.
Quality of the text:
Take a small excerpt from the book, the plot or a particular movie scene. Explain why the excerpt is significant, what it got right, what it didn’t or how it could be better.
Quote:
The review includes up to three important lines from the work that can help illustrate your points and will give the reader a flavor of the work.
Reflection:
The writer explains why they would or would not recommend it to someone else.
Attribution:
All facts and quotes are attributed to their source, i.e. to the author or another reviewer.
Fact-checking:
The review does not include any unsubstantiated claims. All statements are supported using evidence.
Writing, editing and style:
The review is written and edited so it’s clear to understand.
Date Published
January 31, 2025
By Benjamin Aitken
By Benjamin Aitken
Even before going to prison, I was drawn to prison movies. Now, after my time inside, I’m even more captivated.
ISSUE NO. 11
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4 MIN READ
By Mont Blanc
By Mont Blanc
Call me a grumpy old Baby Boomer, but I can’t understand young people. Or more specifically, young Queensland males. Literally.
ISSUE NO. 26
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2 MIN READ
By Stacey Stokes
By Stacey Stokes
Video games can be helpful for people both inside and leaving prison. They’re not only entertaining, but they can help people deal with the trauma of prison and re-entry in the community.
ISSUE NO. 19
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2 MIN READ
By Grace
By Grace
Stuck with free-to-air TV? Here are some great shows to help time fly by.
ISSUE NO. 13
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2 MIN READ
By Mont Blanc
Call me a grumpy old Baby Boomer, but I can’t understand young people. Or more specifically, young Queensland males. Literally.
ISSUE NO. 26
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2 MIN READ
By Edward
Place Scotch Fingers into a large container and use a peanut butter jar (lid part) to crush the biscuits. Add plum jam for a richer flavour.
ISSUE NO. 25
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2 MIN READ