How to write a review?

| B2 First (FCE)

A review is a piece of writing usually written for an English-language magazine,

newspaper or website. The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion
about something the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website,
etc) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is like.

How to write a review?

Begin with some basic information about the film or play. Include the genre, the
director, the actors and any other relevant information.
Use different paragraphs for each main idea. Give a basic summary of the plot.
The present simple is often used when relating stories, jokes and plots.
If your review is generally positive, try and think of something that could have been
improved. On the other hand, if your review is generally negative, try and think of
something that wasn’t so bad. This makes the review look more balanced.
Use adjectives and adverbs for emphasis – include personal comments.
End your review by summing up your opinion of the film/play and recommending
people to see it or not.
Check your work for accuracy, punctuation and spelling.

The review may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership,
and is usually written using present tenses.

B2 First (FCE) Review: Structure

Title
State the name of the film, play, concert, etc.

Introduction
Say what you are reviewing and try to catch the reader's
attention

1st body paragraph

Give the positive features

2nd body paragraph

Give the negative features

Conclusion
Summarize your review with a strong recommendation

Title:
Keep it short (2-5 words)
No need for a complete sentence
Make it clear

Title: THE THIEVES OF OSTIA

Introduction:
In the introduction, you 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
 General statement about the topic.
Keep the reader’s attention.
Start with a question, problem or quotation.

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

1st – 2nd body paragraph:

In the 1st and 2nd body paragraphs you 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.
Describe issues in detail and use one paragraph per issue.
Use linkers, sequencing and sophisticated vocabulary

Recommendation:
In the last paragraph, you 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.

Tips
ANSWER THE QUESTION
PLAN your review.
Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs.
Choose an appropriate title.
The introduction will talk about what’s being reviewed.
Use a relaxed, friendly, chatty style.
You can use contractions such as I’m, I’ve etc..
Use a new paragraph for each point you want to make.
Give your opinion.
In the concluding paragraph give your opinion.

Useful Phrases & Expressions

Giving background
This show stars…
The play is directed by…
The film is about…
It's set in……….
The story is based on (a book…)
It's about…..
There are many memorable characters including ….
The main theme of the film is…..
Expressions that introduce a contrast
On the plus side,…
On the down side,…
On the one hand,…
On the other hand,…
Recommending
Overall, I'd recommend…
All in all, the film was…
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend…
I wouldn't encourage anyone to …
I would recommend this film to anyone.
Although I enjoyed it, I would not recommend it for….
It's one of the best (shows) I’ve ever seen.
Although I am not normally keen on (musicals),I am glad that I decided to go.
The (film) lifts you out of your everyday life

Model Answer 1
Topic
You have seen this notice in your school library:
REVIEWS NEEDED
We want to buy some new books for the library. Have you read a good book in English
recently? Write us a review of a book you enjoyed, explaining why you liked it and why you
think it would be a good choice for the school library.
We will use your reviews to help us decide which books to buy

THE THIEVES OF OSTIA

"The thieves of Ostia" by Caroline Lawrence is the first in a series of books entitled "The
Roman Mysteries" and I think it‟s an absolute must for the school library.

The book is set in the Roman port of Ostia nearly two thousand years ago. It tells the story
of Flavia and her three friends, and their attempts to discover who has been killing the
dogs of Ostia and why. It's full of mystery and excitement, and the plot has many twists
and turns, which make you want to keep reading.

The book is aimed at ten – to twelve – year – old native English speakers, but it is very
popular with older children and would be ideal for teenagers studying English. What's
more, it gives a fascinating insight into life in Roman times, so readers learn about history
as well as improve their language skills.
After finishing "The Thieves of Ostia", students will want to borrow further books
from the series. By buying it, then, the library would be doing a lot to encourage students
to read more in English.
(183 words)

Model Answer 2
Topic:
You have found the following advertisement online:
RESTAURANT REVIEWS WANTED!
Have you been to a great restaurant lately? If so, send us an honest review of the
restaurant explaining what you liked and disliked of the place as well as its location, staff
and how it looks on the inside.
We will publish the first 20 decent reviews we get!

Model answer

Foster’s Hollywood

Being a huge fan of traditional American fast food and restaurant styles, it’s no wonder that
my favourite restaurant in Granada is Foster’s Hollywood.
Located smack in the middle of the city, this fast-food chain serves a wide variety of
mouthwatering, American dishes at a reasonable price. These range from typical Tex-Mex
nachos or French fries to more elaborate meals like traditional, homemade Bourbon steak.
And if you’re hungry, it’s the perfect place to go, as their servings are absolutely huge!

Another cool thing about this place is its magnificent decor. If you’re a film buff, you will
quickly fall in love with this place, since all the walls are covered in famous movie posters!
Apart from that, it’s got a spacious dining hall, super friendly staff and an outdoor terrace
which is absolutely fantastic on summer nights!

The only negative thing I can say is that it is right next to a gym, which sometimes makes
me feel guilty for eating so much!

Nevertheless, Foster’s Hollywood offers delicious meals in an unbeatable atmosphere, so

you should definitely give it a try. I promise you won’t regret it!
(190 words)

Model Answer 3
Topic:
You have seen this in your school magazine.
Review Wanted
Do you go to the sports center or park where you can do extreme sports?
If so, we want to hear from you! Write a review, telling us what you like and don’t like about
it, and whether you recommend it to other people. The best reviews will be published next
month!
Write your review.

Mountain Bike Park

If like me you're a mountain bike fanatic, you'd love the new bike park that's just opened.
Teenagers in our area have been asking for something like this for ages and it's amazing.

First of all, the park is just outside the town, so it's not too far to go, and they've even built
a bridge across the main road for easy access. Once you get to the park, you choose the
course that suits you. I haven't tried the most challenging course yet, as it has some steep
climbs and high jumps on it. The park's already popular with many kids in the area, and
there are plans to form a bike club.

The only downside is there is just a tiny shop to buy snacks and drinks, but there are plans
to build a restaurant in the future. So, bring your own snacks if you are feeling hungry.

All in all, I'd recommend it to other people who love mountain biking. I think it's the coolest
place in our area.
(175 words)