Guidelines and tips to write a proper review.

1. How to write a
review

2. Language
• A review is usually prone to be published in a
magazine or newspaper. As a result:
• You must use a formal or semi-formal
language.
• You must avoid contractions
(isn’t, weren’t, haven’t)
• In reviews you are bound to use the Historic
Present (Present Simple)

3. Structure
• The review should be divided in three:
• Introduction
• Main body
• Conclusion

4. Introduction
• In this part you have to mention what you are
writing about. Is it a book? Is it a film? Give an
overall description of it.
• Examples: This well-written book; This fascinating
film is set; It tackles the theme of; It is based
on/written by/directed by; It starts famous actors; It
is the sequel to

5. Main body
• Expand on the main aspects
(Plot, characters, actors, writing, direction, en
ding, etc)
• Examples: The plot revolves around/tackles/deals
with/focuses on; It has an unexpected twist when;
The film has a start-studded cast; The acting was
moving/ powerful; The descriptions were
disappointing/unconvincing; The plot is gripping/fastmoving/suspense-filled/far-fetched/dull; The
dialogues are witty/touching/unimaginative

6. Conclusion
• Take into account all the aspects you’ve
mentioned before and give a general
evaluation of it. Would you recommend it?
Why? Why not?
• Examples: This novel will make a fascinating read;
You should definitely watch; A must-read; A novel
you can’t miss reading; All in all it is not worth your
money; On the whole the book fails to; I wouldn’t
recommend it in view of

7. Throw in some collocations!
Collocations will enhance your writing:
The cast and actors:
• accomplished actor
• consummate professional
• star-studded/all-star cast
• well-deserved reputation
Negative:
• bold experiment
• unmitigated disaster
• dismal failure
• failed attempt
Positive:
• amazing chain/series of events
• suspense builds up
• dazzling display of
• spectacularly successful
• receiving glowing reviews
• highly / thoroughly recommend
• to think highly of
• fire one’s imagination
• awaken one’s interest
General remarks:
• strongly influenced by
• bear the suspense
• heavily influenced by
• hold one’s attention
• lasting impression
• create the atmosphere of
• fiercely criticized

8. Don’t forget to check!
Once you’ve finished make sure that:
• It is written in the proper language
• It is divided in three sections (The main body
may have several paragraphs)
• Check for mistakes

9. Good luck!