Prfa.

Marta Peinado
A review

Signal words and phrases Structure
How to write your opinion about a book or film

! 1. You can start by writing some

Hints
Strengths (and weaknesses) of the film/book
details about the book/film,
! • The great strength/ One particular strength of this
… is … such as author, director,
A critical review is much more • The film/book provides a fascinating/valuable/
where and when it is set, etc.
2. Specify the type of book/film
than a simple summary; it is an revealing insight into …
it is
• The acting is very impressive / convincing
analysis and evaluation of a book, 3. Mention the book's theme.

• … gives a compelling performance as …
article, film or other medium. • There’s something for everyone in the film/book,
Sometimes you will need to
The purpose of most reviews is to from … to … include background
• The book/film is full of interesting stories/facts information to enable
help readers in determining about … reader(s) to place the book
whether they want to watch the • … is fascinating/amazing/gripping/compelling into a specific context. For
film or read the book. • My only criticism of the film/book would be that example, you might want to
… describe the general problem
Both book and movie reviews the book addresses or earlier
• One particular weakness of this film/book is …
analyze the effectiveness of the • I found the plot rather predictable/disappointing work the author or others
plot, theme, style, construction of • The design/characterization … is second to
have done.
4. Write a basic outline of the
characters, etc, in the case of none / not its best feature
plot.
Final recommendation
books; or acting, direction, special 5. Comment on the strengths
• It is a definite must-see
effects, musical effects, • It is an excellent read
and weaknesses of the film/
book.
cinematography, and all other • It is entertaining and I highly recommend it to 6. Write a final recommendation
elements in a movie. anyone who is interested in …
• For all lovers of …, it is a must
There are guidelines that a
critique of a movie/book should
• I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and
see/buy it
Research questions
•What are the strong points of the
follow: Avoid the use of • It will have you roaring with laughter/laughing out book/film?
generalized opinions such as “oh, loud from the very beginning •What are the weak points?
• It will have you rushing out to see/buy the sequel •Has it taught me anything?
it was a great movie” or “the •Have I read/watched anything similar
• All in all, if it’s action/excitement/amusement you
acting was horrible,” but rather before?
give specific reasons and the
want, this film/book is for you
• I would definitely give it a miss
!
whys.