Writing a review

A review is a special type of article written for
publication in a magazine, newspaper, on a
website, etc., giving a brief description and
evaluation of a film, book, play, TV/radio
programme, CD, restaurant, festival,etc.
It may be formal or semi-formal in style,
depending on its intended readership, and is
usually written using present tenses.

A review is an easy way to
let other people know
if you liked film, book, play, TV/radio
programme, etc. .They are
short descriptions where
we express our opinion
and recommendations
about them.

An Introduction
in which you have to mention the title, the type
of the book/play/film/etc., the setting (i.e.
when/where), the theme, the main characters,
etc., generally speaking, you summarise all its
background information, or you may have to
introduce the topic and could give your overall
opinion.

It normally consists of two or more paragraphs:
1. containing the main points of the plot in
chronological order without revealing the
ending or any big surprises, and
2. evaluating such features as the acting,
writing style, direction, characters, etc.
In other words, you express
your opinion on different
aspects of the thing being
reviewed always giving
reasons and/or examples to
support it.

in which …
 there is a summary
of your views and which
includes a general assess-
ment of the book/film/play,
etc.;
 in which you recommend
or do not recommend it
giving reasons why someone
should see the film/play or
read the book, how it has
influenced you, etc.

The number and length of paragraphs
varies depending on the topic.

Introduction
Paragraph 1
background – type of
story, setting, theme,
main characters, etc.
Main Body
Paragraph 2
Main points of the plot
Paragraph 3
comments on various
features e.g. acting,
plot, characters, etc.
Paragraphs 4-5*
explanation,
reason/example
Conclusion
Final Paragraph
overall assessment of
work/recommendation
* The exact number and
division of paragraphs
will depend on the
specific requirements of
each writing task.
Plan

 Book review
 Music review
 Bought review
 Movie review
 Peer review

A book review or a book report is a form of
literary criticism in which a book is analyzed
based on content,style,and merit

Music reviews includes performance review,
recording reviews and composition review

 A bought review is a system where a creator,
usually a company, of a new product
conducts a review of his new product.

 The evaluation of a movie and its assessment
is called movies review

 The process in which a scientist assesses the
work of their colleagues that has been
submitted for publication in the scientist
literature is called peer review

 Know your subject
 Know your audience
 Don’t be afraid to have a strong opinion
 Avoid “I” and “in my opinion”
 Give background
 Don’t spoil the ending

Knowing the subject is the
best technique to review write the
because it is necessary that you
have sufficient information about
the subject you have chosen
otherwise the whole purpose
of writing is lost.

 To write the perfect review you should know
about your audience so that you can write the
review according to the likes and dislikes of
the audience.

 While writing a review, do not be afraid of
writing your strong opinion because there is
nothing boring than a review that does not
have a strong opinion in it, so, you have to
stated it boldly

 To write a perfect review, avoid phrases like
“I” and “in my opinion” because such phrases
are unnecessary as your reader understand
that it is your opinion and your are writing
about it.

 If you want the reader to completely
understand the review, you should give the
background of the subject your review is
about.

 Do not spoil the ending of your review
because there is nothing the reader hates
more then spoiling the ending.

 Firstly, a review gives the reader a concise
summary of the content. This includes a
relevant description of the topic as well as its
overall perspective, argument or purpose.
 Secondly and more importantly, a review
offers a critical assessment of the content.
This involves your reactions to the work
under review: what strikes you as noteworthy,
whether or not it was effective or persuasive,
and how it enhanced your understanding of
the issues at hand.

 Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a
review often suggests whether or not the
audience would appreciate it.

 To begin reviews:
This well-written/informative/fascinating/thought-
provoking book is …
The film/book/play/etc. is set in …/tells the story of
…/is based on …
The film/play stars …/is directed by …/is the sequel
to …

 To end reviews:
You should definitely see/read …/Don’t miss it/You
might enjoy …
All in all, it is well worth seeing/reading, since …
On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it, in view of
the fact that …
It is a classic of its kind/It is sure to be a hit/best-
seller …

 To explain the plot:
The plot revolves around …/involves …/ focuses on
…/has an unexpected twist.
The story begins with …/unfolds/reaches a dramatic
climax when …

 Evaluating various features:
The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre
cast.
The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak/dis-
appointing/unconvincing.
gripping/dramatic/fascinating/
The plot is suspense-filled/fast-moving.
far-fetched/predictable/confusing/dull/
unimaginative.
The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/
boring/mundane.
It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively written/directed.

 Making a recommendation:
I (strongly/highly/wholeheartedly) recommend …
Anyone who enjoys (rock music) will love/should get
hold of …
Don’t miss …; it’s …

 Types of music:
Pop, rock. R'n'B, jazz, classical, country, hip hop,
metal, blues, world music, dance, reggae, soul,
punk, opera, drum 'n' bass, electronica, easy
listening, etc.
 Extra Vocabulary:
singer-songwriter, lyrics, tune, melody, ballad,
anthem, track, single, album.

Writing a review

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