Reviewing books, films, plays

Postyka Irina,teacher of school 101

Krasnodar

Reviews are short descriptions of books,

films, plays, etc.They are usually written on websites, in magazines, newspapers or as a part of a letter to inform readers or to give them your opinion, recommendation about whether or not they should read the book, see the film.

Present Tenses are usually used and a variety of adjectives to make your comments clearer and more precise.

A review usually consists of

An introduction gives background information about the book, film, play : the title, type, the name of author, director.

A main body consists of two paragraphs: one gives a summary of the plot; the other gives general comments on the plot, main characters, etc.

A conclusion recommends or doesn’t recommend the book, film, play; gives reasons to support or recommendation.

Introduction

Title) is a novel by (author). (Title) was written by (author). The story is about (topic). The novel tells the story of(hero/topic). (Title) tells of (hero), who ... In (title) by (author), the reader is taken into (place/time of story). (Title) is the story of (hero/action/...) (Title) is set in the period of (event).

Content As the story begins, ... During ... While ... As/When ... Since/As ... Just then ... After ... Before ... Soon ... One day/evening…However,…

Some time later…Meanwhile…Again, once again…At this point…To his surprise…Eventually…Finally….

Focus on your thoughts and

feelingsTry answering a couple of the following questions:Who was your favorite character, and why? Did the characters feel real to you? Did the story keep you guessing? What was your favorite part of the book, and why? Were certain types of scene written particularly well - for example sad scenes, tense scenes, mysterious ones…? Did the book make you laugh or cry?

Round up your review

Summarize some of your thoughts on the book by suggesting the type of reader you'd recommend the book to. For example: younger readers, older readers, fans of relationship drama/mystery stories/comedy. Are there any books or series you would compare it to?

Your home task :• to write a review of one of

Shakespeare’s works;• use the vocabulary of the

unit;• use the tips for writing a

review.Good luck!