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 ...