Review

Part 2- Review
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a review.
• A review is usually about a TV show or film, a book, a restaurant or hotel.
• It can be a positive, negative, or balanced review. You have to make a recommendation at the end, which could
be positive or negative.
• A review is semi-informal or neutral in tone. Avoid contractions but do use colourful descriptive language.
• The word limit is 140-190 words.
• Spend 40 minutes on the task: plot
• 5 minutes to plan characters
• 30 minutes to write music
• 5 minutes to check your work descriptions
superb horrible
Look at the exam task and then the model outstanding awful
excellent dreadful
answer. Pay attention to descriptive language and
(un)predictable ruthless (character)
the ways they try to maintain the attention of the brilliant
reader.
An international arts website is looking for reviews of novels for a new section called ‘A Reader Writes’.
You have decided to write a review of a novel you’ve recently read for this section. Describe the novel
and say what you think about it. Would you recommend this novel to other people?
Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.
Bourne to Thrill
The Bourne Identity starring Matt Damon was an incredible film, but I thought the original novel by Robert
Ludlum was even better. This book is so well-written, I didn’t want to finish it!
The plot is gripping right from the start. When we first meet the lead character, Jason Bourne, he is being
rescued from the sea. His identity is a mystery to everyone, including himself! Over the course of the novel
we gradually find out who Bourne is, and follow him through a series of exciting adventures.
As well as a highly original plot line, the novel includes a number of fascinating characters, especially the
villains! I only have one negative -comment: in my view, the novel is strong on action but weaker on
description. However, this is a small criticism of an otherwise excellent book.
I would highly recommend The Bourne Identity to anyone who enjoys action or crime stories. However, if you
prefer more descriptive or romantic novels, then you should give it a miss. Personally, I can’t wait to start
reading the sequel!
Review Structure and Useful Phrases
‣ Always put a title.

‣ A review should have four or five paragraphs.
Depending on what you have to review, you may change the structure slightly. Look at the two examples below of the
review structure:
‣ On the left all the good and bad aspects have been separated into two paragraphs.
‣ On the right, the paragraphs deal with individual aspects of the hotel, restaurant or shop, so the paragraphs may
contain a mixture of positive and negative comments.
Film/book/TV Review Structure Restaurant/hotel/ shop Review Structure

Title
Title
Introduction
Introduction Introduce the name of the restaurant or hotel. You may want
Introduce the name of the film or book. You may want to say to say where it is, or other information such as the head chef
who the author or director is, and when the film or book was and the cuisine served.
released. genre / cast
1st paragraph
1st paragraph Service- Very friendly but too slow to take order
A brief synopsis- but no spoilers!
2nd paragraph
2nd paragraph Menu/Food- High quality but little variety
All the things you liked or didn’t like (e.g acting, locations, Facilities
plot…)
Conclusion
Conclusion Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your overall
Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your overall impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation,
impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation, either positive or negative.
either positive or negative.
Introduction Evaluating various features Giving an opinion

• The film is directed by… • The film/series has an all star cast. Positive
• The book was written by… • The acting: • What I really loved about … is
• The film/ book is set in… • is believable/excellent/ • My favourite thing about… is
• The film/book tells the story of….. disappointing/unconvincing. Negative
To explain the plot • The plot is: • The only criticism I would make is
• The plot focuses on • gripping/dramatic/fascinating that …
• The story begins with … • predictable/ dull/unimaginative. • One thing I wasn’t keen on was…
• A slow start • The book/film is brilliantly written/
• Gripping climax directed. Making a recommendation
• Cliff-hanger ending • I strongly advise you (not) to …
• Everyone should see / read …
immediately!

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Part 2- Review

‣ Always put a title.

Film/book/TV Review Structure Restaurant/hotel/ shop Review Structure

Introduction Evaluating various features Giving an opinion

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