Study Notes
A review is a piece of writing that shows your overall opinion of something, written from a personal point of view. You can review books, movies, restaurants, etc., and it can be positive or negative.
- Review — a piece of writing that shows your overall opinion of something. Example: Reviewing a movie by discussing its plot and characters.
- Features — elements to include in a review such as title, author, and a rating. Example: Mentioning the director and giving a 4-star rating.
- Structure — the organization of a review including introduction, body, and conclusion. Example: Starting with a rhetorical question to grab attention.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- A review is a personal opinion piece about a book, movie, or restaurant.
- Features of a review include title, author, and a rating.
Common Confusions
- Confusing a review with a summary; a review includes personal opinions.
- Forgetting to include a rating or the title of the work being reviewed.
Typical Exam Questions
- Write a review based on a restaurant where you did not enjoy the meal. Answer: Describe the meal, atmosphere, and service, and give reasons for your opinion.
- Write a review based on your favourite movie. Answer: Discuss the plot, characters, and why you liked it, including a rating.
- Write a review based on the book you read last. Answer: Mention the author, main themes, and your personal thoughts.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to express personal opinions clearly.
- Use of descriptive language and emotive words.
- Proper structure including introduction, body, and conclusion.