Reviews

ln-the writing test (paper z) you may be asked to write a review in question 5 in relation to one of the set texts' You might arso have the opportunity of writing a review in one of the other questions. This will probably be a review of something other than a book (e.g. a film, a play, a computer game, music, a restaurant). whatever kind of review you are writing, you need to be abre to describe accurately and concisery and to convey your opinion in a crear andinieresting fashion.

What

is

the purpose of a review?

a b

c
d e

to interest and entertain the reader to describe the subject ofthe review to the reader to convey the writer's opinion about the sub.iect ofthe review to promote the subject of the review
something else

Read the

. . .

film review. Then make notes on: facts about the film and its plot. phrases that convey the writer,s opinion ofthe film. things included to interest and entertain the reader.

WRITING FOLDER 7

ls there anything else about the language ofthe review that you think in some way reflects the content of the film?

There are a lot offixed phrases and collocations in the review. Try to complete these gbprwithout looking back at the review.

a take a f...............Ieap into b e................watchable c the s................ home of d f............... in love with e integrates s................with
u................

impressive
special effects

g h

rn...............

a t............... fascinating

story

. an eye-catching title . basic detaiis about what you are reviewhg . firther information about key details (e.gl people, location, etc.) . a deta. ed summary of what you are reviewing (e.g. the plot) . a mixture of past tenses (e.g. to give informatio, Jbout u fil_) . . . .

Work with a partner. Look at the checklist below Discuss which features are most important in a review and why.

und present tenses (e.g. to make a plot sound exciting) a stfe that is suitable for a specific audience evocative adjectiyes a balanced discussion of any positive and negative aspects a recommendation about what you are reviewing or i summary of who might enjoy it

Nowtry this exam task.

An international arts magazine is preparing a feature on TV programmes that viewers find particularly original or unusual. Write a revlew in which you: outline the programme you choose explain why you consider it original or unusuai o discuss what you believe _the aims oJ the programme makers were comment on whether you felt the programme achieved its successfully or not.

. .

r
I

aims

Write your review in an appropriate style. Write 220_260 words.