Prfa.
Marta Peinado
A review
How to write your opinion about a book or film
Hints
! • The great strength/ One particular strength of this
A critical review is much more
than a simple summary; it is an
analysis and evaluation of a book,
article, film or other medium.
The purpose of most reviews is to
help readers in determining
whether they want to watch the
film or read the book.
Both book and movie reviews
analyze the effectiveness of the
plot, theme, style, construction of
characters, etc, in the case of
books; or acting, direction, special
effects, musical effects,
cinematography, and all other
elements in a movie.
There are guidelines that a
critique of a movie/book should
follow: Avoid the use of
generalized opinions such as “oh,
it was a great movie” or “the
acting was horrible,” but rather
give specific reasons and the
whys.
Signal words and phrases Structure
! 1. You can start by writing some
Strengths (and weaknesses) of the film/book
details about the book/film,
… is … such as author, director,
• The film/book provides a fascinating/valuable/
where and when it is set, etc.
2. Specify the type of book/film
revealing insight into …
it is
• The acting is very impressive / convincing
3. Mention the book's theme.

• … gives a compelling performance as …
• There’s something for everyone in the film/book,
Sometimes you will need to
from … to … include background
• The book/film is full of interesting stories/facts information to enable
about … reader(s) to place the book
• … is fascinating/amazing/gripping/compelling into a specific context. For
• My only criticism of the film/book would be that example, you might want to
… describe the general problem
the book addresses or earlier
• One particular weakness of this film/book is …
• I found the plot rather predictable/disappointing work the author or others
• The design/characterization … is second to
have done.
4. Write a basic outline of the
none / not its best feature
plot.
Final recommendation
5. Comment on the strengths
• It is a definite must-see
• It is an excellent read
and weaknesses of the film/
book.
• It is entertaining and I highly recommend it to 6. Write a final recommendation
anyone who is interested in …
• For all lovers of …, it is a must
• I would strongly advise you (not) to go out and
see/buy it
Research questions
•What are the strong points of the
• It will have you roaring with laughter/laughing out book/film?
loud from the very beginning •What are the weak points?
• It will have you rushing out to see/buy the sequel •Has it taught me anything?
•Have I read/watched anything similar
• All in all, if it’s action/excitement/amusement you
before?
want, this film/book is for you
• I would definitely give it a miss
!