Writing Part 2

WHAT IS A REVIEW?

A REVIEW is usually written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website. The

main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer
has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website etc.) and to give the reader a clear
impression of what the item discussed is like.

HINTS

 It is a good idea to give your review an interesting title.

 In the first paragraph, say what you are reviewing and try to get the reader's interest.

 Give your opinion of what you are reviewing linked to the question in the second paragraph.
Remember a review is not just a list of facts - it's largely your opinion.

 Give more details of what you are reviewing linked to the questions in the input in one or
two more paragraphs, but only focus on those you've been asked to develop.

 Summarise your view, using different words from the introduction, and include a
recommendation.

 Remember:

- Use a personal or more neutral style, according to the target reader.

- It is important that you show a range of structures in the language of opinion, description and
recommendation.

- Add vivid language to add interest.

USEFUL LANGUAGE

What I liked What I disliked

 What I liked most was …..  What I disliked most was …..
 The thing I liked most was ….  I was disappointed by/with ……
 I was pleasantly surprised by …..
 ….. would appeal to…..
 If you get a chance to ….

Reviews of concerts Reviews of exhibitions

 artist / band / musician /  painting / sculpture / handicrafts
(bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist /  gallery / catalogue / display
(backing/lead) singer / drummer /
soloist / trio / orchestra
 auditorium / hall / venue / lyrics /
(catchy) tune / score / gig

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Reviews of books Reviews of films
 main character  lead role
 is set in  star role
 Fiction: science fiction / thriller /  star
fantasy / mystery / historical /  star actor/actress
romance ...  starring
 Non-fiction: cook book / travel  secondary role
book / textbook / manual / coffee-  He plays a …….
table book ...  Written by ….
 atmosphere / plot  cast / director / producer
 author  Is set in …..
 written by  Based on a true story …..
 chapter  believable
 factual  true to life
 unbelievable  not very believable
 bestseller  far-fetched
 ending  (As for fiction books +): animation /
adaptation / comedy
 Costumes / design / photography /
script / special effects / soundtrack
 ending

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc. Criticism

 location  The script seemed rather
 service conventional/predictable to me.
 setting  The plot struck me as completely
 attractive / disappointing setting bizarre/absurd/incomprehensible
 owned by  The characters are appealing and
 run by true to life
 head chef (restaurant)  The dancers were quite
 waiters (restaurant) brilliant/amateurish
 Staff …….
 staff at reception …….(hotel) Recommendations
 Hotel facilities ….  Judging from this CD / show ...
 Reasonable prices …..  Overall, if you like ..., you'll love /
 Good/excellent/poor value for money you should ...
…..  Although some of ... he/she/it's still
 (a bit/somehow) expensive a great...
 overpriced  You really must/should
 not worth the money buy/see/read/visit ...
 always fully booked  I would definitely recommend
 book in advance seeing/visiting/reading/having a
look at ...
Reviews of TV programmes
 Chat shows / current affairs
programme / debate / documentary /
series / soap opera/ sitcom (situation
comedy)
 Host / presenter

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What is a report?

A REPORT is usually written for a superior (e.g. a teacher) or a peer group (e.g. members of an
English club). Candidates are expected to give some factual information and make suggestions
or recommendations. A report should be clearly organised and may include headings.

Hints

 Begin by stating the purpose of your report.

 You may invent where you got the information.

 Use a clear layout with:

 Headings. They will make it clear that your report is not an essay or review.

 Lists of numbered points or bullets where appropriate. (DON'T overdo it,

though. If you use them in more than one section, you won't be able to show
the full range of structures and vocabulary you know.)

 Divide your report into sections according to the input.

 Develop the ideas in the task input. Focus on a maximum of two points.

 Give a clear summary of the situation and make a comment/suggestion only in the
last paragraph.

 Use an impersonal, semi-formal style.

Useful language for a report

Stating the purpose of the report (paragraph 1)

 The main aim/objective/purpose of this report is to ...

Describing how you got the information (paragraph 1)

 To prepare for this report, I conducted interviews with... / I visited three of the most
popular... / I discussed the issue with...

Reporting your results (paragraphs 2, 3,...)

 According to ...

 All those who were interviewed believe that/are concerned that... / it is thought
that... / it was commented upon by a number of people we talked to that...

 A cause of dissatisfaction was...

Making recommendations (Last paragraph)

 Taking all the factors mentioned into account...

 I would therefore recommend....

 Clearly, more could be done to.... I would make the following recommendations:

1, 2, 3, …

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 WHAT IS AN ARTICLE?

AN ARTICLE is usually written for an English-language magazine or newsletter, and the reader
is assumed to have similar interests to the writer. The main purpose is to inform, interest and
engage the reader, so there should be some opinion or comment.

Hints
 Add a short title to catch the reader's attention. Make sure it is relevant. You can use the one
in the question or invent one of your own.
 Introduce the topic. Although you don't know the readers personally, you can address them
directly and ask them a rhetorical question. It helps to involve them.
 Divide your report into sections according to the input. One or two paragraphs will do.
 Develop the ideas in the task input. Remember.
 Use a personal or more neutral style, but not formal (you might use contractions).
 It is important that you show a range of structures.
 Give examples where appropriate to bring your article to life
 Use humour where appropriate.
 Give a conclusion and summary in the last paragraph.

Useful language for an article Making the article lively and interesting
Involving the reader  I was absolutely terrified when I
 Just imagine... realised...
  More importantly, it was something
Have you ever...?
I...
 How would you feel if ...?
 Not surprisingly, it's a good way of
 Are you one of those people who ...? raising money.
 If the answer is ..., you should....  The tent was worryingly small for
 What would live be like if... three people!
 It was the most amazing experience
I have ever had.

Developing your points Giving your own opinion

 Let's start with ...  I think that / In my opinion ...
 Another advantage of ...  It seems to me that ...
 On top of that, ...  If you ask me, ...
 To my mind...