HOW TO MAKE A REVIEW OF A BOOK OR FILM

1st Paragraph: you have to mention the title of the book / film and its
genre . You can also mention the author or director if you know it .

2nd Paragraph: you write your opinion about the film or book .

- First you have to make a summary without spoilers . It can be detailed

but without revealing the ending or essential pieces of information .
Speak about your favorite chapter or scene and justify why.

- Give your opinion about it : to do this you have to speak about :

a) Book :

- plot : A stale plot (manido), imaginative, real, unreal, fantastic, unsual,

original, turn of the screw, tightly-written (with cohesion), with a lot of
twists and turns.

 The topic of the book makes you think, can surprise you, can teach
you something. The plot can be: predictable, unpredictable,
compelling (if it makes you pay attention), tedious (boring), gripping
( it hooks on you/ you are hooked on it/ you can’t put the book
down- unputdownable ).

 Up-to-date topic (modern –fashionable)

- Characters : can be flat or round/complex

A flat character doesn’t change; a round one changes throughout the

book.

Characters can also be: heart-warming, believable, unbelievable, real ,

unreal, moving / too much perfect to identify with. It’s well developed, it’s
described clearly

-Setting : the place and time where the story takes place ( the story is set
in.... ; the story unfolds in.... ; creates an atmosphere or mood...

-Time : linear ; with flashbacks or flashforwards; ellipsis ( make it difficult

to follow)
-Ending :

 The ending of a story can be shocking, amazing/ surprising, original,

unpredictable, open , closed

 Types of novels: romantic, science fiction , historical, adventure

travel books, thrillers, mysteries, horror, stories, detective stories,
whodunnits.

B) FILMS

You can comment on the plot, characters , time etc but you also must
speak about Special effects ( amazing - surprising etc ) rating (top ,low )
and acting ( believable, dreadful or outstanding performance ) , if it is a
blockbuster (book -bestseller) , the cast or the soundtrack ( enhances the
plot , add significance to the film).

3rd Paragraph : RECOMMENDATION ( POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE)

VOCABULARY TO USE

 It’s worth watching it / it gets top ratings (stars) from me . It was an

outstanding film / it’s a waste of time and money / Give it a miss/
Not to be missed. / recommend it completely / it hooks you / if you
like ................I would go to see it . It's a must-see/ it's a worthwhile
watch / a smash hit . I certainly wouldn't recommend it because ....

 Use adverbs to emphasise : totally, completely, really , quite.