A review is one of the Part 2 options. A magazine or website asks readers about something they have experienced: a film, a book, a restaurant, a place, an app or an event. You describe it, evaluate it and say whether you recommend it.
Your readers are the publication's audience, so the tone is usually neutral or informal and lively. Imagine telling a friend whether something is worth their time and money.
Review tasks often name specific things to comment on, such as the atmosphere, the performers and the audience. These are your content points, so mention every one. And always finish with a clear recommendation, even if the task only hints at it.
Keep the description short: just enough for the reader to understand what you are reviewing. Spend most of your words evaluating what worked, what didn't and why. A plot summary with one opinion at the end is not a review.
Write in an enthusiastic, personal voice, whether you loved it or hated it. Speak to the reader, give it a catchy title and show your reactions. Contractions and phrasal verbs are fine, but keep slang out, as some readers may be adults.
Title, an introduction that says what you are reviewing and gives a first impression, a short description, a paragraph of strengths and weaknesses, and a recommendation to finish.
Link your ideas with however, what's more, although and on the downside.
Reviews reward vocabulary. Instead of good and bad, try gripping, stunning, overpriced, predictable, well-paced, disappointing. Add modifiers (absolutely, rather, a little) and frames like What impressed me most was..., which lift a whole sentence.
Content: all the points covered, plus a recommendation. Communicative Achievement: would readers find it engaging and useful? Organisation: clear paragraphs, logical flow. Language: a range of evaluative vocabulary, used accurately.
Traps to avoid: retelling the whole plot, opinions with no reasons, a missing recommendation, and good, nice and bad again and again.
You have seen this notice in a magazine for young people: "Have you seen a film recently that you would recommend to families? Write a review telling us what it is about and what you thought of it. Mention the story, the acting and who would enjoy it."
The Last Lighthouse: A Gripping Family Adventure I went to see The Last Lighthouse last weekend without knowing much about it, and I left the cinema wanting to watch it all over again. The film follows Mia, a twelve-year-old girl who spends the summer with her grandfather, the keeper of a lighthouse on a remote Scottish island. When a storm cuts them off from the mainland, they have to work together to guide a lost ship to safety. What impressed me most was the acting. The young star is completely believable, and her scenes with her grandfather are both funny and moving. The storm scenes are absolutely stunning, too. On the downside, the first half hour is rather slow, and some younger viewers might find the storm a little frightening. Overall, though, I would highly recommend The Last Lighthouse to families with children over eight. It is exciting, beautifully filmed and has a message about courage that everyone can enjoy. Don't forget the tissues!
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