HOW TO WRITE A REVIEW

A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine, newspaper,

etc. giving a brief description and evaluation of the film, book, play, TV/ radio
programme, etc. It may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended
readership, and is usually written using present tenses.

 It is a good idea to use an attractive title.

 First paragraph: Say what you are reviewing.
 Second paragraph: Give your opinion of what you are reviewing linked to the
question.
 Summarise your view and include a recommendation.
 Remember a review is not just a list of facts - it's largely your opinion.
 More hints:
o Use a personal or more neutral style, according to the target reader.
o It is important that you show a range of structures in the language of
opinion, description and recommendation.
o Add vivid language to add interest.

USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR A REVIEW

Giving and opinion Good opinion

 What I liked most was …..

 What I really loved about… is…
 The thing I liked most was ….
 I was pleasantly surprised by …..
 ….. would appeal to …..
 If you get a chance to ….

Adjectives for giving a good opinion:

Exceptional / Good value / Gripping / Lively/memorable/

stunning /superb /well-written or acted.
Bad opinion

 What I disliked most was …..

 I was disappointed by/with ……
 The criticism I would make is that…

Adjectives for giving a bad opinion:

Disappointing/dreadful/inadequate/poor/dull/predictable/

Sub-standard/ unconvincing /unimaginative

Making a  I would strongly/highly recommend
recommendation  I certainly wouldn’t recommend
 I strongly advise you (not) to
 …is not to be missed!
 You should read/see/go/do…!

Reviews of films  starring

 star actor/actress
 lead role
 secondary role
 She/He plays a …….
 cast / director / producer
 is set in …..
 based on a true story …..
 Costumes / design / photography / script / special
effects / soundtrack
 ending

Reviews of hotels,  location

restaurants, etc  service
 setting
 owned by
 run by
 staff …….
 hotel facilities ….
 reasonable prices …..
 (a bit/somehow) expensive
 Overpriced
 good/excellent/poor value for money …..
 not worth the money
 always fully booked
 book in advance

Reviews of books  main character

 is set in
 Fiction: science fiction / thriller / fantasy / mystery
/ historical / romance ...
 Non-fiction: cook book / travel book / textbook /
manual / coffee-table book ...
 atmosphere / plot
 written by
 chapter
 bestseller
 ending
REVIEW MODEL

You have seen this announcement in a magazine.

Restaurant reviews wanted

Have you been to a good restaurant recently?

Write us a review of the restaurant, telling us about the location, the service, the
menu, the prices, etc. We will publish the best reviews next month.

Delorean Restaurant

Delorean Restaurant is a restaurant situated in the heart of Valencia city. It is the

favourite hangout place for young people.

When sitting at any table you have a wonderful view of the workshop-like kitchen where
you can see the chefs working. For those who do not book a table and are waiting, there
is a cosy lounge with modern and comfortable leather armchairs and pictures of abstract
art on the walls.

The menu offers a wide variety of mouth-watering starters. The menu changes
seasonally, but don't miss the "outstanding" dish: duck foie gras crème brûlée with
caramelised almonds and poppy seeds. The main course consisted of a smoky pork T-
bone cooked in the oven, with burnt plums adding an astringent edge, It all was followed
by a delicious apple pie served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

All the products were fresh. The chefs take great care in selecting the best quality
ingredients. The restaurant also caters for all tastes by providing a large selection of the
best wines of the region.

The service was excellent too and is always around willing to exchange nice words with
all their clients.

I had a pleasant dining experience with food of the most exquisite flavours, good service
and reasonable price. For this reason I highly recommend going to Delorean restaurant.