Hiranandani Foundation School International

2024-2025

SUBJECT: English Language GRADE – VII DATE: 12th Dec 2024

STUDENT’S NAME: TOPIC – Review writing - Worksheet: 5

What is a Review?
A review is a short piece of writing where you share your opinion about something, like a new product or
service. Reviews are often published in magazines, newspapers, or online.

What Can You Review?

You can write a review about:

• Books, Movies, or TV shows

• Places like restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, or museums

• Events like concerts, festivals, or exhibitions

• Products or Services like apps, games, websites, or gadgets

Why Write a Review?

The main reason to write a review is to share your thoughts and help others decide if they should try it. A
good review should grab the reader’s attention from the start and keep them interested. You can write a
positive or negative review, but it’s often easier to write positively.

Tone of a Review

The tone can be personal and friendly, especially if writing for school. If you’re writing for older readers, it
might be a bit more formal. Either way, try to sound professional and confident about the topic.

If your audience is students, keep it informal to semi-formal but avoid too much slang or casual language.

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How to Write a Review

Format

1. Title: Make sure it mentions what you’re reviewing. Keep it simple but clear. Examples:

o The Hunger Games – A Book Review

o Fast Food Frenzy: Is McDonald’s Worth It?

2. Introduction: Start with general information about what you’re reviewing and hook the reader.

3. Body (2-3 paragraphs): Share your opinions about the good and bad parts with reasons or
examples.

4. Conclusion: Give your overall opinion and say if you recommend it.

Writing Each Section

Introduction

Start by catching the reader’s attention. You can ask a question, share an interesting fact, or make a bold
statement. Then, give general information about what you’re reviewing (like its name, type, or purpose).
You can also briefly say if your review will be positive or negative.

Example:
“Do you love pizza that melts in your mouth? If so, you have to try Luigi’s Pizza Place. I visited it last
weekend, and I couldn’t believe how delicious it was!”

Body

Give more details about what you liked or disliked. For example:

• If it’s a restaurant, talk about the food, service, and atmosphere.

• For a movie, mention the story, acting, or special effects.

Use examples to explain your opinion.

Example:
“The staff at Luigi’s were so friendly and welcoming. The pizza was made fresh, and the cheese was
perfectly melted. My favorite was the Margherita pizza—it was amazing! The only downside was the long
wait time, but it was worth it.”

Conclusion

End with your overall opinion and recommendation. You can suggest who might enjoy it and why.

Example:
“In short, I highly recommend Luigi’s Pizza Place to anyone who loves great food and a cozy atmosphere.
It’s worth a visit!”

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Helpful Phrases for the Conclusion

• “In a nutshell, you should try this…”

• “All in all, I recommend…”

• “On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it because…”

• “If you love __, this is perfect for you!”

• “Don’t miss it!”

Types of Reviews
Book Review

You can follow two formats for writing a book review:

1. Four Paragraphs

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: Summary of the book

o Paragraph 3: What you liked or disliked

o Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

2. Five Paragraphs

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: Summary of the book

o Paragraph 3: What you liked

o Paragraph 4: What you disliked

o Paragraph 5: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

Start with something to catch the reader’s attention, like a question or bold statement about the book.
Mention the book's title, genre (like fiction, fantasy, or mystery), and the author’s name.

Example:
"Have you ever read a book so magical it makes you believe in miracles? If not, you should try Harry Potter
and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling."

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Body

• Paragraph 1 (Summary): Write a short outline of the story without giving away the ending. Use
phrases like:

o "The plot revolves around..."

o "Set in..., this story follows..."

o "This is an exciting tale of..."

• Paragraph 2 (What you liked): Share what you liked about the book with reasons or examples. For
instance, talk about:

o The plot: Was it exciting, mysterious, or easy to follow?

o The writing style: Did it match the story? Was it fun or serious?

o How it made you feel: Did it make you laugh, cry, or think deeply?

• Paragraph 3 (Optional – What you disliked): Write about anything you didn’t like. Maybe the
ending was confusing or the characters weren’t interesting.

Conclusion

In your final paragraph, say whether you recommend the book and to whom. Use phrases like:

• "In a nutshell, this book is a must-read for..."

• "All in all, I highly recommend it to..."

• "I wouldn’t recommend this book because..."

Example:
"All in all, I strongly recommend Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone to anyone who loves fantasy
and adventure. It’s a magical story you won’t forget!"

Film Review

You can also follow two formats for a film review:

1. Four Paragraphs

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: Setting and main plot

o Paragraph 3: What you liked or disliked

o Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: Setting and main plot

o Paragraph 3: What you liked

o Paragraph 4: What you disliked

o Paragraph 5: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

Start with something engaging, like a question or bold statement, then give basic details about the movie.
Mention the movie’s title, genre (like comedy, sci-fi, or thriller), and the director’s name.

Example:
"Are you looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat? If so, Avengers: Endgame,
directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, is the one for you!"

Body

• Paragraph 1 (Setting and Plot): Write about where and when the movie takes place and summarize
the story without spoiling the ending. Use phrases like:

o "Set in (place/time), this film tells the story of..."

o "The plot revolves around..."

• Paragraph 2 (What you liked): Talk about the best parts of the movie with examples. For example:

o The plot: Was it exciting, emotional, or surprising?

o The acting: Were the actors believable and entertaining?

o The special effects: Were they realistic or breathtaking?

• Paragraph 3 (Optional – What you disliked): Share what you didn’t enjoy. Maybe the story was
confusing or too long.

Conclusion

Finish with your overall opinion and recommendation. Say if it’s worth watching and who would enjoy it.
Use phrases like:

• "This is a must-see for anyone who loves..."

• "All in all, I highly recommend this film to..."

• "I wouldn’t recommend this movie because..."

Example:
"In short, Avengers: Endgame is a thrilling movie for fans of action and superheroes. Don’t miss it!"

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Important Tips for Film Reviews

• Use movie-related words like actors, director, plot, script, and special effects.

• Match your expressions with your opinion. For example, don’t say "It’s boring" if you are praising
the movie.

Restaurant or Café Review

Structure
You can use either of these formats:

1. Four Paragraphs

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: What you liked OR disliked (mention 2 points)

o Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked (mention another 2 points)

o Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

2. Four Paragraphs (Balanced)

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: What you liked (2-3 points)

o Paragraph 3: What you disliked (1-2 points)

o Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

Start with an interesting statement or question to grab attention, like something unique about the place.
Mention basic details, such as the restaurant or café name, its location, why you visited, and who you went
with (if relevant).

Example:
"Have you ever dined at a place so beautiful it feels like you’re in a fairy tale? That’s exactly how I felt at
The Enchanted Café in the heart of downtown."

Body

• Paragraph 2: Write about two things you liked or disliked. For example:

o The food: Was it tasty or disappointing?

o The setting: Was it clean, modern, or cozy?

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Useful Phrases for Likes:

• "I loved how the menu offered a variety of delicious dishes."

• "The décor was modern and cozy, making it perfect for a relaxed meal."

Useful Phrases for Dislikes:

• "I was disappointed by the limited food options."

• "The service was slow, and we waited too long for our order."

• Paragraph 3: Add two more points about what you liked or disliked. For example:

o The staff: Were they polite and helpful or rude and careless?

o The prices: Were they reasonable or too high?

Conclusion

Finish with your overall opinion and recommendation. Say who would enjoy it and why.

Example:
"Overall, The Enchanted Café is a great spot for anyone who loves a cozy atmosphere and tasty food. I’d
highly recommend it for families and friends looking for a relaxed dining experience."

Other Places (Parks, Shops, etc.)

Use the same structure as a restaurant review, but focus on different aspects, such as:

• Location: Is it easy to reach?

• Facilities: Does it have what you need (e.g., restrooms, parking)?

• Atmosphere: Is it lively or peaceful?

Example:
"Set in the middle of the city, Greenleaf Park is a peaceful escape for anyone looking to relax or take a walk
surrounded by nature."

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Event Review

Structure

1. Four Paragraphs

o Paragraph 1: Introduction

o Paragraph 2: What you liked (mention 2 points)

o Paragraph 3: What you disliked (mention 2 points)

o Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

Start with a question or exciting detail about the event. Mention basic details, like its name, location, and
why you went.

Example:
"Have you ever been to a music concert so exciting that you couldn’t stop singing along? That’s exactly how
I felt at Rock Fest 2023 held at Central Stadium last weekend."

Body

• Paragraph 2: Write about two things you liked. For example:

o The program: What happened at the event?

o The performances: Were the singers or performers amazing?

Useful Phrases for Likes:

• "I loved how the concert featured so many famous bands."

• "The stage lights and effects made the show unforgettable."

• Paragraph 3: Write about two things you disliked. For example:

o The atmosphere: Was it too crowded or noisy?

o The ticket prices: Were they too expensive?

Useful Phrases for Dislikes:

• "The crowd was too large, which made it hard to enjoy the event fully."

• "The tickets were overpriced compared to what the event offered."

Conclusion

Wrap up with your overall opinion and recommendation.

Example:
"Overall, Rock Fest 2023 was a fun event for music lovers. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves rock
music, but make sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds!"
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Product Review

Structure

Use the following format for your product review:

1. Paragraph 1: Introduction

2. Paragraph 2: Positive aspects of the product

3. Paragraph 3: Negative aspects of the product

4. Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

Introduction

Start with a question or interesting statement to grab the reader's attention. Then, give basic details about the
product, like its name, brand, and why you bought it. You can also mention your first impression.

Example:
"Have you ever wondered if the perfect pair of headphones exists? Well, I recently got the SoundBlast Pro
300 by AudioVibe, and here’s what I thought!"

Body

• Paragraph 2: Positive Aspects

Example:
"One of the best things about the SoundBlast Pro 300 is its incredible sound quality. The bass is deep, the
treble is clear, and it makes every song sound amazing. Another great feature is its battery life. It lasted over
20 hours on a single charge, which is perfect for long trips or busy days."

• Paragraph 3: Negative Aspects

Example:
"However, the SoundBlast Pro 300 is not without its downsides. First, it’s quite expensive compared to
similar headphones. Also, the earcups can feel a bit tight if you wear them for too long."

Conclusion

Share your overall opinion and whether you recommend the product. Mention who would find it useful and
why.

Example:
"Overall, the SoundBlast Pro 300 is a great choice for music lovers who want excellent sound quality and
long battery life. While it’s a bit pricey, I think it’s worth it for anyone who values top-notch performance."

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Tips for Writing a Great Review

Do’s:

• Use a mix of short and long sentences to make your writing more interesting.

• Include linking words like and, because, also, and however to connect your ideas smoothly.

• Use descriptive words to make your review more engaging (e.g., amazing, clear, affordable,
disappointing).

• Add examples to explain your points, such as "For example, the headphones blocked out background
noise really well."

Don’ts:

• Avoid using the same words or sentence structure repeatedly.

• Don’t make your sentences too simple or boring. Instead of saying, "The product is good," try, "The
product is excellent for its price and offers a lot of useful features."

• Stay away from very formal words like moreover or informal slang like gonna.

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Sample Review: ‘A Promised Land’ by Barack Obama Book Review

When I picked up “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama, I was not just opening a book; I was
stepping into a personal journey of a man who once stood as the most powerful leader in the
free world. This memoir, penned by the 44th President of the United States, gives an intimate
look into his life, his presidency, and the numerous challenges he faced.

The book is voluminous, and it’s evident from the start that Obama is not just a politician but
also a skilled writer. He possesses a knack for weaving narratives that are both insightful and
engaging. The prose is clear, making it a relatively easy read even for those who might not
have advanced English skills. However, the content does require some basic understanding of
American politics and recent history.

Obama’s journey begins with his early life, offering glimpses of his formative years, but the
heart of the book lies in his years at the White House. As he takes the reader through his first
term as president, we get a front-seat view of the decision-making processes, the weight of
leadership, and the intricacies of running a country during tumultuous times. It’s fascinating to
see how policies we’ve heard of in the news, like the Affordable Care Act or the operation to
capture Osama bin Laden, played out behind the scenes.

What struck me most about “A Promised Land” was the transparency with which Obama
shared his experiences. He candidly speaks about the highs and lows, his triumphs, and his
regrets. There’s a genuine human touch as he discusses not just the political and societal
challenges but also the personal strains—how his position affected his family and the moments
of self-doubt he sometimes felt.

For international readers or those unfamiliar with the complexities of U.S. politics, some
sections might feel dense. There are detailed discussions on policies, debates, and legislative
processes. But even amidst these, Obama’s storytelling shines, breaking down intricate issues
in a manner that’s both comprehensible and enlightening.

On a personal note, I appreciated the moments where Obama reflected on broader themes—
democracy, racial inequality, and the nature of power. It’s evident that this book is not just a
recounting of events but also an introspection on the larger implications of his decisions and
the evolving nature of the American dream.

One potential critique could be the book’s length. Some readers might feel certain sections are
too detailed or prolonged. However, given the magnitude of the role he played and the
significance of the events discussed, the extensive exploration seems justified.

“A Promised Land” offers a deep dive into the life and mind of Barack Obama during a pivotal
time in American history. Beyond just politics, it’s a reflection on leadership, responsibility,
and the challenges of navigating a divided nation. Whether you agree with his policies or not,
this memoir provides invaluable insights into the complexities of governing and the personal
sacrifices it entails. It’s a compelling read that, while rooted in American experiences, touches
on universal themes relevant to us all. I came away from it with a deeper understanding of the
American political landscape and a renewed appreciation for the intricacies of leadership in the
modern world.

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