Sunday, October 18 2020
th
Lesson 1: Write a review
How to write a review
• What is a review?
• A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine,
newspaper, etc giving a brief description and evaluation of the film, book, play, TV/
radio programme, etc . It may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its
intended readership, and is usually written using present tenses..
• How to write a review
1. Introduction:
- Make a review more interesting with personal comments
- Mention the title, the type of book / film… , the setting (when/where), the theme,
the characters …
- Phrases to write the introduction
• * This well-written/ informative / fascinatng/ thought-provoking book is…
• * The film/ book/ play/ etc. is set in….. / tells the story of…../ is based on…..
• * The film/ play starts …../ is directed by…../ is the sequel to…..
• is even better than …
• *… is (not) nearly as good as …
• *… is twice as good as …
• *… is the best I have ever seen / read / been to. in comparison with …
• *One of the strongest / weakest things about …
• *In contrast, … / On the other hand, …
2. Body
• include the main points of the plot ( without revealing the ending),
and evaluate such features as the acting, writing style, directions,
characters etc.
• you can also add what you learnt, found out from the book, etc
• Phrases you can use to in the 2nd and 3rd paragraph:
• Describing a book / film / TV programme
• * … is set in …
• * The main character is …
• * It tells the story of …
• * The plot / dialogue / acting / characterisation is …
• Giving an opinion
• * The only criticism I would make is that …
• * What I really loved about … is …
• *To me, … seemed …
• * … was … from start to finish.
• + exceptional / good value / gripping / lively / memorable / perfect / realistic /
stunning / superb / well-written / -acted / -cooked etc.
• — disappointing / dreadful / dull / inadequate / poor / predictable / sub-standard /
unconvincing / unimaginative / uninteresting
• To explain the plot:
• * The plot revolves around …involves …/focuses on …/has an
unexpected twist.
• * The story begins with …/unfolds / reaches a dramatic climax when …
• Evaluating various features:
• * The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre cast.
• * The acting is
moving/powerful/excellent/weak/disappointing/unconvincing.
• * The plot is gripping/dramatic/fascinating/suspense-filled/fast-
moving/ far-fetched/predictable/ confusing/dull /unimaginative.
• * The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.
• * It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively written/directed.
3. Conclusion
• – include an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually
with justification
• – you may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/ play
or read the book, how it has influenced you, etc.
• Phrases you can use to end the letter
• Making a recommendation
• *I would highly / strongly recommend …
• * I certainly wouldn’t recommend …
• * I strongly advise you (not) to …
• * Everyone should see / do / read this … immediately!
• * … is not to be missed!
• * You should give … a miss!
• * Don’t bother reading / seeing / going …
• * It is a classic of its kind/ It is sure to be a hit/ best -seller
Sample review
• An international arts website is looking for reviews of novels for a
new section called ‘A Reader Writes’. You have decided to write a
review of a novel you’ve recently read for this section. Describe the
novel and say what you think about it. Would you recommend this
novel to other people?
• Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the
separate answer sheet.
• Introduction
I really enjoyed the film version of
The Bourne Identity starring Matt
Damon, but I thought the original
novel by Robert Ludlum was even
better. This book is so well-written,
I didn’t want to finish it!
• Body
The plot is gripping right from the start. When we first meet the lead
character, Jason Bourne, he is being rescued from the sea. His identity
is a mystery to everyone, including himself! Over the course of the
novel we gradually find out who Bourne is, and follow him through a
series of exciting adventures.
As well as a highly original plot line, the novel includes a number of
fascinating characters, especially the villains! I only have one negative
-comment: in my view, the novel is strong on action but weaker on
description. However, this is a small criticism of an otherwise
excellent book.
• Conclusion
I would highly recommend The Bourne Identity to anyone who enjoys
action or crime stories. However, if you prefer more descriptive or
romantic novels, then you should give it a miss. Personally, I can’t
wait to start reading the sequel!
Homework: - write the review in writing book
Writing test 1 – paper 2 – question 2 - page 1