Reviews

Definition

A review is an article in a newspaper or magazine in which someone gives their views on a book, play, film, TV programme, etc.

Purpose

Factual information about the subject.

Opinion to help the reader.

Structure

Structure

Overview (factual info such as author/director, plot, parts of the work, etc).

Pros and Cons. Verdict.

Overview

Some factual details that could be included:

The title of the book, film, CD, concert… The author, director, main actors, singer, group… Publishing/ Release date The type of book/genre, film, CD, etc.: love story, thriller,

Rock ‘n’ Roll… The intended audience: adults, teenagers… The publisher, the cinema, channel, label, venue… The price.

Structure: Overview

Some other opinion details that could be included:

A rating based on the star system.

Structure: Pros and Cons

Detailed comments on the strengths and weaknesses.

Objective views (based on facts). Subjective views (based on personal feelings). WRITING TIPS: Give clear reasons for your

comments and try to be balanced and not completely one-sided.

Structure: Verdict

Summing-up and recommendations. Make it clear whether you:

– Recommend the subject without any reservations.– Recommend the subject with 1 or 2 reservations.– Don’t recommend the subject at all.

Readers often look at the last paragraph.

Paragraph Planning (a book/film review)

1. A brief introduction and background, including the genre (type) and reasons you chose to review this particular title.

2. A description of the main characters and their relationships to one another.

3. A summary of the plot4. Comments on the strengths and weaknesses.5. A personal opinion and summary of who else

might like to read, see or play it.

Useful Language

Overview (1):

Useful Language

Pros and Cons (1):

Useful Language: Structure

BOOK REVIEW:

• It is published by…• It is illustrated by…• It tells the story of…• The plot centres on…• This is a love story / a thriller / a classic…• The story is set in…• The book is about…

Useful Language: Structure (book review)

Pros and Cons (2):

• It is extremely readable/rather heavy• It is a beautifully written novel• It is extremely well-written.• It is really imaginative / full of suspense / thought-provoking…• Parts of the book are very funny / sad / exciting..• The characters are very life-like / not very convincing…• The ending is really unexpected / surprising / spine-chilling / funny…• I found the ending a bit boring / predictable / disappointing…

Useful Language: Structure

Verdict:• On balance,• In conclusion• To sum up• I really recommend it.• It is well-worth reading!

Useful Language

Comparing and contrasting:• X is a bit / considerably more original than…• X isn’t quite as good as…• While / Whereas X is…, Y is…• Neither… / Both…

Useful Language: Content(music review)

Balancing an opinion:• I found the lyrics incomprehensible at times , but… /

However, …• Although (the lead singer has a great voice / the show is a

big hit with the public), …• Even so, (her performance will stay in the memory for a

long time / the show makes great family viewing).• Despite this / In spite of this / And yet I enjoyed nearly

every track on it .• On the other hand, (I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it /

the concept doesn’t really work).

Useful Language: Content

Summarising:• So, (two different artists but)…• All in all, if you’re going to buy one book / watch

one programme this week…• Quite simply, (this is the best…)

Useful Language: Film Reviews The film is directed / produced by… It is set in… It stars… The role of X is played by… It portrays / shows… It conveys a sense of… X gives a superb / thrilling / disappointing

performance… I can thoroughly recommend… I found the plot rather weak / unconvincing

Exercise #1 – Basic Vocabulary:Book, Play or Film?

Extras characters a classic a sceneThe author a star a performanceA thriller the plot a flop a chapterA role a script a masterpiece an actA box-office hit the stage

Exercise #1 – Basic Vocabulary: Book, Play or Film?

Book Play Film

Exercise #1 – Basic Vocabulary: Book, Play or Film?

Book Play FilmCharactersA classicA best-sellerThe authorA thrillerThe plotA chapterA masterpiece

A classicA sceneThe castThe authorA starA performanceThe plotA scriptA masterpieceA box-office hitThe stageAn act

ExtrasA sceneThe castA starA thrillerThe plotA flopA scriptA masterpieceA box-office hit

Exercise #2 - Evaluation:Positive or Negative phrases?

(particularly) memorable (entirely) predictable (truly) original

(really) lively (excruciatingly) boring(totally) unconvincing

over the top (extremely) popular

(almost) inaudible (incredibly) stylish (vastly) overrated

entertaining (profoundly) moving (quite) sophisticated

(absolutely) hilarious (refreshingly) different

(a bit) flat (beautifully) recorded

Exercise #2 - Evaluation:Positive or Negative phrases?

Positive Negative

Exercise #2 - Evaluation:Positive or Negative phrases?

Positive Negative(particularly) memorable(truly) original(really) lively(extremely) popular(incredibly) stylishentertaining(profoundly) moving(quite) sophisticated(absolutely) hilarious(refreshingly) different(beautifully) recorded

(entirely) predictable(excruciatingly) boring(totally) unconvincingover the top(almost) inaudible(vastly) overrated(a bit) flat

Exercise #3 - Analysis:Five Reviews

1. Which review contains the most factual information?

2. Which one expresses strong personal opinions?

3. Which one do you think is the most balanced?

4. Which review is the most formal?