a!

'll Module 5
- Language and literature

4 In pairs, think of at least five words as core topic

Writing 1 (Paper 2 Part 2: Review)
What makes a good review?
5 Discuss the meaning of these adjectives.
·A good review is an interesting and informative one.
Remember that, based on what you say, your readers
will either go and see that film, read that book, go to
that restaurant, or not!
·A review is likely to include narrative, descriptive,
explanatory and evaluative language.
vocabulary or core ideas for each type of review
mentioned in Exercises 3a and b.
acclaimed cliched exceptional gripping
hi-tech legendary mediocre (un)memorable
over-hyped over-priced over-the-top
sophisticated superb thriving true-to-life
up-to-scratch world -renowned

1 In which type of review (film, book, concert,

1 Stages of review-writing
restaurant, exhibition, magazine) wou ld you most
1 Read the rubric carefully. Who is going to read commonly find them?
your review? 2 Would you classify them as positive, negative or
2 Think of sub-topics or key points connected with neutral? Explain your answers.
the subj ect of the review.
3 Plan your review and decide how to order your
points.
4 Thi nk of core topic vocabu lary.
5 Thi nk of appropriate adjectives (+adverbs, if
desired) to express praise or criti cism.
6 Give your review a title.

2 Read the extracts from the two exam rubrics

below. Who are the target readers in each case?
What type of language will you use?

1 Your local town council has organised a

competition to encourage people to eat out
more often at local restaurants. To win the prize,
a free meal at a restaurant of your choice, you
must write a review for a tourist brochure of a
visit to a restaurant near where you live ...

2 An online literary magazine has requested

reviews of children's fiction. You decide to
submit a review of a children's novel ... 6a Read the writing task below. Make the plan for
your review. Use the notes on this page.

3a Look at the sub-topics below. To which type of Your local film society has invited reviews of a
review might they belong - a review of a recent film based on a book to include in their
restaurant (R), a concert (C), a film (F) or a book quarterly magazine. You have decided to write
(B)? Some may belong in more than one category. about a film you saw a few weeks ago. Write your
• acting review, giving your opinion on the acting, the
· atmosphere • length of programme scenery and the storyline, and stating how far it
· atmosphere/ambiance • location remained true to the book.
· camerawork/lighting • location/setting
· cast · plot/storyline
· characterisation · quality of food/service Introduction:
· choice of music (programme) · standard of players Para 1:
· cost/price · theme music Para 2:
· decor Para 3:
· historical/factual accuracy Conclusion/ Recommendation:
· interest level

b Now think of three or four sub-topics for a review b Write your review. Write between 280-320
of an exhibition and a magazine. words.
> EXPERT STRATEGIES page 169

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