Writing reviews
Write engaging reviews of books, films, products or places: hook the reader, describe vividly, evaluate with evidence and give a clear recommendation.
In this lesson you will
- Open with an engaging hook
- Balance description and evaluation
- Give a nuanced recommendation for a specific audience
Learn
A review informs and evaluates. Readers want to know: what is it, is it good, and is it for me?
Structure: hook + basic information → brief description (no spoilers) → evaluation of strengths → evaluation of weaknesses → recommendation for a specific audience.
Vivid evaluative language: gripping, understated, visually stunning, a slow-burning thriller, falls flat, overstays its welcome, a masterclass in…, well worth the price.
Nuance: Although the plot occasionally stretches belief, the performances more than compensate. / Fans of X will love it; others may find it slow.
Examples
- Hook: If you’ve ever wondered what silence sounds like, this film will show you.
- Evaluation: The dialogue is sharp, though the final act overstays its welcome.
- Recommendation: Ideal for patient viewers; those seeking action should look elsewhere.
Vocabulary
gripping
very exciting and holding attention
fall flat
fail to have the intended effect
overstay its welcome
last too long
spoiler
information that reveals the ending
understated
subtle, not exaggerated
Practice
Which is the best hook?
Speaking
Give a 90-second spoken review of something you recently watched, read or bought, ending with who it’s for.
Writing
Write a review (220–260 words) of a book, film, series, app or restaurant you know, for a website aimed at people your age.
- ☐ Engaging hook
- ☐ Brief description without spoilers
- ☐ Strengths and weaknesses
- ☐ Vivid evaluative language
- ☐ Recommendation for a specific audience
Lesson quiz
A “spoiler” reveals…
Review
Key points
- Hook + info.
- Describe briefly; no spoilers.
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses vividly.
- Recommend for a specific audience.
What you learned
- ✓ I can write engaging reviews.
- ✓ I evaluate with nuance.
- ✓ I use vivid language.