Writing:
REVIEW
Review: What is it?
● An evaluation of a book, series, film, product, etc.
● You analyze, criticize and recommend it (or not).
● A review is normally written for a magazine.
● Formal or informal?
○ Serious publication: formal language.
○ Teen magazine: mare informal language.
Review task: Example (I)
Book reviews wanted
Have you read a book in which the main character behaved in a surprising
way? Write us a review of the book, explaining what the main character
did and why it was surprising. Tell us whether or not you would
recommend this book to other people. The best reviews will be published
in the magazine.
Review task: Example (II)
Courses
Have you been on a course recently? Please tell us about it! It could be any
type of course, like a sports course, photography course or language
course. What were the classes like? What was the most interesting thing
you learned? Would you recommend the course to other people? The best
reviews will be published in next month’s magazine.
Review task: Example (III)
TV Series
Is there a TV series that you watch regularly? Write a review of the series
explaining what it is about, why you like it and who you would recommend
it to.
Review: Structure
As in every writing, a review needs to have a very defined structure:
1. TITLE: It must be catchy.
a. i.e. Avatar: a (not so) worthy movie; Game of Thrones: power, blood and action, etc.
2. First paragraph: INTRODUCTION
a. Factual information about the book, film or service (title, director, main characters, actors…).
3. Second paragraph: SUMMARY
a. Synopsis of the film, a summary of the book or an explanation of the service.
b. No spoilers.
4. Third paragraph: OPINION
a. Pros and cons (if any), what surprised or fascinated you, etc.
b. You can speak about: acting, music, photography, colour, setting, costumes, special effects, etc.
5. Fourth paragraph: CONCLUSION
a. Would you recommend it?
b. TIP: give your reasons without repeating your arguments all over again.
Review: Language (I)
● It is important to connect your ideas:
○ Use linking words and connectors.
○ Sequence the paragraphs.
● Avoid being wordy:
○ Each word counts, so do not waste words when something can be said in fewer fords.
○ Example: say “regarding education”, instead of “now I will talk about education” or “the second
point we will discuss is education”.
○ The message will be clearer.
Review: Language (II)
● Use of precise adjectives is essential:
○ Amazing: astonishing, astounding, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, stupendous,
wonderful…
○ Nice: enjoyable, pleasurable, lovely, likable, pleasing, gracious, admirable…
○ Good: excellent, pleasant, marvelous, exceptional, outstanding…
○ Happy: amused, bright, cheerful, contented, delighted, ecstatic…
○ Kind: generous, amiable, considerate, gentle, benevolent, kindhearted…
○ Rich: wealthy, prosperous, affluent, well-to-do, in the money…
○ Funny: amusing, comical, entertaining, good-humoured, hilarious, humorous…
○ Important: critical, crucial, essential, fundamental, primary, significant, vital…
○ Big: huge, large, gigantic, immense, colossal, giant…
Review: Useful Phrases and Expressions (I)
Factual information
The film is set in...
The book is inspired in...
This film originates form a novel named...
The film is directed by...
The book is written by...
The film is based on a novel / real life story of a ...
X starts in this film...
Review: Useful Phrases and Expressions (II)
Main points of the plot
The plot focuses on...
The story begins... / is about...
The plot / story has a twist...
The film reaches a climax when...
Review: Useful Phrases and Expressions (III)
General comments and opinions
- It is rather confusing / long / slow / boring ‐ The music / sound effect is dull / rich
‐ The cast is excellent / weak / awful / - The theme song is powerful / weak / satisfying
unconvincing
‐ The colour in the photography is natural /
‐ The script / story is dull / clever / exciting spectacular / dull / dark and frightening
‐ It has a tragic / surprising / dramatic ending ‐ The acting is true to life / powerful
‐ It does not come across as true / convincing -The characters are exceptionally well-written
Review: Useful Phrases and Expressions (IV)
Recommendation
-It is well worth seeing!
‐ It will change the way you see (e.g. young people) after watching this film.
‐ It is bound to be a box‐office hit.
‐ I highly / thoroughly / strongly recommend it.
‐ It is highly entertaining.
‐ It is certainly at the top of my list of good movies / books.
‐ Fans of ... will no doubt be thrilled with this.
