How to write a REVIEW for C1
In a nutshell...
A Review is a text usually written for:
● Magazines / newspapers
● Websites
It is intended to:
● Describe/explain something (a restaurant, a film, a
series, a book, a holiday, a product,an article, etc).
● Give your personal opinion about it
● Recommend it (or not)
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Main features
● A Review usually has a title
● It uses a personal style, rather informal (you can use
contractions and phrasal verbs!)
● It focuses on things you liked or not liked about whatever you
are reviewing (restaurant, series, book, etc), and makes a final
recommendation.
● In case of books, articles, films and series, it does NOT give too
much detail (SPOILERS!!)
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Structure: Introduction
In the First Paragraph, mention the title and the type of book /series/ film that you are
reviewing and add some personal comments that can make it interesting to your reader
Phrases you can use in the introduction:
* This well-written/ informative / fascinating/ 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…..
Comparing and contrasting
*… 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 …
Sample:
Many people think European films are not as good as American ones, but I don’t agree. The
other day I really enjoyed myself watching Festen, starring Ulrich Thomsen and Thomas Bo
Larsen. The film is set in Denmark, and tells the story of a dysfunctional family. I know that
doesn’t sound like fun, but I found it really interesting.
Copyright © 2019-2020, Todos los derechos reservados. EUROAULA Escola Universitària
Structure: Body
In the 2nd and 3rd Paragraph you :
– 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
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Structure: Body
More Phrases you can use to in the 2nd and 3rd paragraph:
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.
Copyright © 2019-2020, Todos los derechos reservados. EUROAULA Escola Universitària
Structure: Body
Sample paragraphs 2 & 3:
The plot is gripping right from the start. When we first meet the lead character,
we could never imagine he’d end up the way he does. His thoughts towards the
family are a mystery to everyone, including himself! Over the course of the film,
we gradually find out about what he’s been through, and we follow him through a
series of both exciting and unexpected events.
As well as a highly original plot line, the photography is fascinating and you get to
imagine very well what it must be like to experience the winter in Denmark. The
soundtrack is also stunning, and it makes you want to continue watching the film up
to the very end.
Copyright © 2019-2020, Todos los derechos reservados. EUROAULA Escola Universitària
Structure: Conclusion
In the last paragraph you :
Include an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually with
justification. You may also want 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 review
Making a recommendation
*I would highly / strongly recommend …VERB IN -ING!!!!
* 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 try /miss!
* Don’t bother reading / seeing / going …
* It is a classic of its kind/ It is sure to be a hit/ best -seller / It is a must you cannot miss
Sample of the last paragraph:
All in all, I would highly recommend watching Festen to anyone who enjoys
descriptive and psychological movies and still doubts European cinema. However, if
you are more into action, perhaps you should give it a miss. Personally, I can’t wait
to watch it again!
Copyright © 2019-2020, Todos los derechos reservados. EUROAULA Escola Universitària
For more info on reviews...
Writing guides for reviews
https://oxfordhousebcn.com/en/how-to-write-a-review-for-cambridge-c1-advanced/
https://engxam.com/handbook/how-to-write-a-review-c1-advanced-cae/
Samples with feedback
https://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/writing/makeover/makeover41.htm
https://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/writing/makeover/makeover26.htm
https://www.flo-joe.co.uk/cae/students/writing/makeover/makeover40.htm
Copyright © 2019-2020, Todos los derechos reservados. EUROAULA Escola Universitària
