1. Learning Objective:
ENGAGE with the features of a review.
Learning Outcome:
Produce my own review using ambitious language.

2. What is a review?
A review is a piece of writing. They are published in newspapers, magazines and online so are chatty in style.
The writer gives their opinion on what they thought about something.
Reviews can be written about almost anything:
Hotels
Restaurants
Films
TV shows
Songs/Albums
Products like clothes, mobile phones
Sport events.

3. Writing a review
You may be asked to write a review. A review is basically your account of an event and your thoughts and feelings on it.
A review usually follows the same structure:
A brief description of what you are reviewing.
A bit more detail with examples to highlight what was good or bad about it.
Your opinion.
Top tips for writing a review
If you are asked to write a review about a film or book, don’t give away the ending.
End with an evaluation and marks out of 5 or 10.
If possible, write about any technical details e.g. in a film review you could write about the special effects / settings / the director / the acting.
Your review topic (film) can be real or imaginary.

4. Find six more exciting synonyms for these words:
boring
exciting
brilliant
scary

5. Main features of a review
A heading, often the name of a book, film, television programme etc.
An introductory paragraph which may give some background information e.g. ‘This is the third book in the series...’
Middle paragraphs that discuss the book, CD, film without giving too much away.
A concluding paragraph which is an opinion and perhaps a comparison of this with other work by the artist/writer.
There will also be a recommendation and a star rating.
Examiner Tips
Choose some music, film or a book that you know well.
Aim to do four paragraphs.
Think about the format – introduction, outline, conclusion and opinion.

6. Features of a Review
Written in first person – “I think”, “I feel” etc.
Anecdotal or “chatty” in style. Informal language is used to suit audience.
Adjectives to describe.
Facts about the product.
Comparison to other similar products.
Balance – acknowledges the other viewpoint.
Recommendation and star rating.
Look at the review of Skyfall, the James Bond film.

7. Skyfall – 50 years and still going strong
Having been told by friends about this ‘amazing new film’ they had just seen, I thought it was time to see it. The latest instalment in the Bond series does not fail to deliver. Starting with one of the longest, most complex chase scenes in cinema history, the movie sees Bond journey through a series of familiar and unfamiliar scrapes and scenarios.
What is the film about?
The story centres on Bond investigating an attack on MI6; the attack is part of a plot by former MI6 operative Raoul Silva to humiliate, discredit and kill M as revenge against her for betraying him. The plot is exciting and had me sitting on the edge of my seat!
What did I like about it?
Daniel Craig is as cool as expected, perhaps more serious and less amusing than Connery, but definitely cooler. Javier Bardem, is one of the creepiest but most memorable villains I’ve seen in a long time. Sam Mendes, Skyfall director, explained, “Javier’s performance as Silva is superb! He will terrify audiences with highly captivating performance.” Faster-paced and more ‘old-school’ than either Casino Royale or Quantum of Solace I absolutely preferred this film. The only downfall I encountered was Adele’s droning theme tune. If you are a fan of the Bassey ‘Goldfinger’ or even Turner’s ‘Goldeneye’ then ‘Skyfall’ the song might disappoint. Nevertheless, the theme tune is not going to make or break a film and this film, in my opinion, is unbreakable. I think this is a Bond film up there with the greats. So get to your local cinema now for the best cinematic experience this year.
Five out of five stars.

8. Your task
Write a review of a film of your choice for your school magazine. (20 marks)
Top tips for writing a review
If you are asked to write a review about a film or book, don’t give away the ending
Consider ending with an evaluation and marks out of 10
If possible, write about any technical details e.g. in a film / play review you could write about the special effects / settings / the director / the acting
Your review topic (film) can be real or imaginary.
Vary sentence types, sentence starters and punctuation.