Part 2 REVIEW
You must answer this question.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Paragraph 1- Introduction
– make your review more interesting with personal comments
– mention the title, the type of the book/ play/ film/etc, the setting (when/where), the theme, the main
characters, etc
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 …
*One of the strongest / weakest things about …
*In contrast, … / On the other hand, …
REMEMBER: 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.
Paragraphs 2 & 3 – Main 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
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.
Paragraph 4 - 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 review
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
Over to you:
A. You have seen the following announcement in a magazine:
ENTER NOW!!
OUR READERS AND THE BOOK THEY TREASURE
• Is there one special book that has had a great influence on your life?
• Write in and tell us about it.
• Tell us briefly about the book and, more importantly, what it taught you or how it helped you.
• The best entry will he published in the near future.
Prize: £100 in book tokens to help you build up your own library!
Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
B. The magazine published by your school’s English club is asking students to give opinions on the
coursebooks they have been using. Write a review of a coursebook, giving your views on the following
points:
• its content
• its design
• how well it prepares students for the exam
• how much it has helped you improve your English
Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
