Name: _______________________________________

Roll .: _____________ Grade/Div. Sub. Sr. no.

No
Date : _______________ ESL

Review Writing

What’s a review?

A review is a piece of writing someone writes expressing their opinion about

something such as a new product or service that is usually published in a
newspaper or a magazine.
Review writing could be for:
1. Books, Movies, or TV shows
2. Places such as hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, amusement parks,
shopping centres, museums, gyms, etc.
3. Events such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions, trips, etc.
4. Digital or physical products or services such as apps, games (video
games, board games, etc.), websites, courses, products (such as
electronics or appliances)
The main purpose of a review is to give your opinion about something. The
review needs to engage the audience from the beginning to the end. But
you should sound professional as if you know about the subject.
If the review is for the school magazine (and it mostly is), then the main
audience is the students at your school. Therefore, the register should be
informal to semi-formal but should avoid language that is too idiomatic
and colloquial.

The ideal format of a review

Introduction: Provide general information about what is being reviewed
Body (2-3 paragraphs): Give your opinions and/or highlight interesting
points about some aspects
(e.g. the facilities of a museum, the special effects in a film, the quality of
food/service in a restaurant, etc.)
Conclusion: Give your overall opinion and recommendation

Title
The title should include the name of what is being reviewed. Here are some
examples:
• Discover Your Talent — A Course Review
 • Samsung Galaxy S24 Review
• Book Review: The Alchemist
Don’t stress too much on the title as you can simply write the name of what
you’re reviewing without any other details. For example: “VOX cinema”.

Introduction
The purpose of the introduction is to inform the reader about what is being
reviewed and engage the reader to make them interested and continue
reading.
The main components of an effective introduction are:
1. Something to engage the reader from the beginning right away such as a
rhetorical question or an attractive statement highlighting a unique aspect
of what you’re reviewing.
2. General information about what is being reviewed. This will depend on
what you’re reviewing. For example, if you are writing a film review, you
should mention its name, genre and the director’s name.
You could also add details of when and with whom you
watched/visited/attended this movie/cinema/course, etc., and a quick
overall opinion, which hints to the reader whether the rest of your review is
overall positive or negative.
Here is an example of an effective introduction:
“Do you love superfast rollercoasters and other exhilarating rides that make
your hair stand on end? If so, then Sky Zone Amusement Park is a must-
visit. My friends and I visited it recently, and we were blown away!”

Body

In the body,
1. Mention more relevant details of what’s being reviewed
2. Mention your personal opinion (what you liked and/or disliked),
while providing evidence, reasons or examples. You can write
entirely positively, entirely negatively or have a balanced approach.
The details to include depend on what you’re reviewing. These will be
discussed later.

Conclusion
The purpose of the conclusion is to give your overall opinion and
recommendation.
In the conclusion, make sure to say whether you recommend this
movie/book/product/service, etc. and to whom, stating why.
Here are some examples of useful concluding phrases:
• In a nutshell, you should definitely read/watch/use …
 • All in all, I strongly/highly recommend …
• On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it (in view of the fact that … /
because …)
• Overall, it’s worth seeing/reading/using …
• I strongly advise you (not) to …

• It’s more suited for … / It will change the way you see… / Don’t miss it!
/ It’s absolutely worth a visit!

Here is an example of an effective conclusion.

“I strongly recommend Sky Zone Park to anyone who wants to

have an unforgettable experience whether alone, with friends or family.
It’s absolutely worth a visit!” Special types of review writing
Book review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Summary of the book
Paragraph 3: What you liked
Paragraph 4: What you disliked
Paragraph 5: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

1. Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question

or an attractive statement about something bold in this book that makes
the reader want to know more.
2. Summarize the main background information of the book, for example,
the book title, its genre (fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, etc.)
and author’s name.

Here is an example of an effective book review introduction. “Have you ever

been so inspired by a book that it completely changes your perception of life?
If not, then I suggest you read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.”

Body
In the 1st body paragraph, write an outline of the story (do not describe the
whole story, especially the ending). Use the present tense.
Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review:
• The plot focuses on/revolves around/involves …
 • Set in …, this marvelous story explains …
• This is an enchanting story of …
In the 2nd (and 3rd) body paragraph(s), mention what you liked and/or
disliked and state why, giving examples if possible.
You could write about:
• The plot (captivating, entertaining, fascinating, thrilling, predictable,
confusing, implausible, etc.)
• The author’s writing style (Does it suit the book’s genre?). You can
write, for example, “The writer does a fantastic job in combining … with
… // The writer skillfully combines … with …” // With the author’s
visionary blend of … and …, the book … // The writer attempts to …,
but fails miserably …)
• What you learned
• How the book made you feel? Were you satisfied by the book’s
ending? Note: don’t mention the ending itself; just how it made you feel
(e.g. The book was heart-touching// The book had me hypnotized! // It
kept me absorbed from the beginning to the end! // I couldn’t stop
reading it until the end! // I was impressed by… // What struck me
most was… //, etc.)

Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation
(whether you recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why
not?).
Examples of concluding phrases have been mentioned earlier.

Film Review

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Setting of the film and main plot
Paragraph 3: What you liked
Paragraph 4: What you disliked
Paragraph 5: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical

question or an attractive statement about something bold in this movie
that makes the reader want to know more.
 • Mention general information about the movie, for example, the
movie’s title, its genre (scifi, comedy, thriller, horror, etc.) and the
director’s name.
Here is an example of an effective film review introduction:
“Are you looking for an intriguing action-packed film where you can turn off
your brain and enjoy the ride? If so, then “London Has Fallen”, directed by
Babak Najafi is the film for you!”

Body
In the 1st body paragraph, mention the setting of the film (place and time)
and an overview of the plot, including the main character(s) and plot twists
(if any). Don’t describe the full story, especially the ending. Use the present
tense.
Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review.
• The plot focuses on/revolves around/involves …
• Set in (time and place), the movie …
• … provides the setting for …
• As the film opens, …
In the 2nd (and 3rd) body paragraph(s), mention what you liked and/or
disliked about the film and state why, giving examples if possible. For
example, you could write about:
• The plot (captivating, entertaining, thrilling, fast-paced, predictable,
confusing, implausible, etc.)
• The acting
(excellent/exceptional/remarkable/awful/unconvincing/weak, etc.)
• The special effects (realistic, brilliant, spectacular, breathtaking,
mediocre, terrible, etc.)
• How the movie made you feel (the film literally brought tears to my
eyes// The film was hearttouching// The film was heart-pounding // I
was on the edge of my seat the whole time// I didn’t want to miss a
scene! // I was impressed by… // What struck me most was… // By
the final scene I was already half-asleep, etc.)
It’s also important to note that you should focus on the main things rather
than writing about every aspect of the film. Writing a few well-developed
points is better than many unjustified ones.
Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation
(whether you recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why
not? Is it suitable families? Why?).
Examples of concluding phrases have been mentioned earlier.
Here are some useful expressions for
describing a movie: The film combines
(suspense) with (horror) …
• a must-see
• a box-office success/failure Important points to keep in mind
• Include film-related vocabulary in your review, e.g. lead role, actors,
director, plot, script, special effects, etc.
• Any expression you use should be consistent with your opinion of the
film. For example, if you’re writing positively about the film, it’s not
appropriate to write “By the final scene I was already half-asleep”!

Place Review

Restaurant/Cafe Review

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: What you liked
Paragraph 3: What you disliked
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction
1. Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or
an attractive statement about something unique in this restaurant that
makes the reader want to know more.
2. Mention general information about the restaurant, for example, its name,
its location, when it opened, why you visited it, and with whom you visited
it (if any). Note that you don’t have to mention all these details and that
some of them, such as its location or when it opened, can be included in
the 2nd paragraph.

Body
In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention what you liked and/or disliked
according to the format you choose.
You can write about:
1. Location (the city? close to/far from? Is it easily accessible?)
2. Its physical features (if any striking one, e.g. extreme size, unusual
architectural shape, etc.)
3. The food: type of food (fast-food, fine dining), food options (varied, limited),
taste (delicious, mouth-watering, lip-smacking, scrumptious, appetizing //
awful, overcooked, salty, etc.)
4. Staff (polite, helpful, friendly, amiable // awful, rude, unskilled, careless,
slow, etc.)
5. Setting: décor (modern, contemporary, magnificent, etc.)
6. Cleanliness (immaculate, spotless, tidy // filthy, dirty, untidy, etc.)
7. Price (expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable,
reasonable, low-priced, etc.) Here are some useful phrases for this part of
the review:
• Located in …, this (sumptuous, luxurious, sophisticated, impeccable,
exceptional, or any other suitable adjective) restaurant offers …
• As you enter the place, you …
• Just as you step in, …
• The ambience of the restaurant was …
• The menu offers …
• What I particularly enjoyed was …
• I was pleasantly surprised by …
• The best thing about it is …
• I was extremely dissatisfied by …
• What you may find unfavourable is …

Describe the restaurant in the present tense and describe your experience in
the past tense. Remember to write about the important parts of the
experience, not every detail.

Conclusion

In the final paragraph, mention your overall opinion and recommendation

(Do you recommend it or not? If yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it
suitable for families?).

Event Review

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: What you liked (mention 2 points)
Paragraph 3: What you disliked (mention 2 points)
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation
Introduction

1. Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question

or an attractive statement about something unique in this event that
makes the reader want to know more.
2. Mention general information about the event, for example, its name,
location, when it’s held, why you visited it, and with whom you visited it.
Some of these details can also be mentioned in the following paragraph.

Body

You can write about:

1. Location (the city? close to/far from? Is it easily accessible?)

2. The program of the event (For example, what band will be playing in the
concert? What’s their album name? What will be displayed in the
exhibition?)
3. The performance, including the stage lightening and the musicians’ attire
(if it’s a concert or a festival)
4. Atmosphere and sounds (lively, boisterous // dull, crowded, noisy, etc.)
5. How did it make you and the audience feel? (fascinated, excited,
mesmerized, captivated, enthusiastic// didn’t live up to my expectations,
dull, etc.)
6. Ticket price (expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable,
reasonable, low-priced, etc.)

Conclusion: In the conclusion, mention your overall opinion and

recommendation (Do you recommend attending this event or not? If yes, to
whom and why? If not, why not?)

Examples for concluding phrases have been mentioned earlier.

Product Review

Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Positive aspects of the product
Paragraph 3: Negative aspects of the product
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation
Introduction

1. Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question

or an attractive statement about something unique in this product that
makes the reader want to know more.
2. Mention general information about the product, for example, its name,
the brand name, and its release date. You could also include when you
bought it, why you bought it and your first impression.

Body: You can write about:

1. The product’s core features and your comment on them
2. The benefits and uses of the product
3. Any notable improvements or changes to previous versions (if applicable),
and your comment on them (Are they useful? Not many? Disappointing?)
4. Price (mention its price and comment on it: expensive, exorbitant,
overpriced // inexpensive, affordable, reasonable, low-priced, etc.)

Conclusion
In the conclusion, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Is it
worth buying? Why? Why not? Who are the target users?).

Points to keep in
mind Dos:
• Organize your review into 4-5 paragraphs. Leave a line between
paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do
both!
• Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This is important
as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language.
• Use a wide range of cohesive devices and linking words. Here are
some examples:
• Addition: and, also, as well as, plus, what’s more, apart from that, not
only … but also …, but that’s not all, above all, and best of all, on top of
that, one of the best things …
• Contrast: but, yet, though, while, however
• Use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences. A
series of long sentences will make your writing difficult to read, and a
series of short simple sentences will make your writing boring to read.
Balance is the key.
• Place longer sentences next to shorter ones for a dramatic effect.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary, including some advanced and less
commonly used ones. Don’t use common adjectives such as happy,
 nice, bad, sad, etc. Try to think of more advanced and interesting
alternatives such as ecstatic, pleasant, terrible, heartbroken, etc.
• Use a variety of adjectives and adverbs
• Include a range of topic-related vocabulary to show that you have a
good understanding of the topic. For example, if you’re writing a film
review, you could include vocabulary such as “director, “cast”, “special
effects”, “scene”, “protagonist”, “blockbuster”, etc.
• Use advanced punctuation sparingly (1-3 in the whole review), for
example, colon (:), semicolon (;) and em dash (—).
• Aim to complete towards the maximum word limit (approximately
160 words). Exceeding the word limit slightly (15-20 words) is fine as
long as you write accurately and complete the task within the correct
time.
• Develop your content by including reasons, evidence or examples
to support the opinions expressed.
• Spend about 30 minutes on this exercise: the initial 5 minutes for
planning and the last 2-3 minutes for checking your work for simple
spelling and grammatical mistakes.
• Include your audience throughout by using pronouns such as “we”,
“us” and “you”.
• Use phrasal verbs, examples: pick up, left off, takes you on, etc.
• Use contractions but stay away from ones which are too informal such
as wanna, gonna, etc.
• Write legibly Don’ts
• Avoid writing very simple sentences with simple vocabulary, e.g.
“The film is very nice. The actors are also good, and the story is also
great.”
• Avoid repetition of vocabulary and beginning your sentences with
the same words. Sometimes students write 3 or more sentences in a
row starting with “The” or “I”!
• Avoid very formal linking words and vocabulary like “moreover”,
“furthermore”, etc. as this may have a negative effect on the target
audience (i.e. other students if you’re writing for your school magazine).
• Avoid abbreviations and slang (texting language) such as, wanna,
gonna, etc.
• Avoid listing (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.). If necessary, you might
use other informal alternatives to “firstly”, such as “To start with”, “For
a start”, or “For starters”, but listing is not preferred whatsoever.
• Avoid including too many different ideas in your review. It is better
to include fewer ideas and develop one or two in greater depth rather
than writing many ideas which are not well developed.
Samples
You recently saw a film. You have now decided to write a review of the film
for the school magazine. Here are some comments from other students who
saw the film:

Write a review of the film giving your views. The comments above may
give you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own.
Film Review: Avatar: The Way of Water
Are you ready to dive into a visually stunning underwater world that takes
your breath away? If so, "Avatar: The Way of Water," directed by James
Cameron, is the film for you. I recently watched this film, and it left me
mesmerized and captivated from start to finish.
The special effects in "Avatar: The Way of Water" are nothing short of
spectacular. Cameron's visionary use of cutting-edge technology brings the
underwater world to life with stunning realism. The vibrant colors, intricate
details of marine life, and breathtaking underwater sequences are a visual
feast. The storyline is engaging, with well-paced action scenes and moments
of heartfelt drama that keep the audience hooked.
However, the film's length is a drawback. At nearly three hours, "Avatar: The
Way of Water" can feel overly long, with some scenes dragging on
unnecessarily. While the underwater sequences are visually impressive, they
occasionally overshadow the plot, making it harder to follow the story's
progression. Additionally, some characters could have been better developed,
as their motivations and backgrounds were not fully explored.
 Overall, "Avatar: The Way of Water" is a visual masterpiece that is definitely
worth watching. The stunning special effects, captivating performances, and
immersive setting make it a must-see for fans of the first film and newcomers
alike. Despite its lengthy runtime and a few underdeveloped characters, the
film's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. I highly recommend it to anyone
looking for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Don't miss it!
Exercise
1. Book Review: You recently read a book. Write a review of the book for the
school magazine. Here are some comments from other students who read
the book:
• "The plot was too predictable."
• "I loved the character development."
• "It was hard to get through the first few chapters."
• "The themes were very relatable."
Write a review of the book giving your views. The comments above may give
you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own.
Book Review: Whispers of the Forgotten by Clara Reeves

Are you ready to be swept into a world where secrets from the past collide
with the present? If so, Whispers of the Forgotten by Clara Reeves is the book
for you. I recently read this novel, and it captivated me with its intricate
storytelling and deep emotional resonance.

Whispers of the Forgotten by Clara Reeves is an emotionally engaging novel

that explores themes of identity, family loyalty, and the struggle to reconcile
the past with the present. The book excels in character development,
particularly with the protagonist, Emma, whose journey from uncertainty to
self-assurance is both compelling and relatable. Supporting characters are
also well-crafted, adding depth to the narrative.
However, the plot is somewhat predictable, with certain twists easily
foreseen, which may detract from the overall suspense. Additionally, the
novel starts off slowly, with the first few chapters feeling somewhat sluggish.
Yet, once the story picks up, it draws you in with its intricate relationships
and emotional depth.
 Despite these minor drawbacks, Whispers of the Forgotten is a rewarding
read, offering rich character development and meaningful themes. It’s a book
worth reading for those who appreciate a deeply human story.

2. Restaurant Review: You recently visited a new restaurant in town. Write a

review of the restaurant for the school magazine. Here are some comments
from other students who visited the restaurant:
• "The food was overpriced."
• "The ambiance was very cozy."
• "Service was slow but friendly."
• "The menu had a great variety."
Write a review of the restaurant giving your views. The comments above may
give you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own.
Restaurant Review: The Hearth
Are you ready to experience a warm and inviting dining atmosphere that feels
like a home away from home? If so, The Hearth, the newest restaurant in
town, is the place for you. I recently visited this cozy spot, and it left me with
mixed impressions.
The ambiance at The Hearth is truly something special. The soft lighting,
rustic wooden furniture, and comfortable seating create a cozy environment
that’s perfect for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re catching up with friends or
enjoying a quiet dinner, the setting makes you feel at ease.
The menu at The Hearth is varied and offers something for everyone. From
hearty dishes to lighter fare, there’s plenty to choose from. I tried their
signature grilled chicken, which was flavorful and well-prepared. However,
the food is quite pricey. While the quality is good, the cost might be a bit
much for those on a budget.
The service was friendly but slow. Our server was polite and attentive,
making sure we had everything we needed, but the wait between courses was
longer than expected. This might be fine if you’re not in a rush, but it could
be frustrating if you’re on a tight schedule.
Overall, The Hearth offers a pleasant dining experience with its cozy
atmosphere and diverse menu. However, be prepared for higher prices and a
 slower pace of service. It’s a great spot for a leisurely meal, but if you’re
watching your budget or in a hurry, it might not be the best choice.

3. Event Review: You recently attended a music festival. Write a review of the
festival for the school magazine. Here are some comments from other
students who attended the festival:
• "The lineup was amazing!"
• "It was too crowded."
• "The sound quality was poor."
• "The atmosphere was electrifying."
Write a review of the festival giving your views. The comments above may give
you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own.
Event Review: Sonic Waves Music Festival
Are you ready for a weekend of electrifying performances and unforgettable
music? If so, the Sonic Waves Music Festival might be just the event for you.
I recently attended this highly anticipated festival, and it was an experience I
won’t soon forget.
The lineup was truly amazing, featuring a diverse range of artists from both
well-known headliners to emerging talents. Every stage offered something
different, keeping the energy high throughout the event. Whether you’re into
rock, pop, or electronic music, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
However, the festival was extremely crowded. Navigating through the sea of
people was a challenge, and finding a good spot to enjoy the performances
was sometimes difficult. Unfortunately, the sound quality was another area
that fell short.
Overall, the Sonic Waves Music Festival delivered an exciting and memorable
weekend, thanks to its stellar lineup and electric atmosphere. However, the
overcrowding and inconsistent sound quality are things to keep in mind if
you’re considering attending next year. If you’re a music lover who thrives on
live performances, this festival is definitely worth checking out—just be
prepared for the crowds!
Product Review: You recently bought a new gadget. Write a review of the
gadget for the school magazine. Here are some comments from other
students who bought the gadget:
• "Battery life is disappointing."
• "The design is sleek and modern."
• "It’s very user-friendly."
• "The price is too high for what it offers."
Write a review of the gadget giving your views. The comments above may give
you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own.
Product Review: TechWave Smartwatch
Are you on the lookout for a sleek, modern gadget that fits seamlessly into
your daily life? If so, the TechWave Smartwatch might catch your eye. I
recently purchased this smartwatch, and while it has its strengths, there are
some drawbacks to consider.
One of the first things that stood out to me was the design. The TechWave
Smartwatch has a sleek, modern look that’s both stylish and functional. It
feels comfortable on the wrist and pairs well with both casual and formal
outfits. The touchscreen is responsive, and the interface is very user-friendly.
Navigating through the features is intuitive, making it easy for anyone to get
the hang of it quickly.
However, the gadget falls short in a few key areas. The most noticeable issue
is the battery life. Despite its advanced features, the battery struggles to last
through a full day of moderate use. This can be frustrating if you’re relying
on it for fitness tracking or staying connected on the go.
In conclusion, the TechWave Smartwatch is a visually appealing and user-
friendly gadget that fits well into a modern lifestyle. However, its
disappointing battery life and high price may be deal-breakers for some. If
you’re willing to invest in its sleek design and ease of use, it might be worth
considering. But if battery longevity and value for money are your priorities,
you might want to explore other options.
 Magazine Review: Teen Life
Are you a teenager looking for an engaging and visually exciting read? If so,
Teen Life magazine might catch your attention. I recently bought a copy and
thought I’d share my thoughts with you.

One of the first things that stands out about Teen Life is the stunning
photography. The vibrant, high-quality images really bring the magazine to
life and make it visually appealing. From fashion shoots to lifestyle features,
the photos draw you in and complement the written content beautifully.
There are also some really interesting topics covered, ranging from current
trends to mental health advice, so it’s easy to find something that grabs your
attention.

However, the magazine does have a couple of drawbacks. First, it's quite
expensive compared to other magazines aimed at teens. If you're on a tight
budget, you might want to think twice before picking it up regularly. Also,
while the topics are engaging, I personally would prefer longer articles. Some
sections feel a bit rushed, and I think they could go deeper into the subjects
to provide more insightful content.
Overall, Teen Life is an enjoyable magazine with a strong visual appeal and a
variety of interesting topics. Despite its high price and shorter articles, I’d
recommend it to teens who love beautiful photography and want to stay up
to date on a range of topics. Just be prepared to pay a little extra for it!