Writing A Review

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* WRITING A REVIEW

*Reviews
*They are usually written for
newspapers, magazines, newsletters,
etc., and their style (formal or semi-
formal) depends on how serious the
publication is.
*The purpose of a review is to give your
opinion about a book, film/ play, etc.
*Reviews are normally found in newspapers,
magazines or as part of a letter.
*The style used depends on the intended readers.
Therefore, it can be semi‐formal or formal.
*Present tenses are normally used.
*A variety of adjectives are used to make the
review more interesting to readers.
*Formal film reviews should see a frequent use of
passive voice. In a formal review, there should be
no short forms of words.
*INTRODUCTION

Facts and BACKGROUND information


concerning the film, such as
*the title
*the name of the artists or actors and actresses
*the name of the director
*the type of movie
*the place where the story in the film happens (
i.e. the setting )
*REVIEW PLAN
*INTRODUCTION
Give some general information about the book/ film/ play:
Title
Type
Name of author/ director/ playwright
Date of publication/ release
Who the main characters/ protagonists are.
Mention why you decided to read this book, watch this film or
see this play
*Use phrases and clauses such as:
*…is a bestseller/timeless classic/ a box-office success.
*…is a historical novel/ an autobiography/ a crime
novel/ an adventure/ a comedy/ a thriller.
*It was written/ directed/ produced by…
*It was published/ released in/ on …
*It is based on…
*The main characters/ cast consist(s) of…
*I first heard of it from a close friend/on the radio…
*Having heard/ read so much about it/ so many rave
reviews, I decided to get a copy/ watch it and see for
myself.
*Use phrases like:
*The book/ film/ play tells the story of …
*The plot follows…
*It is set/ takes place…
*… owes its popularity to …
*The most outstanding feature is …
*The author/ director/ producer does a great job
of…
*The storyline/ ending, etc. is poor/
outstanding/ intriguing/ etc.
*I was impressed/ disappointed/ etc. by…
*Main Body (2-3 paragraphs)
*Give a brief summary of various features of the
book/ film/ play: plot, characters, setting.
Don’t reveal the ending.
*Provide comments that elaborate on the
features that you have mentioned and make
special reference to details that are worth
mentioning (e.g. the writer’s unique style of
writing, the visual effects, the soundtrack, the
acting, the costumes).
*MAIN BODY: 1st paragraph

DESCRIBE the main features of the plot ( or


summary of the story in the film )
* Background
* ‐ The film is set in …
* ‐ This fascinating film is…
* ‐ This film originates from a novel named …
* ‐ The film is directed by…
* ‐ The film is based on a novel / a real life story of a…
* ‐ This is a comedy / horror film / love story / cartoon /
science fiction movie / war film / Kung Fu
* film /an action film/ a thriller / a spy movie /
* Main points of the plot
* ‐ The plot focuses on…
* ‐ The story begins / concerns about / is about…
* ‐ The plot / story has a twist in …
* ‐ The film reaches a climax when…
* ‐ The plot is absolutely thrilling / exciting / fascinating /
touching / romantic / surprising…
* MAIN BODY: 2 nd
paragraph

PARAGRAPH 2: general comments and opinions on


 ‐the acting
 ‐the music
 ‐the photography
 ‐the colour / animation ( if it is a cartoon )
 ‐the setting
 ‐the costumes
 ‐special effects ( e.g. sci‐fi movies)
*CONCLUSION
*‐ Include a recommendation and reasons why you
recommend the film
General comments and opinions
* It is rather confusing / long / slow / boring
*The cast is excellent / weak / awful / unconvincing
*The script/ story is dull / clever / exciting
*It has a tragic / surprising / dramatic ending
*It does not come across as true / convincing
*The music / sound effect is dull / rich
*It is a catchy tune as backing music
*The theme song is powerful / weak / satisfying
*The colour in the photography is natural / spectacular /
dull / dark and frightening
*The acting is true to life / powerful / natural
Useful recommendations
* Don’t miss it!
* It is well worth seeing!
* It will change the way you see ( e.g. young people) after watching
this film.
* It is bound to be a box‐office hit.
* I highly / thoroughly / strongly recommend it.
* It is highly entertaining.
* It is certainly at the top of my list of good movies.
* Fans of … will no doubt be thrilled with this.
* It’s a must!
* I would not recommend this because…
* Wait until it comes out on video.
* It ‘s a boring movie. Don’t bother with this one.
* Only watch this film if you have plenty of time to spare.

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