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Part 2- Review
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a review.
• A review is usually about a TV show or film, a book, a restaurant or hotel.
• If the question asks you to review two things, write a similar amount about each.
• It can be a positive, negative, or balanced review. You have to make a recommendation at the end, which could be
positive or negative.
• A review is semi-informal or neutral in tone. Avoid contractions but do use colourful descriptive language.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work

Review Structure
‣ Always put an engaging title.
‣ A review should have four or five paragraphs.

Depending on what you have to review, you may change the structure slightly. Look below at the two examples of the
review structure:
‣ On the right, all the good and bad aspects have been separated into two paragraphs.
‣ On the left, the paragraphs deal with individual aspects of the hotel/ restaurant etc., so the paragraphs may contain a
mixture of positive and negative comments.

Restaurant/hotel Review Structure Film/book/TV Review Structure

Title Title

Introduction Introduction
Introduce the name of the restaurant/hotel etc. You may want Introduce the name of the film or book. You may want to
to say where it is, or other information such as the head chef say who the author or director is, and when the film or
and the cuisine served. book was released.

1st paragraph 1st paragraph

Service- Very friendly but too slow to take order A brief synopsis- but no spoilers!

2nd paragraph 2nd paragraph

Menu/Food- High quality but little variety All the things you liked (e.g acting, locations, plot…)

3rd paragraph 3rd paragraph

Atmosphere- great décor but music too loud All the things you didn’t like (e.g. Special effects, action
scenes…)
Conclusion
Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your overall Conclusion
impression is positive or negative. Make a recommendation, Conclude the review, indicating to the reader if your
either positive or negative. overall impression is positive or negative. Make a
recommendation, either positive or negative.
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Here are two example answers. The review on the left is for a restaurant. The review on the right is comparing two films.

Read through both the reviews and refer to structures on the previous page.
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Useful phrases for a review

Introduction:
Personal anecdote to grab attention. Introduce name of book/film, restaurant + location, course, TV show etc.

‣ Seldom do I find the time to…, however when I do take time out of my hectic schedule, I like nothing more than…

‣ Being a bit of a book worm, the news that … had released a new book had me dying to read it.
‣ Being a bit of a film buff, the news that … had filmed a new movie had me itching to see it. So last week I popped down with a friend to
check it out.
‣ Being a bit of a foody, the news that … had opened a new restaurant had me desperate to try it. So last week I put on my Sunday best and
went to the restaurant with some friends.

‣ Having never seen/read/tried… before I approached … with a sense of trepidation, not knowing what to expect. Soon however, all my fears
were allayed.

Book and Film reviews:

Vocabulary to describe the book in general: Vocabulary to describe specific parts:

‣ A page-turner ‣ A slow start
‣ I couldn't put it down. ‣ A gentle introduction
‣ Glowing reviews ‣ Gripping climax
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ Nail-biting conclusion
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring) ‣ Cliff-hanger ending
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting) ‣ A shocking twist in the tail
‣ Gripping (exciting)
Setting:
Vocabulary to describe a film/TV series in general: ‣ The book/film is set in _______(place/time)
‣ An all-star cast ‣ The action takes place in ______ (place/time)
‣ An accomplished actor ‣ The present day (now)
‣ An unmitigated disaster (bad film) ‣ An alternate reality where vampires / wizards walk the earth
‣ A dazzling display of his/her talents ‣ A sleepy village in the USA
‣ Brought a tear to my eye ‣ The bustling city of New York
‣ Like watching paint dry (boring)
‣ I was on the edge of my seat (exciting) Plot:
‣ A blockbuster (big commercial film eg Superman) ‣ The plot centres around / focuses on (the adventures / lives of
‣ Gripping (exciting) _________)
‣ Capture the audience’s imagination. ‣ The plot follows the adventures of _________(character name)
‣ Spectacular set-pieces (main action scenes)
‣ Meryl Streep is cast in the role of… Characters:
‣ Brad Pitt gives a(n) (un)convincing performance as… ‣ Villain / hero / heroine / anti-hero / main character / protagonist
‣ The film is let down by a clichéd script. ‣ The characters are believable / well-crafted / a bit 2 dimensional.

Restaurant review: Killer Lines when concluding

‣ Hearty meal ‣ Freshly-baked ‣ Were I to sum up … in one word, it would be…

‣ Wholesome food ‣ To feast/gorge on (eat a lot of) ‣ … left a lot to be desired (wasn’t good enough)
‣ Succulent/juicy (meat) ‣ To eat/drink to your heart’s ‣ …more than lives up to the hype (is as good as everyone says it is)
‣ Creamy content ‣ … is by far and away the best … you’re likely to … this year
‣ With a kick (spicy) ‣ Devour/gobble up ‣ … really raises the bar (sets a higher standard)
‣ Crunchy/crispy ‣ Savour ‣ … sets the benchmark for other (others will be judges against how
‣ Well-seasoned ‣ Nibble good it is)
‣ Packed with flavour ‣ Lively atmosphere ‣ … ticks all the right boxes
‣ Mouth-watering ‣ Service with a smile ‣ … holds up well in comparison with …
‣ Heavenly ‣ Cheap – economical/ ‣ …comes off badly in comparison with …
‣ Roast reasonably-priced
‣ Pan-fried ‣ Expensive – pricey/costs an
‣ Grilled arm and a leg
‣ Steamed ‣ €20 a head (per person)