This project and its actions were made possible due to co-financing by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals Response/review writing Key words, definitions and examples Subject:English Age groups:8–11, 12–14, 15–16, 17–18 Topic:Non-fiction writing EAL Nexus resource Licence information | This resource is free to use for educational purposes. © British Council 2014 Source | This resource was originally developed by Charlotte Hurley and has been adapted by EAL Nexus.

Paragraph A part of a piece of writing that usually deals with one subject, that begins on a new line, and that is made up of one or more sentences. Key term Definition Example

Opinion A judgement or viewpoint on a particular matter  The singing was dreadful.  The colours don’t work well together.  The costumes were amazing. Key term Definition Examples

 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the 2001 film based on J.K. Rowling’s famous book.  The film was produced by David Heyman and stars Daniel Radcliffe. Background Information about the item being reviewed, e.g. when or where it was made or details about the people involved Key term Definition Examples

Orientate Direct the reader to a particular place in the performance or film, or a particular part of the artefact or product  Towards the end the actors were all on stage.  On the back of the watch there is a hidden compartment. Key term Definition Examples

Conclude To bring to an end  In conclusion …  Finally …  To summarise … Key term Definition Examples

Conjunction A word that is used to link other words or parts of a sentence to make compound or complex sentences and, but, or, because, when, if, so  The ending didn’t work because …  The main character was unlikeable when … Key term Definition Examples

Adjective A word which modifies and gives more information about a noun  boring packaging  clever design  amazing soundtrack Key term Definition Examples

Genre The type of film, performance or artwork being reviewed  Theatre: musical, comedy, dance, etc.  Film: Sci-fi, thriller, action, etc.  Art: Photography, sculpture, textiles, etc. Key term Definition Examples

Strengths The good (positive) points about the item  The best thing about the game is the quality of the graphics. Key term Definition Example

Weaknesses The bad (negative) points about the item  The disappointing part was the quality of the special effects. Key term Definition Example

Past tense A verb tense used to show an action that has already happened Key term Definition Example  I found that the sound effects were rather feeble.  It was impressive that it appealed to both adults and children.

Present tense A verb tense used to show an action that is happening now Key term Definition Example  I think that the sound effects are rather feeble.  It is impressive that it appeals to both adults and children.

Author The writer of a book, article or play Key term Definition Example  J.K Rowling  Shakespeare  Roald Dahl  Suzanne Collins