THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT

Reading Model Reviews

Exercise Two
The following two reviews were written by students for the school magazine. One review is a novel, the
other us a film. Notice how the writes try to slant the reviews to their audience.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS reviewed by Deepak Thandir

Have you ever liked the hero in a novel so much that you wanted to everything to turn out all right
for him? I felt like this when I read ‘Great Expectations’ by Charles Dickens. I’d like to recommend it for
the school library because I’m sure other students will identify with the main character too.
Set in bleak 19th century England, the novel tells the story of a poor orphan call Pip, who secretly
helps an escaped prisoner. His good turn has unexpected consequences and he becomes rich beyond his
wildest dreams. I won’t spoil the story by telling you how the plot twists and turns, but I can guarantee
surprises in store!
In a style I found plainly direct, Pip shares his innermost thoughts and aspirations – even ideas he
later become ashamed of. During the course of the novel, Pip changes a lot. He becomes more aware of
his shortcomings and more compassionate. He pays a high price for self-knowledge and, like me; I think
you’ll be moved to tears at the end.
One of the things I leaned from reading the novel is how corrupting money is. Pip, for
example, no longer cares about keeping his promises he made when he was poor. The novel made me
think about how the values of loyalty and integrity are more worthwhile than any amount of material
wealth.
The novel provides a vivid and rewarding insight into 19 th century Britain. Students who have
chosen English language and literature as a subject will find it particularly fascinating.

NOTES COMPREHENSION CHECK

Aspirations: hopes 1. What is the title of the novel and who is the
Shortcomings: personal fallings author?
Compassionate: feeling pity for others 2. When and where is the story set?
Corrupting: causing to become dishonest or immoral 3. Why does Pip become rich?
Integrity: honesty 4. How does pip change during the novel?
5. Why does Deepak think money is corrupting