Review Writing

So, what’s a review?

* The main purpose of a review is to give your opinion about

something. The review needs to engage the audience from the beginning to the
end.

* The tone and register of a review can be personal and semi-formal but should
avoid language that is too idiomatic and colloquial.

Review writing could be for:

- Books, Movies, Magazines or TV shows
- Places such as hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, amusement, etc.
- Events such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions, trips, etc.
- Digital or physical products or services such as apps, games (video games, board
games, etc.), websites, courses, products (such as electronics or appliances )

The format of a review

Title
The title should include the name of what is being reviewed. Here are some examples:
- Discover Your Talent — A Course Review
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Review
- Fitness Time: The Best Gym in Riyadh?
- Book Review: The Alchemist
Don’t stress too much on the title as you can simply write the name of what you’re
reviewing without any other details. For example: “VOX cinema”.

Introduction
The main components of an effective introduction are:
* Something to engage the reader from the beginning right away such as a rhetorical
question highlighting a unique aspect of what you’re reviewing.
* General information about what is being reviewed (5Ws) and a quick overall
opinion, which hints to the reader whether the rest of your review is overall
positive or negative.
Here is an example of an effective introduction:
“Do you love superfast rollercoasters and other exhilarating rides that make your hair
stand on end? If so, then Sky Zone Amusement Park is a must-visit. My friends and I
visited it recently, and we were blown away!”

Body1/2
Mention your personal opinion (what you liked and/or disliked), while providing
evidence, reasons or examples. You can write entirely positively, entirely negatively
or have a balanced approach

Conclusion
The purpose of the conclusion is to give your overall opinion and recommendation.
* In the conclusion, make sure to say whether you recommend/ don’t recommend
this movie/book/product/service, etc. and to whom, stating why.

Here are some examples of useful concluding phrases:

- In a nutshell, you should definitely read/watch/use …
- All in all, I strongly/highly recommend …
- On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it (in view of the fact that … / because …)
- Overall, it’s worth seeing/reading/using …
- I strongly advise you (not) to …
+
It’s more suited for … / It will change the way you see… / Don’t miss it! / It’s absolutely
worth a visit! / If you like …, then (the name of the movie/restaurant/course, etc.) is
definitely for you! / If you’re looking for a …, don’t give it a second thought!

Here is an example of an effective conclusion.

“I strongly recommend Sky Zone Park to anyone who wants to have an unforgettable experience
whether alone, with friends or family – it is a felicitous choice for all ages. It’s absolutely worth a visit!”

Special types of review writing

A) Book review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Summary of the book
Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation
In the introduction,
 Start with a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something bold
in this book that makes the reader want to know more.
 Summarize the main background information of the book, for example, the book
title, its genre (fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, etc.) and author’s
name.

Here is an example
“Have you ever been so inspired by a book that it completely changes your perception
of life? If not, then I suggest you read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.”

Body
In the 1st body paragraph, write an outline of the story (do not describe the whole
story, especially the ending). Use the present tense.

Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review:
 The plot focuses on/revolves around/involves …
 Set in …, this marvelous story explains …
 This is an enchanting story of …

In the 2nd body paragraph, mention what you liked and/or disliked and state why,
giving examples if possible.
You could write about:
 The plot (captivating, entertaining, fascinating, thrilling, predictable, confusing,
implausible, etc.)
 The author’s writing style ( Does it suit the book’s genre?). You can write, for
example, “The writer does a fantastic job in combining … with … // The writer
skilfully combines … with …” // With the author’s visionary blend of … and …, the
book … // The writer attempts to …, but fails miserably …)

 What you learned

 How the book made you feel? Were you satisfied by the book’s ending? Note:
don’t mention the ending itself; just how it made you feel (e.g. The book was
heart-touching// The book had me hypnotised! // It kept me absorbed from the
beginning to the end! // I couldn’t stop reading it until the end! // I was impressed
by… // What struck me most was….)

Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation (whether you
recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why not?).

B) Film Review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Setting of the film and main plot
Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked.
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

In the introduction
  Start with a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something bold
in this movie that makes the reader want to know more.
 Mention general information about the movie, for example, the movie’s title, its
genre (sci-fi, comedy, thriller, horror, etc.) and the director’s name.

Here is an example of an effective film review introduction:

“Are you looking for an intriguing action-packed film where you can turn off your brain
and enjoy the ride? If so, then “London Has Fallen”, directed by Babak Najafi is the film
for you!”

Body
In the 1st body paragraph, mention the setting of the film (place and time) and
an overview of the plot, including the main character(s) and plot twists (if any).
Don’t describe the full story, especially the ending. Use the present tense.

 Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review.
 The plot focuses on/revolves around/involves …
 Set in (time and place), the movie …
 … provides the setting for …
 As the film opens, …

In the 2nd body paragraph), mention what you liked and/or disliked about the film and
state why, giving examples if possible. For example, you could write about:

 The plot (captivating, entertaining, thrilling, fast-paced, predictable, confusing,

implausible, etc.)
 The acting (excellent/exceptional/remarkable/awful/unconvincing/weak, etc.)
 The script (e.g. the script is dull/exciting/clever/witty, etc.)
 The special effects (realistic, brilliant, spectacular, breathtaking, mediocre,
terrible, etc.)
 The characters are appealing and true to life

 How the movie made you feel (the film literally brought tears to my eyes// The
film was heart-touching// The film was heart-pounding // I was on the edge of my
seat the whole time// I didn’t want to miss a scene! // I was impressed by… //
What struck me most was… // By the final scene I was already half-asleep, etc.)

Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation (whether you
recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it suitable
families? Why?).

 Here are some useful expressions for describing a movie:

 The film combines (suspense) with (horror) …
 a must-see
 a box-office success/failure
 a blockbuster
 a masterpiece
 well-worth seeing
 not to be missed

Important points to keep in mind

Include film-related vocabulary in your review, e.g. lead role, actors, director, plot,
script, special effects, etc.
* Any expression you use should be consistent with your opinion of the film. For example, if you’re
writing positively about the film, it’s not appropriate to write “By the final scene I was already
half-asleep”!

c) Place Review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: What you liked (mention 2 points)
Paragraph 3: What you liked and/OR disliked (mention another 2 points)
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

In the introduction,
* Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question
* Mention general information about the restaurant, for example, its name, its
location, when it opened, why you visited it, and with whom you visited it (if
 any).
Note that you don’t have to mention all these details and that some of them, such as its location or
when it opened, can be included in the 2nd paragraph.

Body
In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention what you liked and/or disliked
You can write about:

 Location (the city? close to/far from? Is it easily accessible?)

 Its physical features (if any striking one, e.g. extreme size, unusual architectural
shape, etc.)
 The food: type of food (fast-food, fine dining), food options (varied, limited), taste
(delicious, mouth-watering, lip-smacking, scrumptious, appetizing // awful,
overcooked, salty, etc.)// portion size
 Staff (polite, helpful, friendly, amiable // awful, rude, unskilled, careless, slow,
etc.)
 Setting: décor (modern, contemporary, magnificent, etc.), atmosphere (lively,
soothing // dull, crowded, noisy, etc.)
 Cleanliness (immaculate, spotless, tidy // filthy, dirty, untidy, etc.)
 Price (expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable, reasonable,
low-priced, etc.)
 Facilities (depends on the place you’re reviewing. For example, in a gym review,
you could write about the variety of gym equipment available and whether
there’s personal coaching; and in a shopping centre, you could write about the
variety of shops available and whether there’s a children’s play area.)
 Reservation (always fully booked/ book in advance)

Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review:
 Located in …, this (sumptuous, luxurious, sophisticated, impeccable, exceptional,
or any other suitable adjective) restaurant offers …
 As you enter the place, you …
 Just as you step in, …
 The ambience of the ________ was …
 The menu offers …
 What I particularly enjoyed was …
 I was pleasantly surprised by …
 The best thing about it is …
 However, I disliked …
 I was disappointed by …
  I was extremely dissatisfied by …
 What you may find unfavourable is …

 Describe the restaurant in the present tense and describe your experience in the past tense.
Remember to write about the important parts of the experience, not every detail.

Conclusion
In the final paragraph, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Do you
recommend it or not? If yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it suitable for
families?).

D) Event Review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: What you liked OR disliked (mention 2 points)
Paragraph 3: What you liked and/ OR disliked (mention another 2 points)
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

In the introduction,
Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question
Mention general information about the event, for example, its name, location, when
it’s held, why you visited it, and with whom you visited it.
Body
In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention what you liked and/or disliked
You can write about:
 Location (the city? close to/far from? Is it easily accessible?)
 The programme of the event (For example, what band will be playing in the
concert? What’s their album name? What will be displayed in the exhibition?)
 The performance, including the stage lightening and the musicians’ attire (if it’s a
concert or a festival)
 Atmosphere and sounds (lively, boisterous // dull, crowded, noisy, etc.)
 How did it make you and the audience feel? (fascinated, excited, mesmerized,
captivated, enthusiastic// didn’t live up to my expectations, dull, etc.)
 Ticket price (expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable,
reasonable, low-priced, etc.)
Conclusion
In the conclusion, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Do you
recommend attending this event or not? If yes, to whom and why? If not, why not?)

E) Product Review
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Positive aspects of the product
Paragraph 3: Negative aspects of the product
Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

In the introduction,
 Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question about
something unique in this product that makes the reader want to know more.
 Mention general information about the product, for example, its name, the
brand name, and its release date.
You could also include when you bought it, why you bought it and your first impression.
Body
In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention the positive and/or negative aspects of the
product.
You can write about:
 The product’s core features and your comment on them
 The benefits and uses of the product
 Any notable improvements or changes to previous versions (if applicable), and
your comment on them (Are they useful? Not many? Disappointing?)
 Price (mention its price and comment on it: expensive, exorbitant, overpriced //
inexpensive, affordable, reasonable, low-priced, etc.)

Conclusion
In the conclusion, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Is it worth
buying? Why? Why not? Who are the target users?).

Feb/March 2022
You and your friends recently visited an amusement park where people can do lots of
different outdoor activities.
You have decided to write a review about it for your school magazine.
Here are two comments from your friends:

Write a review for your school magazine, giving your views.

The comments above may give you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own.
 Sky Zone Amusement Park
Do you love superfast rollercoasters and other exhilarating rides that make your hair
stand on end? If so, then Sky Zone is a must see. My friends and I visited it recently, and
we were blown away!
Located in the bustling streets of Cairo, it is easily accessible from the city center.
The first thing that will grab your attention is its enormous size! As you enter, you’ll be
warmly welcomed by the amiable staff, who will guide you to the front desk and provide
you with the pricing details. From my experience, they are very polite and informative;
they’ll make you fall in love with the place immediately.

My friends and I were especially fascinated by the wide variety of rides this park
offers: from more common ones such as rollercoasters and carousels to bizarre ones
such as infinity falls, there is a ride for everyone. All the rides (including the adrenaline
inducing ones) have the highest safety standards and are well-maintained. In addition,
cafes, restaurants and food stalls are all over the place, so you can enjoy
mouth- watering food after a tiring day. However, I must warn you: the place is
absolutely a hive of commotion! It’s extremely bustling, especially at the weekends.

I strongly recommend Sky Zone Park to anyone who wants to have an unforgettable
experience whether alone, with friends or family. It is absolutely worth a visit.

May/June 2019 v2
In your school holidays, you attended a course to learn singing, dancing and acting. Your
teacher has asked you to write a review of the course for the school magazine.
Here are two comments from other young people who attended the course:

Write a review for the school magazine, giving your opinions.

The comments above may give you some ideas, and you can also use some ideas of your own .
 Discover Your Talent — A Course Review
Are you looking for a course that will act as your entrance to the world of singing,
dancing, and acting and help you unleash your untapped potential? If so, then look no
further; the Discover Your Talent Course has it all. I enrolled in it during the last school
holidays, and it was truly life-changing.

The course is given by professional instructors who are not only experts in their
fields but also friendly and approachable. From my experience, they were patient
enough to answer all the attendees’ questions and provided individual attention to each
one; consequently, each student could learn at their own pace and gain confidence in
their abilities.

In addition, the course covers a wide range of topics, including different genres of
music, various dance forms, and acting techniques. What I loved most about this course
was the opportunity to perform on stage, which gave me a hands-on experience.
Towards the end of the course, you’ll have the invaluable opportunity to showcase the
skills you learnt in front of friends and family. Personally, performing on stage and
seeing how far I had come in just a few weeks was just beyond amazing.

I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to dive into the world of
singing, dancing, and acting but doesn’t know where to start. It’s definitely worth every
penny.

Place Review Model

A new sports centre has recently opened in your town. Last week, you went there with
a group of your friends. You have decided to write a review of the sports centre for
your school magazine.

‘Physis’ Sports Centre

The new sports centre ‘Physis’ is unique quite a sight to behold. It has an
impressive structure. With the criteria of innovation, affordability and convenience in
mind ‘Physis’ sports centre seems to be a decent contestant that deserves our
attention.
The centre is situated in a striking two-storey building with ample parking space.
The reception desk is disproportionately small compared to the spacious rooms with
gym equipment. The halls, stores, and locker rooms are beautiful and well placed.
The lively upbeat music that welcome to the variety of activities such as spinning,
cross training and TRX.

It should be noted that the centre has two courts that can be used for several
sports, such as volleyball, futsal, and basketball. I think the food that is served should
be worked on more to make it more enjoyable. In case you feel hungry and tired after
exercising, the centre has a large café where you can relax while grabbing a bite. The
food options are not, however, as diverse as the sports.

All the above- m e n t i o n e d luxury and expertise comes with a staggering 40%
discount for students! The working hours stretch from 10:00’ am to 11:00’ pm
which might not be convenient if you want to go in the early morning.

All in all, “Physis’ is conveniently situated that young people would definitely find
interesting and most importantly its fees are in tune with students’ tight budgets. I
would wholeheartedly recommend it.

Film Review

You recently saw a film. You have now decided to write a review of
the film for the school magazine.
Write a review of the film giving your views.

(1)Mission Impossible

Do you love action packed films which keep you gripped to your seat? If so,
you should put Mission Impossible Fallout on the top of your must-see film list.
It is the lasts installment of the mission impossible franchise which is
directed by Christopher Macquarie. Some of the greatest scenes take place in
Paris, however, throughout 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
retrieve stolen plutonium from Eastern European underworld. As the title
suggest, the team finds themselves in a race against time, hunted by assassins,
while trying to prevent a worldwide catastrophe.
The film combines lots of suspense and action as Hunt takes you on a
journey of intense vehicle chases, deadly fights and near fatal escape scenes.
The quality of the film is outstanding from the death-defying stunts to the acting
of this amazing cast.
This is a film for the big screen, so do not miss out when it hits your
nearest cinema. It is more suited for teenagers and adults due to the strong
language and brutal fight scenes.
(191 words)

Book Review

Jane Eyre
The book is beautifully written, with poetic descriptions and excellent dialogue.
The writer has created a dramatic, gripping plot with well-developed, very believable
characters, letting us see into the soul of a sensitive but strong young woman.

This book's fascinating plot is guaranteed to keep the reader absorbed from
beginning to end. Don't miss your chance to read this classic masterpiece. Once you
have read it, you will never forget it.

Jane Eyre, the main character of the novel, is an orphan who has a very unhappy
childhood. Despite this, she becomes a strong-willed young woman. When she leaves
the orphanage, she becomes the governess at Thornfield Hall, Mr Rochester's mansion.
Strange things begin to happen there, and when a mysterious secret is revealed, Jane's
life is changed forever

If you are looking for a romantic but mysterious story about a lonely woman
who, after many strange experiences, finds lasting love, you should definitely read Jane
Eve by Charlotte B

Concert Review

Nostalgic for the Present

The ‘nostalgic for the present’ tour is one of the most popular and remarkable
concerts ever made in the history of pop. Performed by the renowned Australian singer
and songwriter Sia, she succeeded to attract the world’s attention to pop music world.

The singer gave an outstanding live performance of her hit songs from her most
popular albums “1000 Forms of Fear” and “This is Acting”. She appeared with her iconic
head wear on, which is a wig with long bangs covering her eyes and a unique giant bow
on her head. Not only was Sia’s performance amazing, but also multiple dancing shows
by professional choreographers included were mind-blowing. However, the one that
stood out the most was the phenomenal choreography for the song “Diamonds” as it
genuinely demonstrated the lyrics’ theme.
 Some of the miner criticisms that Sia received was because she didn’t reveal her
face or interact enough with the roaring crowds. Others claimed that this is her unique
style that makes her different and it is admired by all her fans. Finally, all the criticisms
were overshadowed with her mesmerizing high notes and her raspy cathartic voice.

Overall, the gig was not far from perfect due to Sia’s distinctive rendition
staging powerfully and energetically. It was all a day to remember and an experience
that plates one to a feeling out of this world.

Restaurant Review

Krishna’s Fish Head Restaurant is a little

neighbourhood joint near China town in Kuala Lumpur. This unique place is mainly
known for its exotic Indian seafood. Since it has reasonable prices and is only several
blocks from the financial center, it is popular with the business lunch crowd.

Krishna’s offers several set menu choices every day in addition to its regular menu
featuring fish or vegetarian cuisine. Some of the popular dishes of this restaurant are
fish head curry, masala, peas kurma and other Indian dishes. The curries are
exquisite, and the fish is always fresh. Although the portions are ample, you may want
to leave room for some Indian pastries for dessert.

One of the other main attractions of this restaurant is the traditional Indian
décor and soft background music that provide a perfect ambience for an enjoyable
meal. It is this ambience that has helped make Krishna’s not just a lunchtime hit,
but also a hot spot for couples in the evening. The staff always greet you with a smile
and are helpful when describing the dishes on the menu. You can expect the special
treatment every time, but you have to expect to pay too much.

All in all, Krishna’s Fish Head Restaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy not-so spicy
Indian cuisine. Your meal will be both healthy and hearty. Krishna’s gets an “A” in every
category and a “big thumbs up” for the delicious food.

The Green House

The Green House is a restaurant situated in the heart of semi-urban area

close to the mountainous area near Green valley. It is the favourite hangout
place for nature lovers.

As you step your foot into the restaurant, you are welcomed by the magnificent
setting and the restful ambiance, a beautiful combination of greenery view and an
immense luxury of modernity. Every table gives you a clear view of the chef working
in the kitchen. Those, with no prior reservation, are welcomed to wait in the lounge
with comfortable armchairs.

The menu offers a wide variety of delicious and mouth-watering starters followed
by the main course. I had smoked salmon with cream. The main course included steak
with French fries and creamy lasagna, but the French fries were too unpalatable to
finish. The portion sizes of the first two dishes kept me from being able to sample
them. It was all followed by savory apple pie and scoop of chocolate ice cream for
dessert_ they were exquisite. By and large, the overall menu was on budget price.

The workers give a due care to the place hygiene. The easy accessibility of the place;
the special privacy of the well- set rounded tables; and the superb coffee brewers with
their excellent ratings have always made the place a convenient choice. In contrast,
the service was not of very high quality. You can only see dead expressions on the
waiters’ faces. However, the owner is full of warmth and thoughtful of his guests. He is
always around ready to hear all types of experiences from you and the rest of the
guests.

Because of the brilliant atmosphere and delicious food service, I would overlook
the dead expression of waiters and recommend going to the Moto House restaurant
especially suited for adults and couples to enjoy the place special nature.
Write a review of a restaurant.
The following are some guidelines for writing a review:

 Begin with a general statement that mentions the restaurant’s

name and
location.
 It is also possible to begin with a “hook” and then provide specifics about
the restaurant. (A hook is the first sentence of a review. The purpose
of a hook is to grab the reader’s attention.)
 Food – Describe the food on the menu in detail. You can mention a
particular dish that you have had there, if you think it is appropriate.
 Atmosphere – Discuss the exterior and interior décor. Also mention the
ambience, background music and special features of the restaurant.
 Service – Some reviews may give details about the service from the first
moment a customer enters the restaurant until the customer has finished the
meal and leaves. It is okay to mention the name of a server or chef that is
exceptionally friendly, helpful or talented.
 Clientele – Mention what type of people like to go there. Is there a dress
code?
 Price – It is important to mention the general price range; however,
specifics are not necessary. A “hint” about whether the place is expensive
or cheap may be adequate.
 Location – Is the restaurant hard to find?
 Other details – Do customers need reservations? What are the working hours? Is it
crowded on weekends?
 The “Bottom Line” – Overall Conclusion. Make a couple of final
comments and give the restaurant some type of “score” that will help other
people decide whether they want to go there or not.

Exercise 1
Thai Restaurant Review
Here is an example of a restaurant review with 12 words missing. Choose one word for
each missing gap.

The Blue Elephant is a new Thai restaurant that opened its doors (1) _________ the
town centre just over a month ago. I went along with a friend to see if they offer a
genuine Thai experience (2) _________ lunch.The place definitely looks the part as I felt
as though I had just walked (3) _________ a restaurant in Bangkok. Even the waitress
looked authentic, as she was wearing a traditional Thai silk outfit.

The menu was fairly limited, so we opted for the lunchtime special (4) _________ a
starter, main course and a dessert. First, we decided to share some spring rolls, which
prove to (5) _________ a good choice. For the main course, we had a Thai green curry
and a large bowl of Jasmine rice. The curry was a little too spicy for me, (6) _________
my friend thought it was spot on. After (7) _________ we ordered a bowl of tasty
mango with sticky rice that finished (8) _________ a memorable lunch.

Considering (9) _________ restaurant has only been open for a short time, it was
great (10) _________ see that it has got off to a great start even though it wasn't busy.
However, I am sure (11) _________ word gets around about the quality of food, it won't
be long (12) _________ they will be taking bookings only.
Course Review

You recently participated in a short course to learn photography and

videography. Your teacher has asked you to write a review of the course for
the school magazine.

Are you a keen Instagrammer who wants to add some creative touches to
your photos and videos? If affirmative, ‗Behind the Lens‘ is the perfect short-term
photo-videography course for you! I completed the four-week programme last
month and loved every bit of it.

Offered by The Young Photographer Academy, the course is aimed at young

beginners and intermediates who are enamoured of visual arts. The programme
teaches the fundamentals of photography and videography, and includes a hands-
on practicum with interesting add-ons.

Although some participants have reviewed the course as expensive, I am of

the opinion that it is good value for money. Rich theoretical knowledge
expounded by expert instructors, coupled with the opportunity to experiment
with creative composition, camera control and exposure made the course
intriguing. For instance, I was enthralled to learn to create backgrounds using
wide apertures which enhanced the image quality. It was using storytelling
technique to capture emotions and experiences that appealed to me the most.
Whether you are an amateur photographer or an ambitious
cinematographer, who aspires to pursue a career in film making or digital
marketing, ‗Behind the Lens‘ is not to be missed. Art stream students who wish
to master photo editing skills using computer software will find this programme
particularly fascinating