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 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………
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