WRITING FILE
Review
useful language
Example task
giving an opinion
You see this announcement in your college magazine.
From my point of view, …
We need some film reviews to publish in the magazine next month.
I’d say that …
Have you seen a film which had special effects you thought were
important to the success of the film?
What I loved/hated about it was …
Write a review, explaining what the film was about and why you felt
the special effects were particularly important or effective. Would you
recommend this film to other people in the college?
What I found frustrating was …
It completely lived up to my expectations.
The best part was …
Write your review in 140–190 words.
describing or narrating
Example answer
What happened was …
An amazing film you won’t be able to forget!
Have you ever gone to see a film you were looking forward
to, and been even more impressed than you’d hoped?
Well, I saw ‘Journey to the Red Planet’ last week and it
exceeded my expectations. Not only was the plot gripping,
the special effects were literally out of this world.
It told the story of a family on their way to start a new life
on a distant planet, and the problems they encountered on
their journey. The acting was superb, but the special effects
were spectacular. I really felt as though I was sharing
the journey with them. One scene in particular, where
they passed through a meteor storm, was beautiful and
terrifying at the same time.
I won’t tell you what happened because I wouldn’t want
to spoil it, but it’s safe to say that you’ll have your heart in
your mouth many times. Although the acting was great,
it was the special effects that lifted this film to another
level, and the feelings they created stayed with me for days
afterwards.
If you’re a sci-fi fan like me, don’t miss this!
It was about …
Start with a
question or a
statement that
will interest the
reader.
making recommendations
I’d certainly/definitely/really/strongly
recommend it.
Despite the fact that … , I’d still recommend it.
Briefly describe
what you’re
reviewing.
Explain what was
so good about
the film.
Give an example
of something
that impressed
you.
Use a range
of adjectives
and colourful
language.
Explain the
importance
of the special
effects.
Finish with a
recommendation.
170
It tells the story of … who …
All in all, …
Make sure you don’t miss it.
You should definitely give it a go.
Exam help
• Include a title.
• Remember that the purpose of a review is to
inform, but also to entertain the reader.
• Write in a friendly style. Try to interest the
reader by asking a question at the beginning, and
giving your own experiences and opinions.
• Use a range of interesting language such as
adjectives and expressions to interest the reader.
• Divide your review into paragraphs.
• Finish with a clear recommendation and include
a reason for this.
Over to you
Now write your own answer to the task. Make sure
that you include everything required in the task and
use the Exam help to check your work.