WRITING WORKSHOP

REVIEW
2022/2023
Gunita Broka
gunita.broka@uneatlantico.es
Review:
An opinion about a book, a
movie, a restaurant, etc.
written in a semi-formal
style.
 How can I write a review?
Let’s see some useful language and
Informal letter structures!

When asked to write a review you will be given a task like

this:
Structure
Put these in order to create the structure of a review!

1. Give your opinion on it (positive and negative)

2. Tell who would you recommend it to.
3. Give it a title.
4. Describe the object of your review (book, film,
restaurant…)
5. Introduce what you´re going to speak about.
Structure

1. Give it a title.
2. Introduce what you´re going to speak about.
3. Describe the object of your review (book, film,
restaurant…)
4. Give your opinion on it (positive and negative)
5. Tell who would you recommend it to.
Example of a review:
 • Introduction
• The film I would like to review is… / The book I’m going to
review is…
• The last film I saw/book I read was…
• Last week I saw/read…
• … is an excellent film/book.

• Summarizing the story:

• It’s set in…
• The story is based on a book…
• It’s about…
REVIEW • There are many memorable characters, including…
• The main theme of the film is…
• What the film is saying is…
• The key moments are…
• This documentary was all about…
• It follows the life of…

• Giving opinion:
• It was excellent
• I found it fascinating
• I particularly liked/disliked…
• It’s very dramatic
 • Giving recommendations:
• I would recommend this film to anyone / I would
recommend anyone to…
• Although I enjoyed it, I would not recommend it
for…
• It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen.
• Although I am not normally keen on musicals, I’m
REVIEW glad that I decided to go.
• The film lifts you out of your everyday life.
• The film makes you feel good.
• For those people who liked … will love…
• I cannot recommend this film enough.
• This is a must for…
• It’s definitely worth seeing/reading.
 • Expressing your opinion:
• In my opinion, …
• In my eyes, …
• To my mind, …
• As far as I am concerned, …
• Speaking personally, …
• From my point of view, …
• As for me / As to me, …
My view / opinion / belief / impression / conviction is
REVIEW
•

that …
• I hold the view that …
• I would say that …
• It seems to me that …
• I am of the opinion that …
• My impression is that …
• I am under the impression that …
• It is my impression that …
• I have the feeling that …
 • Expressing your opinion:
• My own feeling on the subject is that …
• I have no doubt that …
• I am sure / I am certain that …
• I think / consider / find / feel / believe /
suppose / presume / assume/reckon that …
REVIEW • I hold the opinion that …
• I dare say that …
• I guess that …
• I bet that ….
• I gather that …
• It goes without saying that …
 • Linking

• As I have said before…

• With respect to the point on…
• Regarding…
REVIEW
• Like I have said…
• In relation to…
• Taking into account…
 • Positive vocabulary
• Everyone should read this immediately! 
• (name of the book) is gripping, with many twists
and turns.
• I couldn´t stop reading it!
• This is a remarkable story.
• It´s easy to read. 
• It´s a page turner.
• It has a good story line. 
REVIEW • This book is amazing down to the last page. 
• It´s easy to read and difficult to forget. 
• It is also sad and exciting. 
• This book is both humorous and educational.
• The book made me feel...
• It will leave the readers with a great deal to think
about. 
• I think this book is perfect for people of my age....
• Everyone will find something to appreciate. 
 • Negative vocabulary:
• I wouldn´t read the novel again
because....
• I don´t think this book is suitable for
people... because....
REVIEW • The story is dull and mundane. 
• The plot is predictable and
unimaginative.
• Reading this book would be a waste
of time.
Thank you for your attention.

Any questions?