How to write a review

• ANSWER THE QUESTION
• PLAN your review.
• Make sure you have at least 4 paragraphs.
• Choose an appropriate title.
• The introduction will talk about what's being reviewed.
• Use a relaxed, friendly, chatty style.
• You can use contractions such as I'm, I've etc..
• Use a new paragraph for each point you want to make.
• Give your opinion.
• In the concluding paragraph give your opinion.

FCE Writing Sample - Useful phrases for ESL - Reviews

What I liked

• What I liked most was .....
• The thing I liked most was ....
• I was pleasantly surprised by .....
• ..... would appeal to .....
• If you get a chance to ....

What I disliked

• What I disliked most was .....
• I was disappointed by ......
• I was disappointed with .....
• I was very disappointed by .....
• I was very disappointed with ....

Reviews of books:

• main character
• is set in
• comedy
• science fiction
• thriller
• romance
• comedy
• author
• written by
• chapter
• factual
• fiction
• unbelievable
• bestseller
• chapter
• ending

Reviews of films, tv programmes, plays:

• lead role
• star role
• star
• star actor
• star actress
• starring
• secondary role
• He plays a .......
• She plays a .......
• written by ....
• is set in .....
• based on a true story .....
• believable
• true to life
• not very believable
• far-fetched
• comedy
• romance
• science fiction
• ending

Reviews of hotels, restaurants, etc:

• location
• service
• setting
• attractive setting
• disappointing setting
• owned by
• run by
• head chef (restaurant)
• waiters (restaurant)
• staff .......
• staff at reception .......(hotel)
• hotel facilities ....
• reasonable prices .....
• good value for money .....
• excellent value for money .....
• expensive
• a bit expensive
• overpriced
• not worth the money
• poor value for money
• always fully booked
• book in advance