REVIEW

It is a personal opinion with a semi-formal language so, it is possbile and quite common to use
contraction: it’s, don’t, wasn’t...

In the different contexts, it is essential that:

 - The topics from the instructions will be answered.

 - The structure will be clear and organised (what are you talking about exactly, details about
the topic and your opinion).
 - The review draws the reader’s attention at any time.
-
 The topic could vary from different types, depending on the aspects you want to
remark and at the same time, on the experience that you have previously have.

Based on different factors, you can be asked to talk about:

- A book.
- A film.
- A restaurant.
- A hotel.
- A website.
- A tv series
- etc.
Use a conversational style in your writing,
especially when giving your own opinion, eg.

"I found the hotel extremely comfortable; the

lounge area was quiet and peaceful with
large plush sofas and armchairs.”
However, avoid very informal expressions and
adjectives which may sound too emotive or have
little clear meaning, eg.
"It was a great hotel - the lounge was fantastic
and had really comfy places to sit.”
The aim of a review is so that people reading it can decide whether that
hotel, restaurant, film etc. would be suitable for them. For that reason,
your review should be descriptive using adjectives that are non-emotive
and as precise as possible. Remember that what you like may not be
appealing to someone else.

"The hotel is located at a 5-minute walk from a very clean beach of

white sand and crystal clear water. Access to the beach, however,
means walking down some rather precarious and dangerous
steps. ...”
Once you have offered a clear description, you can add your own opinions,
which could be positive or negative. Your opinions should be supported
with why you liked or didn't like a particular thing.

"... Although I thought the beach was quite idyllic and uncrowded for
the time of year, you need to be fairly agile and daring to get to it. I
had to make my way down those steps very carefully!"

If you remember that a review is intended to be read by people of all

tastes, income brackets and ages, you will write a text that will be more
useful to everyone.
 Place
Title (name of placet)

(Name/location)

(Atmosphere/decor)

Main service provided by the place

(The service/the waiters/the owner)

(Recommendation)
 Book/film
Title
Introduction
Title, author/director, genre, target, aim, relation to other
work
Brief description
Setting, main storyline, main characters
Opinion
Elements of the book/ film which you found enjoyable/
disappointing, e.g. characterization, pace, plot, dialogue,
sound/ visual effects, with reasons and examples.
Recommendation
Memorable/ unusual aspects, success of work in relation to
its aim, recommendation or not.
 Product
Title
Introduction (state clearly what you are reviewing)

1st body paragraph (technical features/ characteristics) give opinion and facts
about the features but leave over all evaluation to the last paragraph

2nd body paragraph ( give a balance of pros and cons)

Recommendation and reason (if mentioned before, rephrase)

 Event
Title (name of the event)
(when / what the event is/ where it took place/ who did you go with/ why
this one)

(atmosphere/ tickets/ prices/ seats/design)

(what you liked/ disliked(opinion)/ elements of success of the events)

(recommendation and why?)

POSITIVE DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES
 good value for money
 action-packed
 You mustn’t miss…
addictive
 amusing / funny
 Interesting / fascinating
 brilliant / fabulous / splendid
 flawless / impecable / delightful
 gripping / thrilling / haunting
 unpredictable / impressive
 moving / emotional
 well-acted / well-directed
 A strong point/ strength…
 Don’t miss…/ You shouldn’t miss…/
 I (highly/ thoroughly) recommend
this… for…
 If you like…, you’ll love… It will
make you feel…
 It’s (really/ well) worth + -ing…
 It’s suitable for…
 My favourite… You won’t regret…
 (To be) one in a million
NEGATIVE DESCRIPTIVE ADJECTIVES
 annoying / irritating  I couldn’t really get into…
 awful / dreadful / terrible  There is/was a lack of…
 bland / boring / tedious /dull  I would only recommend…
 chaotic  It’s not really worth + -ing
 commercial  I’d avoid
 confusing  My (main) criticism is…
 disappointing  One of the (main) weaknesses…
 expensive / overpriced / bad value
for money
 monotonous / repetitive / predictable
 odd / strange / weird