WRITING 3.

FILM AND BOOK REVIEW

What’s a book review?

It is an expression of the reader’s opinion of the work, or of specific aspects of the
work. The review includes factual content but it is the reader’s personal opinions that
are most important.

• How can I start?

You have read your book. Your next step will be to organize what you are going to say
about it in your report. Writing the basic elements down in an outline format will help
you to organize your thoughts.
• How shall I organize the information? Normally a book review is divided into four
parts: introduction, summary, opinion and conclusion.

♣ Introduction:It should contain the book title and the name of the author. Then,
include a sentence that describes the book's genre (such as mystery, fantasy, biography,
essay, comedy or adventure). Finish the introduction writing why you chose this book
(the cover looked cool, you've read other books by the same author or you enjoy
mystery books).

♣ Summary: It is a short retelling of the plot( what happens in the book and
introduces the main characters) mentioning the setting (where and when the story takes
place) and the overall theme of the book is also good to include. Be careful not to re-tell
the whole story in detail as you want room in your report to write about other things

♣ Opinion: Now it's time to give a review of the book. You should include sentences
about how you liked the book, which characters you liked and disliked and how the
ending made you feel. Other good opinions to express are what you felt was the best
part of the story and any lessons you learned.

♣ Conclusion: It consists of the overall feelings and opinions on the story and whether
or not you would encourage others to read it and why. It might be appropriate to rate
the book to others written by the same author if the child has read them.
STRUCTURE AND USEFUL EXPRESSIONS

TITTLE/ OPENING PARAGRAPH (BACKGROUND INFORMATION)

- The film/book is entitled… (title)
- It was directed/written by…
- Regarding its genre, it could be classified as…
- As for its setting, it is located…(+place) and it takes place… (+time)

CENTRAL PARAGRAPHS
- The plot deals with… (Story in the Present Tense BUT NOT THE ENDING!!!)
- The plot is entertaining/exciting / gripping…
- The film cast / the book characters are superb/outstanding…
• The book tells the story of…
• The book/novel was written by…
• The story begins/ is about…
• The plot is absolutely thrilling/ boring/clever/ exciting..
• The character I like best is
- The film script / The book style is moving/touching…
- The ending is predictable / unpredictable / very clever / disappointing…
• It is beautifully /poorly written
• It has a tragic/dramatic /surprising end

CLOSING PARAGRAPH (RECOMMENDATION)

- I highly recommend it.
- It will keep you hooked until the end.
- Do not miss it. It is well worth + seeing/watching/reading
- It is truly entertaining.
• Don’t miss it
• I would/wouldn’t recommend it because..
• It is at the top of my list
• It’s a highly entertaining read
• Don’t bother with this one
 EXAMPLE

Champions
The film in entitled 'Champions' and was directed by Javier Fesser.
Regarding its genre, it could be classified as a tragic comedy. As for its
setting, it is located in Madrid and it takes place nowadays.

The plot deals with Marco, a basketball trainer at one of the top teams
in Spain. He is stressed out at work because he is going through some
difficulties with his wife at home, so he gets fired. Later, he has a traffic
accident while he is driving drunk. Marco should choose between jail or
training a non-professional basketball team.

This team is extraordinary because their players are people with some
intellectual disabilities. At first, he is irritated because he is not keen on
carrying out his community service, however in the end he gets involved
and creates strong bonds with the players.

The plot is gripping from beginning to end. It is full of touching moments

regarding his relationship with his wife and the players. It is a story full
of tenderness and humour.

I strongly recommend this film. The cast acting is outstanding and the
film reminds us to include one hundred per cent of people because
everybody has something to offer us.