How to write a review
A review is written for an English-language magazine, newspaper or website.
The main purpose is to describe and express a personal
opinion about something which 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.
Description and explanation are key functions for this
task, and a review will normally include a recommendation to the
reader.
Hints
- It is a
good idea to give your review an interesting title.
- In the
first paragraph, say what you are reviewing and try to
get the reader's interest.
- Give your opinion of what you are reviewing
linked to the question in the second paragraph. Remember a review
is not just a list of facts - it's largely your opinion.
- Give more details of what your are
reviewing linked to the questions in the input in one or two more
paragraphs, but only focus on those you've been asked to develop.
- Summarise your view, using different words
from the introduction, and include a recommendation.
- Remember.
- Use
a personal or more neutral style, according to the target
reader.
- It is
important that you show a range of structures in the
language of opinion, description and recommendation.
- Add vivid language to add interest.
Useful language for a review
What I liked
- What I liked most was …..
- The thing I liked most was
….
- I was pleasantly
surprised by …..
- If you get a chance to ….
What I
disliked
- What I disliked most was
…..
- I was disappointed
by/with ……
Reviews of
books
- main
character
- is set
in
- Fiction: science fiction
/ thriller / fantasy / mystery / historical / romance ...
- Non-fiction: cook book /
travel book / textbook / manual / coffee-table book ...
- atmosphere
/ plot
- author
- written
by
- chapter
- factual
- unbelievable
- bestseller
- ending
Reviews of
concerts
- artist / band / musician
/ (bass/lead/rhythm) guitarist / (backing/lead) singer / drummer / soloist
/ trio / orchestra
- auditorium / hall / venue
/ lyrics / (catchy) tune / score / gig
Reviews of
exhibitions
- painting
/ sculpture / handicrafts
- gallery
/ catalogue / display
Reviews of films
- lead
role
- star
role
- star
- star
actor/actress
- starring
- secondary
role
- He
plays a …….
- written
by ….
- cast /
director / producer
- is set
in …..
- based on a true story …..
- believable
- true to
life
- not
very believable
- far-fetched
- (As for fiction books +):
animation / adaptation / comedy
- Costumes / design /
photography / script / special effects / soundtrack
- ending
Reviews of
TV programmes
- Chat shows / current
affairs programme / debate / documentary / series / soap opera/ sitcom
(situation comedy)
- Host /
presenter
Reviews of
hotels, restaurants, etc
- location
- service
- setting
- attractive
/ disappointing setting
- owned
by
- run by
- head
chef (restaurant)
- waiters
(restaurant)
- staff
…….
- staff
at reception …….(hotel)
- hotel
facilities ….
- reasonable
prices …..
- good/excellent/poor value
for money …..
- (a
bit/somehow) expensive
- overpriced
- not
worth the money
- always
fully booked
- book in
advance
Criticism
- The script seemed rather
conventional/predictable to me.
- The plot struck me as
completely bizarre/absurd/incomprehensible
- The characters are
appealing and true to life
- The dancers were quite
brilliant/amateurish
Recommendations
- Judging from this CD /
show ...
- Overall, if you like ...,
you'll love / you should ...
- Although some of ...
he/she/it's still a great...
- You really must/should
buy/see/read/visit ...
- I would definitely
recommend seeing/visiting/reading/having a look at ...
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