How To Write A Review
Uploaded by
Elena-Andreea MutHow To Write A Review
Uploaded by
Elena-Andreea MutReview
Points to consider:
Formal / semi-formal style
Start with a humorous or catchy comment to attract your audience’s attention
In reviews of more than one event, use language of contrast and comparison
Use specific vocabulary and structures
If writing about a movie or a book, do not mention the end !
If writing about a film, give information about the cast, director or screenplay; offer your
evaluation as well
End with a recommendation or final evaluation
Structure:
Title
Introduction: mention the title, the type of book/play/movie etc., the setting (when and where),
the theme, the main characters etc.
Main body: several paragraphs containing the main points of the plot and evaluating such
features as the acting, writing style, direction, characters etc.
Conclusion: an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually with
justification
Useful language:
To begin:
The well-written / informative / fascinating / thought-provoking book etc. is…
The film etc. is set in… / tells the story of… / is based on…
The book etc. examines the theme of…
To end:
You should definitely see/read… / Don’t miss it / You might enjoy…
All in all, it is well worth seeing/reading…,since…
On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it, in view of the fact that…
It is a classic of its kind/ It is sure to be a hit/best-seller
To explain the plot:
The film etc. introduces us to…
Set in … the movie etc. tells the story of…
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 etc. 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/predictible/confusing/dull/unimaginative.
The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.
It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively directed/written.
Comparing and contrasting:
While/Whereas/Although/Despite the fact that/In spite of the fact that…
The cast is brilliant, especially if you take into account how truly dreadful the script is.
“…” is a masterpiece; “…” is the opposite
Both films are likely to…, but “…” will be especially appealing.
Neither the novel nor the film fully convinced me, though the character of… really comes alive on
the screen.
Commenting critically:
I found … rather conventional/predictable/completely bizarre/absurd…
A particular strength/weakness of… was…
… is economically priced/ridiculously over-priced
Providing a recommendation:
I would strongly advise you to/ not to… miss/waste your money on “…”