Review Writing

Lesson Objective

Learners are able to plan and draft writing. Learners

are able to understand the purpose, audience and
form of texts and use this in their own writing.
 What is review writing?
All reviews share a number of different purposes. For example, a review needs:
to inform - the review needs to tell people who is in the film/book, who it is by
and where or when readers can see it/ where is the place/ what is the product
about:
to describe - the review should describe the story, characters and some of the
action - without spoiling the plot or giving too much away
to entertain - to provide the reader with their opinion in a way that readers will
enjoy, e.g. with a lively or witty tone
to analyse - a good review weighs up whether the book/film/shopping mall is good
or not, giving opinions backed up with reasons and evidence
to advise - the review should recommend to the reader whether or not they

should go to see the film/ read the book/ visit the restaurant/ shopping mall
 How to write a film review?

• Add the title of the film and underline it, you may provide the reviewer’s name or byline.
• Begin your film review with an introduction. One of the easiest ways of involving or reader hooked
to the review is by asking questions. For example, ”Do you love action- packed films which keep
you gripped to your seats?”
• State your compelling opinion about the film and it gives your readers a feel for the film and keeps them
go on reading.
• The body of your film review gives some background story you should mention the lead role and the
plot of the film briefly.
• The second half of the film review describes the settings of the film.
• In the next paragraph, includes settings and scenes

• Link your film review with your opinion.

• Ending paragraph deals with a general recommendation and reasons for the reader to view the film or
reject it.
 Format of a film review

1. Title/ introduction 2. Brief description/Plot

summary

3. Settings and scenes 4. Recommendation

and reasons
 Book Review
A book review is not simply a summary of some
work. It is about critical discussion, presenting
book’s strengths and weaknesses.
Usually, it is a brief description of authors key points and
your own evaluation of the work
 First Paragraph – Title/ Introduction

FILM REVIEW BOOK REVIEW

Director Name of the book

Year of release Genre
Title Author
Genre Publication date
Setting Setting
Introducing main characters Introducing the main characters
Useful phrases for film/book review
This films is set in…….
This fascinating film is……….
The film originates from a novel named…………….
The film is directed by…………..
……….. Is based on a novel/real life story ………..
This is a comedy/horror film,/love story/cartoon/science fiction
movie/ war film/Kung Fu film/ an action film/ a thriller / a spy movie
The story is set……..
Useful phrases for film/book review
The story takes place……….
This well written informative/fascinating book…..
This original first novel………
This book tells the story of ……….
This work is based on………
In ……… the author tells/ describes the story of ……………
The book/story is about………..
 Focus Area

• What makes the plot special/ interesting/ gripping

etc.?
• How is the plot different from that of the novel or films you
have read or watched?
• What makes the setting unique/ suitable etc.? How does the
setting help in presenting the story?
 Second paragraph – brief description / plot
summary

• This part of a review if often in two paragraphs.

• The paragraph 2 of a review contains the essence or the most integral
content. Write a summary of the storyline in this part of the review.
• The whole story need not be written, but one or two main events will
suffice. Remember to maintain the suspense.
• Do not go into minute details.
 Second paragraph – brief description / plot
summary
• How does the actor(s) portray the character(s)? Did they
appear natural in their roles?
• Is there any specific scene(s) that highlights the quality of
their performance?
• Are there any unusual twits in the story? What feelings does
the film/novel evoke?
 Third paragraph – setting & scenes

Detail your commentary or viewpoint on important aspects of the film/novel

The effectiveness of the plot
Actors’ performance (film)
The costume (film)
The special effects/animation (film)
The writing style (novel)
Whether the setting is perfect for the plot of the film
The lighting and quality of photography
The mood and feelings of the viewers.
• It is these specific strengths of the film/novel that are going to determine
the final opinion of the viewers/ readers on it.
• Here the students can display their analytical skills as to how a particular
aspect of the film or novel is going with the plot and whole concept of it.

• The opinions expressed in this paragraph must be in line with

• The final recommendation that is going to be explicit in the final
paragraph.
 Useful Phrases
It is rather confusing/ long/ slow/ boring…
The cast is excellent/ weak/ awful/ unconvincing…

The script/ story is dull/ clever/ exciting

It has a tragic/ surprising /dramatic ending
It does not come across as true/ convincing
The colour in the photography is natural/ spectacular/ dull/ dark and frightening
The acting is true to life/ powerful/ natural
The violent ending spoilt the film for me
I felt/ thought it was / I was impressed by
What struck me most was
What I liked/ didn’t like was
On reflection, I think it was
I would have no/ little/ some/ a lot of hesitation in recommending
It struck me as being

In spite of these criticisms, I think.

 Fourth paragraph – Recommendation /
Opinion
• This part of the review basically deals with the writer’s
final or overall judgement on the film/ novel.
• When concluding a review, students should be careful not to
leave the readers puzzled about their final opinion but state
your points clearly.
• This final recommendation must be stated with a
positive or negative view.
 Useful Phrases

• Overall, the film…

• It’s certainly a film…
• Nevertheless, it is much better than…
• It is more suited for…
• If you like to read a tense book…
• I would definitely recommend this…
• It’s a must watch/read for those…
Mission Impossible - Fallout (Sample review)
Do you love action-packed films which keep you gripped to your seat? If so, put Mission Impossible –

Fallout on the top of your must-see film list for this year.

This is the latest instalment of the Mission Impossible franchise which picks up right across where Rogue Nation
left off. Some of the biggest scenes take place in Paris, but through out the film, you are transported to various
eye-catching locations across the globe. Ethan Hunt, played by Tom Cruise, is the lead role who is assigned to
buy stolen plutonium core from the Eastern European underworld. As the title suggests, the assignment isn’t
easy, as Hunt takes you on a journey of intense vehicle chases, deadly fights and near-fatal escape scenes.

The film combines lots of suspense and action which grabs your attention and doesn’t let go until the very end.
The quality of the film is outstanding from the death-defying stunts to the acting from this amazing cast.

This is a film for the big screen, so don’t miss out when it hits our cinema. It is more suited for teenagers and
adults due to the strong language and brutal fight scenes. The twists and turns will take you on a memorable
journey into the dark world of the international secret agent.
Dangerous Shopping Book Review
Dangerous Shopping by Kate Wallace Britain, be one of the most thought-provoking books that I have ever read.
It is set in modern urban Britain, and it tells the story through the eyes of a courageous heroine, Jane.

One day as Jane is making her daily trip to the supermarket to buy her groceries, there is a robbery. In the
confusion, the robbers kidnap Jane as she is standing at the checking counter. While Jane is imprisoned, she
recounts her ordeal in graphic and painful detail. There are several incidents in the novel where Jane’s ability
to cope when she is threatened is remarkable.

The story makes me think how your ordinary life can be changed in one incident. It is also inspiring for me as it
makes me realize how our inner strength can help us to cope with any disaster.

The book is skillfully written, and Kate’s style is direct and witty. She unpredictable, show her characters to be
strong and convincing. The plot is very unpredictable and it is a real page-turner. If you like to read a tense
book, this is the one for you as you will find it hard to put down.
 Checklist
Avoid giving away the story
4-5 paragraphs
Use present-tense verbs
Express your opinion of the film/book/place throughout the review
Move beyond the plot to include acting, music and sound etc. for a film review
Use adjectives
Use linking words
Limit the use of contractions; remember, it’s a formal write-up
Bring your review to some closure so people can decide to see it or not
Keep to the word limit. It should be at least 150 words and shouldn’t exceed 200 words.
Any more than that and the examiner would deduct marks.
Thank you