1. Reviews

2. Definition
A review is an article in a newspaper or magazine in which someone gives their views on a book, play, film, TV programme, etc.

3. Purpose Factual information about the subject.
Opinion to help the reader.

4. Structure

5. Structure
Overview (factual info such as author/director, plot, parts of the work, etc).
Pros and Cons.
Verdict.

6. Overview Some factual details that could be included:
The title of the book, film, CD, concert…
The author, director, main actors, singer, group…
Publishing/ Release date
The type of book/genre, film, CD, etc.: love story, thriller, Rock ‘n’ Roll…
The intended audience: adults, teenagers…
The publisher, the cinema, channel, label, venue…
The price.

7. Structure: Overview Some other opinion details that could be included:
A rating based on the star system.

8. Structure: Pros and Cons
Detailed comments on the strengths and weaknesses.
Objective views (based on facts).
Subjective views (based on personal feelings).
WRITING TIPS: Give clear reasons for your comments and try to be balanced and not completely one-sided.

9. Structure: Verdict Summing-up and recommendations.
Make it clear whether you:
Recommend the subject without any reservations.
Recommend the subject with 1 or 2 reservations.
Don’t recommend the subject at all.
Readers often look at the last paragraph.

10. Paragraph Planning (a book/film review)
A brief introduction and background, including the genre (type) and reasons you chose to review this particular title.
A description of the main characters and their relationships to one another.
A summary of the plot
Comments on the strengths and weaknesses.
A personal opinion and summary of who else might like to read, see or play it.

11. Useful Language
Overview (1):

12. Useful Language
Pros and Cons (1):

13. Useful Language: Structure
BOOK REVIEW:
It is published by…
It is illustrated by…
It tells the story of…
The plot centres on…
This is a love story / a thriller / a classic…
The story is set in…
The book is about…

14. Useful Language: Structure (book review)
Pros and Cons (2):
It is extremely readable/rather heavy
It is a beautifully written novel
It is extremely well-written.
It is really imaginative / full of suspense / thought-provoking…
Parts of the book are very funny / sad / exciting..
The characters are very life-like / not very convincing…
The ending is really unexpected / surprising / spine-chilling / funny…
I found the ending a bit boring / predictable / disappointing…

15. Useful Language: Structure
Verdict:
On balance,
In conclusion
To sum up
I really recommend it.
It is well-worth reading!

16. Useful Language Comparing and contrasting:
X is a bit / considerably more original than…
X isn’t quite as good as…
While / Whereas X is…, Y is…
Neither… / Both…

17. Useful Language: Content (music review)
Balancing an opinion:
I found the lyrics incomprehensible at times , but… / However, …
Although (the lead singer has a great voice / the show is a big hit with the public), …
Even so, (her performance will stay in the memory for a long time / the show makes great family viewing).
Despite this / In spite of this / And yet I enjoyed nearly every track on it .
On the other hand, (I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it / the concept doesn’t really work).

18. Useful Language: Content
Summarising:
So, (two different artists but)…
All in all, if you’re going to buy one book / watch one programme this week…
Quite simply, (this is the best…)

19. Useful Language: Film Reviews
The film is directed / produced by…
It is set in…
It stars…
The role of X is played by…
It portrays / shows…
It conveys a sense of…
X gives a superb / thrilling / disappointing performance…
I can thoroughly recommend…
I found the plot rather weak / unconvincing

20. Exercise #1 – Basic Vocabulary: Book, Play or Film?
Extras characters a classic a scene The author a star a performance A thriller the plot a flop a chapter A role a script a masterpiece an act A box-office hit the stage

21. Exercise #1 – Basic Vocabulary: Book, Play or Film?

22. Exercise #1 – Basic Vocabulary: Book, Play or Film?
Characters
A classic
A best-seller
The author
A thriller
The plot
A chapter
A masterpiece
A scene
The cast
A star
A performance
A script
A box-office hit
The stage
An act
Extras
A flop

23. Exercise #2 - Evaluation: Positive or Negative phrases?
(particularly) memorable (entirely) predictable (truly) original (really) lively (excruciatingly) boring (totally) unconvincing over the top (extremely) popular (almost) inaudible (incredibly) stylish (vastly) overrated entertaining (profoundly) moving (quite) sophisticated (absolutely) hilarious (refreshingly) different (a bit) flat (beautifully) recorded

24. Exercise #2 - Evaluation: Positive or Negative phrases?

25. Exercise #2 - Evaluation: Positive or Negative phrases?
(particularly) memorable
(truly) original
(really) lively
(extremely) popular
(incredibly) stylish
entertaining
(profoundly) moving
(quite) sophisticated
(absolutely) hilarious
(refreshingly) different
(beautifully) recorded
(entirely) predictable
(excruciatingly) boring
(totally) unconvincing
over the top
(almost) inaudible
(vastly) overrated
(a bit) flat

26. Exercise #3 - Analysis: Five Reviews
Which review contains the most factual information?
Which one expresses strong personal opinions?
Which one do you think is the most balanced?
Which review is the most formal?