REVIEW
STRUCTURE
1. Title: Use the name of the fil, book or restaurant. The review should start with
the title, and there are few simple ways to write it:
- Imagine you’re reviewing a book you can write: [Title] by [Author]
- If you were reviewing a restaurant you could write: [name of the
restaurant] – a review.
2. Introduction: Use the introduction to identify the thing you are going to be
reviewing and provide details like the genre (i.e. a science fiction novel, a
horror movie) or location (if it’s a restaurant).
The other function of your introduction is to engage the reader. You can do it
by asking a question.
Make your introduction at least 2 sentences long.
3. The body paragraphs (main content): They are the main parts of your review
so they should be the longest and carry most of the information. Also, here
you describe the points you’ve found in.
1º body paragraph: Describe the book, film, restaurant.
2º body paragraph: comment on the questions you have been asked.
4. Conclusion: Finally, we need to make a recommendation because after all,
that’s the only reason why anyone would read a review they want to know
what the reviewer thinks about the book, film or restaurant.
A good final paragraph of a review does exactly two things:
- It includes a recommendation.
- A final sentence to round off the review.
USEFUL PHRASES & EXPRESSIONS
Giving background:
- This show stars…
- The play is directed by…
- The film is about…
- It’s set in…
- The story is based on (a book)…
- It’s about…
- There are many memorable characters including…
- The main theme of the film is…
Expressions that introduce a contrast:
- On the plus side,…
- On the down side,…
- On the one hand,…
- On the other hand,…
Recommending:
- Overall, I’d recommend…
- All in all, the film was…
- I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend…
- I wouldn’t encourage anyone to …
- I would recommend this film to anyone.
- Although I enjoyed it, I would not recommend it for….
- It’s one of the best (shows) I’ve ever seen.
- Although I am not normally keen on (musicals), I am glad that I decided to
go.
- The (film) lifts you out of your everyday life
VOCABULARY
Opinion adverbs:
1. Amanzingly enough = sorprendentemente.
2. To be perfectly honest = siendo totalmente sincero / sinceramente
3. Quite frankly = sinceramente
4. Funnily enough = curiosamente, por muy extraño que pueda parecer
5. Much to my surprise = para mi gran sorpresa
6. To my utter astonishment = para mi gran sorpresa
7. Much to my disappointment = para mi gran desilusión, decepción.
Adjectives:
Captivating Cautivador
Thrilling Emocionante
Engaging Atractivo
Thought-provoking Provocativo
Outstanding Sobresaliente
Remarkable Notable
Brilliant Brillante
Dull Aburrido
Monotonous Monótono
Overrated Sobrevalorado
Underrated Infravalorado
Mediocre Mediocre
Predictable Predecible
Uninspiring Poco inspirador
Refreshing Refrescante
Innovative Innovador
Groundbreaking Innovador, revolucionario
Disappointing Decepcionante
Stunning Impresionante
Expressions:
- Negative adjective + to say the least = disappointing, to say the least =
decepcionante, cuando menos/ por decir lo menos malo.
- Be its big selling point = ser el gancho comercial = the location is its big
selling point = la situación es su gancho comercial.
- It leaves a lasting impression / it makes a lasting impression on somebody =
dejar huella = en sentido negativo.
- Keep somebody on the edge of one’s seats = mantenerte alerta e intrigado
por saber que va a pasar, que viene después. Ejemplo: the film was so
interesting that it kept me on the edge of my seat.
- Be not to be missed = no hay que perdérselo.
- Be worth the wait = merecer la pena la espera.
- Be good value for money vs be poor value for money = buena relación
calidad-precio, para hablar de restaurantes.
- Be always fully booked = estar siempre completo.
- Be second-rate = ser de calidad inferior.
- Cost an arm and a leg = costar un ojo de la cara (idiom)
- Be withing everyone’s reach = estar al alcance de todo el mundo.
- Tick all the right boxes = cumplir todos los requisitos para ser un éxito.
- Live up to my expectations = satisfacer mis expectativas.
- My only slight niggle = mi única y pequeña crítica/ queja.
- Raise the bar = poner el listón alto.
- Taste like heaven on earth = saber de maravilla, de rechupete.