1 Read about the review in Part 2 of the Writing paper.
In Part 2 of the Writing paper, you choose a task from three possible ones. One of the tasks might be a review. The task will give details about what you should review and what aspects of it you should discuss. It will also say where people will read your review, e.g. on a website or in a magazine or newspaper.
You should make sure you cover all the points in the task, and structure your review in a suitable way. You should talk about your personal experience of a product or experience, give your own opinion of it clearly, and make a recommendation for your reader. You should write 140–190 words.
2 Read the exam task. What should you write a review of? What points should you include? Where will people read your review?
You see this notice in an English-language magazine.
Film reviews wanted
What films have you seen recently? Write a review of a film you have seen, explaining what it was about and whether you enjoyed it or not. Tell us whether or not you think other people would enjoy it.
The best reviews will be published in next month’s magazine.
Write your review.
3 Study the model answer and answer the questions.
1 Does the review cover all the points in the task?
2 Did the writer enjoy the film?
3 Who does the writer think will enjoy the film?
4 Is the language in the review formal and neutral, or informal and friendly?
MODEL ANSWER
1 Black Panther
I watched the film Black Panther for the first time last week. 2 It’s a superhero film, in the same genre as Superman and Spider-Man, and has been extremely popular around the world.
3 Although I am not usually a big fan of superhero films, 4 I was really impressed with this one. The story is fairly traditional, with the hero T’Challa (Black Panther) defeating the evil Killmonger, who is trying to gain power over the whole world. 5 But the action is gripping and the special effects are spectacular. Chadwick Boseman, who plays T’Challa, acts superbly, and really brings the comic-book character to life. The brilliant costumes and music also really help make the film a real spectacle.
3 On the negative side, 6 I felt that there was sometimes a bit too much violence, which makes it unsuitable for young children, and of course you have to accept that the plot is slightly predictable because the good guy will always win.
In spite of this, 7 I loved the film and 8 anyone who enjoys fantasy movies will definitely like it.
1 includes the name of the film as the title
2 briefly describes the film in the introduction
3 is organised into clear paragraphs, which focus on positive and negative aspects
4 uses a range of phrases to express a personal opinion
5 praises positive features and says why the film is good
6 includes some negative features, to give a balanced view
7 clearly states the writer’s opinion in the conclusion
8 includes a recommendation, saying who would enjoy the film
4 Read the tips.
Remember, to get a good mark for your review:
• you must include all the points in the input
• your ideas should be organised into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a clear topic
• you should state clearly whether you liked or didn’t like the product or experience
• you should include a recommendation
• you should use descriptive language to make your review interesting
• you should use an informal, friendly style.
5 Read the review task. Then look at the two student plans. Which plan is better? Why?
Reviews wanted!
What shopping websites have you used recently? Write a review of a shopping website that you have used. Say what you bought, how pleased you were with the product, and talk about any problems you experienced. Say whether you would recommend the site to others.
A
Introduction
name of website TechWorld, and basic information (what they sell).
What I bought (a new tablet)
My experience
The website – why I like it (easy to use – good prices)
The product – why I was pleased with it (good quality)
A few problems
slow delivery, missing case, but they dealt with this quickly
Recommendation
great website for anyone who is looking for a low-priced tablet or other device
B
Introduction
why I chose to use this website (looking for a cheap tablet, easier to buy online than go into town)
The website
how I found out about it, how I chose my tablet, problem of slow delivery
Games
why I like it (I needed a new tablet for playing games)
Conclusion
I’m very pleased with my new tablet and it was very cheapa
6 Using descriptive adjectives and adverbs in a review makes it interesting to read. Choose the best adverbs to go with the descriptive adjectives.
1 The action scenes in the film were a little / incredibly gripping.
2 The food in the restaurant is lovely, but it is absolutely / ridiculously expensive.
3 The basic plot of the book is rather / mildly predictable.
4 This is a completely / brilliantly entertaining show.
5 The device that I bought is totally / extremely useful.
6 The holiday flat is small but very / highly well equipped.
7 Our hotel room was absolutely / very perfect.
8 All the staff were a bit / really welcoming.
7 We often use adjectives or phrases to give our opinion about something in an indirect way. Match the beginnings and endings of the sentences.
1 I was disappointed to
2 We were delighted that
3 I’m absolutely thrilled with
4 The tent isn’t as big
5 The food was even better
6 There weren’t enough
a my new camera.
b seats around the pool for all the guests.
c find that the screen was cracked.
d than I expected.
e as it looked on the website.
f we had a room with a view of the sea.
8 In a review we often use words to express contrast. Complete the sentences with words from the box.
|
although despite however spite though |
1 The weather was terrible, but in ………………… of this, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the resort.
2 Even ………………… it was rather expensive, we really enjoyed our time at the museum.
3 I would advise anyone to check out this website, ………………… the problems that I experienced.
4 ………………… the service was quick and friendly, the food was a little disappointing.
5 The website stated that the bag was made of leather. …………………, when it arrived, it was clear that it was not genuine leather.
9 Study the words and expressions in the Key language box.
KEY LANGUAGE FOR REVIEWS
Praising something:
It is one of the best … I have ever …
the … was absolutely perfect
the … was even better than I expected
I was pleased/delighted to find that …
It was a nice surprise to find that …
Criticising:
The … was rather disappointing
The advertisement said …, but in fact …
I was a little disappointed to find …
There weren’t enough …
Recommending:
Anyone who likes … will really enjoy …
Don’t miss the chance/opportunity to …
I’m sure everyone will really enjoy …
If you get the chance to see/buy/try …, you should definitely do it
I would advise anyone to …
Advising someone against something:
I would suggest finding a better … than this.
I would strongly advise against eating/reading/ watching/buying this …
My advice is to avoid this …
10 Choose the correct words in the sentences.
1 This show was even better than / as I expected.
2 The dessert was rather disappointed / disappointing.
3 Anyone who enjoys crime novels will / can love this book.
4 Don’t lose / miss the opportunity to visit this theme park.
5 I would suggest using / to use a different website.
6 I would strongly advise / suggest against staying at this campsite.
11 Read the exam task and plan your review.
You see this advertisement on a travel website.
Reviews wanted!
What holiday resorts have you been to recently?
Write a review describing the resort, explaining why you did or didn’t enjoy your stay there and saying if you would recommend it.
The best reviews will be published on our website.
Write your review.
|
paragraphs |
ideas |
useful phrases |
|
Description of the resort |
|
|
|
Why I enjoyed/ didn’t enjoy it |
|
|
|
Good value for money? |
|
|
|
Recommendation |
|
|
12 Write your review in 140–190 words. Use the checklist below.
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
………………………….……………………………………….……………
REVIEW CHECKLIST
• Have you covered all the points in the task?
• Have you organised your ideas clearly into paragraphs?
• Have you given your own opinion clearly?
• Have you ended with a recommendation?
• Have you used descriptive adjectives and adverbs to make your writing interesting?
• Have you used a friendly tone?
• Have you used between 140 and 190 words?
Answer
2
You should write a review of a film you have seen. You should say what it is about, say why you did or didn’t enjoy it, and say whether you think other people will enjoy it. People will read your review in an English-language magazine.
3
1 yes 2 yes 3 anyone except young children
4 informal and friendly
5
Plan A is better. Each paragraph has a clear topic and gives the reader useful and helpful information; it starts with a general introduction with factual information; it gives good points and problems about the website/product; it ends with a clear recommendation. Plan B contains information that is not relevant for the reader, e.g. the writer needed a new tablet, how the writer found the website; the third heading is not appropriate, as the focus should be the product you bought, not games that you play; it doesn’t end with a clear recommendation.
6
1 incredibly 2 ridiculously 3 rather 4 brilliantly
5 extremely 6 very 7 absolutely 8 really
7
1 c 2 f 3 a 4 e 5 d 6 b
8
1 spite 2 though 3 despite 4 Although 5 However
10
1 than 2 disappointing 3 will 4 miss 5 using
6 advise
11
Model answer
Playa de Oro
Last summer, I spent a week with my family in a holiday resort called Playa de Oro in the south of Spain. This is a popular tourist area, but we were keen to choose a quiet resort where we could just relax on the beach or by the pool. The resort had some positive points. The apartment buildings were attractive, and our apartment was spacious and well-equipped. The resort had two swimming pools, and both were extremely clean and well-maintained. The staff were also incredibly friendly and helpful.
However, we were disappointed to find that our resort was surrounded by several other, much bigger resorts. The beach was therefore absolutely packed with people every day, and it was almost impossible to find a place to sit. Even worse, the advert said that the resort was peaceful, but in fact there were two nightclubs nearby which were open every night until four o’clock in the morning! We hardly slept, and came home exhausted.
This resort might be OK if you want a week-long party, but my advice is to avoid it if you want a peaceful, relaxing holiday.