⭐ Review Writing — the format

Judge something for a reader deciding whether to spend their time or money on it.

Writing for: Readers of the named publication who have not experienced the thing yet — so no major spoilers.

Which are you writing?

Length: Usually 250–400 words.

Audience: Readers of the named publication who have not experienced the thing yet — so no major spoilers

The format, in order

1
Headline and verdict
Name the subject and signal your judgement early. Readers want the verdict.
2
Context
What it is, who made it, where to find it — briefly.
3
Description without spoilers
Enough for the reader to picture it. No endings revealed.
4
Evaluation
The body. Specific strengths and weaknesses, each with evidence from the thing itself.
5
Recommendation
Who should and should not bother, and why.

What the marks are for

Content

✓A judgement, not a summary
✓Specific evidence for each strength and weakness
✓Balance — an unqualified rave or demolition reads as unconsidered
✓A clear recommendation naming the right reader

Language

✓Lively, evaluative vocabulary
✓Semi-formal register suited to the publication
✓Varied sentence structures
✓Controlled, confident critical voice

What loses marks

✗Summarising the plot instead of evaluating
✗Giving away the ending
✗Pure praise or pure attack with no qualification
✗Asserting quality without evidence — 'the acting was amazing'
✗Forgetting to recommend, or not saying who for

Phrases that work

At its best, … At its weakest, …
What lingers is…
It is not without flaws: …
Admirers of … will find much to enjoy here.
Worth it for … alone.

Before you hand it in

0 / 8

Subject named and verdict signalled early
No major spoilers
At least one specific strength with evidence
At least one specific weakness with evidence
Recommendation names who it is for
Register matches the named publication
Judgement, not plot summary
Within the word count

Command words cheat sheet

Study notes on the Learning Portal

Review writing (Cambridge AS & A Level 9093)

Where this is examined

· Cambridge AS & A Level English Language (9093)
· Cambridge IGCSE ESL (0510)
· Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (0500) — directed writing

Word counts, paper numbers and mark allocations are set by the syllabus for your session and change between series. Always check your current syllabus and your teacher's guidance before relying on a length or a mark split given here.

Other writing formats

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