WRITING: A REVIEW

A review is a short description of a film, play, book… It is either formal or informal in style, depending on the Readers it is addressed to. Present tenses are normally used in a review. A good review should consist of:

1. An introduction in which you give all the background information of the story (setting, type, characters etc…)

2. A main body consisting of two paragraphs in which all the main points of the plot are presented in time sequence as well as comments on acting, plot, character development…

3. A conclusion in which the writer recommends or does not recommend the film/book/performance, giving reasons

Useful Language For Reviews:

Background: This well-written/informative/fascinating book…- The film/story is set in … - The film/book tells the story of… - This work is based on… - Most of the action takes place in… - The film stars Antonio Banderas who…Main points of plot: The plot focuses on… - The story begins … - The plot has an unexpected twist… - The film reaches a dramatic climax …General comments: It is rather long / confusing / slow… - The cast is excellent / weak … - The script is dull / clever… - It has a tragic / surprising end…Recommendations: Don’t miss it, it will change the way you see… - It is well worth seeing… - I would not recommend it because … - I really enjoyed it… - I was impressed by it… I found it totally depressing… - Don’t miss it – It’s bound to be a box-office hit / best-seller … - I highly / thoroughly / strongly recommend it. – It is a highly entertaining read – It is a bore to read – It is certainly at the top of the list – Fans will no doubt be thrilled over /about / with this – It’s a must! – Don’t bother with this one – I definitely recommend that you add this film / book to your collection

SOME OTHER USEFUL WORDSDirectorActingMain actor / characterSupporting characterCastPlotScriptSettingSoundtrack Special effects

WORDS TO DESCRIBE CHARACTERAdventurous vain eccentricBrave generous proudCalm mad reservedCheerful greedy open-mindedStubborn honest violentLoyal jealous weakDishonest kind weirdDull lazy wiseWell-developed strong humorousRealistic convincing predictableUnbelievable frightening

OTHER WORDS TO DESCRIBE:Moving confusing original well-written Thrilling tragic highly entertaining grippingShocking poorly-written unimaginative shockingHilarious sensational dull unbelievablePredictable frightening well-developed original

Read the different model and write down the topic for each paragraph:

“Dennis the Menace”Dennis the Menace is a comedy set in a quiet American neighbourhood. Mason Gable plays the lead role as Dennis, the eight-year-old mischief-maker who manages to catch a thief. Walter Matthau is Mr. Wilson, the man who lives next door to Dennis. 1. ……………………………………

A thief steals gold coins from Mr. Wilson and as he’s running away, he spots Dennis hiding in Mr. Wilson’s garden. Dennis is snatched by the thief and their adventure begins. Dennis is not the least bit frightened and drives the thief mad with his constant talking. Soon he discovers that the thief has Mr. Wilson’s gold. The film reaches a humorous climax when Dennis ties the thief up and hands him over to the police. Mr. Wilson then sees Dennis in a different light. 2. ………………………………

The cast is excellent, and young Mason Gable surely has a bright acting career ahead of him. The film is full of hilarious scenes as it successfully portrays children’s natural curiosity in a comical way. 3. ……………………..

Dennis the menace is a film well worth seeing. Children of all ages as well as adults will love this charming story. It is a highly entertain film which is sure to be one of the year’s biggest hits. 4. ………………………………..

Read the following book review and put the paragraphs into the correct order:

Woman in the mists

__ A The book relates how Fossey, a zoologist, moves to the Varunga mountains to study gorillas. After months of hard work, she is finally accepted into their group, playing, wrestling and even hugging these animals. Soon, however, Fossey’s world is threatened as poachers start to hunt and kill her beloved friends.__B I highly recommend “Woman in the Mists”. It is beautifully written and will leave the reader with a better understanding of this truly remarkable woman.__C The drama-filled story is gripping from beginning to end. It is full of touching moments as Fossey struggles to save these often misunderstood but affectionate animals. Mowat’s admiration for Fossey shows clearly in the book’s description of her love for the gorillas and her deep respect for the natural environment in which she lived__D “Woman in the Mists”, by Farley Mowat, is an inspiring story that takes

place in the Varunga Mountains in Rwanda, Africa. This wonderfully written book is the biography of Dian Fossey, an intelligent and determined woman who devoted her life to protecting the wild animals.