Writing a book/film review
Writing
• Introduction: give the title and author/director
1. Summarize the plot in a few sentences.
2. Mention the setting: the place and time of the plot.
3. Say something about the main characters.
4. Say something about the content.
• Conclusion:
1. Comment on the book or film.
2. Let others know whether or not you liked the book/film.
3. Why do you like it? Why don't you like it?
4. Is the author's style good or bad, is the book / film interesting or boring etc.
5. Do you want to recommend the book/film?
Useful Expressions:
1. Title, Author / Director, Actors 2. Setting 3. Characters and Plot
The film is directed by The action takes place in ... The main characters are ...
The film is produced by.. (setting) The story is about ....
It is starred by... The action of the film is set in The novel/film tells the story of ...
The book is written by ... ... In the course of the novel the action
The story takes place in... develops dramatically.
The novel / film begins with...
The plot has an unexpected twist
The film reaches a dramatic climax
The plot focuses on…
The novel has an unexpected ending.
It has a tragic/surprising/happy end
The end of ... is ...
4. Reaction 5. Recommendations
I am impressed by Don’t miss it.
I think ....
It will change the way you
It is rather long/confusing/slow see…
The cast (only films) is excellent/weak It is well worth
seeing/reading…
The script/story is dull/clever
The book is terribly / beautifully written I wouldn’t recommend it
The film is terrible / exciting.
What surprised me is ...
What I liked is...
What I didn't like is...
I liked/didn't like the film / novel because ...
