Tips for Writing a Review in English

Tips for Writing a Review in English

Checklist

The main difference between writing a report and writing a review is that you give your opinion in a review. A review is to express your point of view on a book/film/etc., being informative yet giving an assessment of value based on your technical knowledge of the matter. You have to take into account your audience and the number of words required.  Make sure that you make your experience relatable and that your draw comparisons so as for your readers to  be able to judge the product on its own merits.

When writing a review, there is a firm structure to be respected:

  • Brief introduction with the Title and Sub-Title
  • Introduction of contents (brief summary)
  • Opening paragraph expressing your “controversial” point of view: using a chatty, informal style
  • Assessment of value (Body of the review) with a comparison with others (positive and negative)
  • Conclusion (which echoes the introduction and gives your opinion)

Useful Expressions

LIKES

What I enjoyed most was…

If you get a chance….

I was pleasantly surprised by…

The thing I liked most was…

…. would appeal to….

DISLIKES

What I found disappointing was…

I was disappointed by…

What I disliked most was….

BOOK VOCABULARY

The main character… / The protagonist…

The story is set in….

In this chapter…

fiction / comedy / science fiction / comedy…

The plot…

FILM

VOCABULARY

The lead role / The star role

He plays a….

This movie starring (name of actress/ actor)…

true-to-life / far-fetched / science fiction / romance…

TRAVEL VOCABULARY (hotels, restaurants)

The location…

The service…

The setting… (attractive / disappointing)

The staff… (waiters, staff at reception, room service…)

The prices… (reasonable / expensive)

Good / poor value for money

Book in advance

The hotel facilities….

run by / owed by…

Template

Title: i.e. A place to be avoided / A place to be visited ASAP…

Introduction: I recently (summarise the film / experience etc. and give your general opinion) ……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………..

Paragraph 1: (your viewpoint on one aspect/theme) What I most liked was ………

…………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….…………………………………

Paragraph 2: (your viewpoint on one aspect) What I most disliked was ………………

…………………………………………………….…………………………………………………….…………………………………

Conclusion or recommendation(s): To conclude ….…..…..…..…..…..…..…..…..…..…..……… ……………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………….

I therefore recommend ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Comments

Have any doubts or questions about Writing a Review in English? Please post them below! We look forward to hearing from you.

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