how to write a movie review igcse

How to Write a Review ( Edexcel IGCSE English Language A )

Revision note.

Question 6 or 7 will ask you to write for a specific purpose and in a specific format. It is important to use the correct conventions of the format and directly focus your writing to its purpose, as the mark scheme rewards adapting tone, style and register for different forms, purposes and audiences. 

This means: 

The tone (the sound of the writer’s “voice”) is appropriate and convincing 

The register (vocabulary and phrasing) is appropriately formal or informal, and suitable for the purpose

The style of the writing (sentence structure and overall structure) is dynamic and effective 

The following guide will detail how to structure your response in the style of a review. It is divided into:

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Deb is a graduate of Lancaster University and The University of Wolverhampton. After some time travelling and a successful career in the travel industry, she re-trained in education, specialising in literacy. She has over 16 years’ experience of working in education, teaching English Literature, English Language, Functional Skills English, ESOL and on Access to HE courses. She has also held curriculum and quality manager roles, and worked with organisations on embedding literacy and numeracy into vocational curriculums. She most recently managed a post-16 English curriculum as well as writing educational content and resources.

Exercise 6: Writing a Review (Ultimate Guide)

Exercise 6 of the Reading and Writing paper of the IGCSE English as a Second Language (ESL) exam (0510/0511/0991/0993) is always a formal or a semi-formal writing. It can be an article, an essay, a report, or a review.

In this article, you will discover how to write the perfect review that impresses the examiner and gets you the highest band.

So, what’s a review?

A review is a piece of writing someone writes expressing their opinion about something such as a new product or service that is usually published in a newspaper or a magazine.

Review writing could be for:

• Books, Movies, or TV shows
• Places such as hotels, restaurants, cafés, cinemas, amusement parks, shopping centres, museums, gyms, etc.
• Events such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions, trips, etc. 
• Digital or physical products or services such as apps, games (video games, board games, etc.), websites, courses, products (such as electronics or appliances)

The main purpose of a review is to give your opinion about something. The review needs to engage the audience from the beginning to the end. As a side note, it’s better to be positive and write about whatever you are reviewing in an overall positive way since it will generally be easier to write; however, a negative review is also totally acceptable.

The tone and register of a review

The tone of the review can be personal and informal. If writing for adults the style may be more formal than if writing for teenagers. But in both cases, you should sound professional as if you know about the subject.

If the review is for the school magazine (and it mostly is), then the main audience is the students at your school. Therefore, the register should be informal to semi-formal but should avoid language that is too idiomatic and colloquial.

The ideal format of a review

Introduction: Provide general information about what is being reviewed

Body (2-3 paragraphs): Give your opinions and/or highlight interesting points about some aspects (e.g. the facilities of a museum, the special effects in a film, the quality of food/service in a restaurant, etc.)

Conclusion: Give your overall opinion and recommendation

The title should include the name of what is being reviewed. Here are some examples:

• Discover Your Talent — A Course Review
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Review
• Fitness Time: The Best Gym in Riyadh?
• Book Review: The Alchemist

Don’t stress too much on the title as you can simply write the name of what you’re reviewing without any other details. For example: “VOX cinema”.

Introduction

The purpose of the introduction is to inform the reader about what is being reviewed and engage the reader to make them interested and continue reading.

The main components of an effective introduction are:

• Something to engage the reader from the beginning right away such as a rhetorical question or an attractive statement highlighting a unique aspect of what you’re reviewing.
• General information about what is being reviewed . This will depend on what you’re reviewing. For example, if you are writing a film review, you should mention its name, genre and the director’s name.

You could also add details of when and with whom you watched/visited/attended this movie/cinema/course, etc., and a quick overall opinion , which hints to the reader whether the rest of your review is overall positive or negative.

Here is an example of an effective introduction:

“Do you love superfast rollercoasters and other exhilarating rides that make your hair stand on end? If so, then Sky Zone Amusement Park is a must-visit. My friends and I visited it recently, and we were blown away!”

In the body,

• Mention more relevant details of what’s being reviewed
• Mention your personal opinion (what you liked and/or disliked), while providing evidence, reasons or examples. You can write entirely positively, entirely negatively or have a balanced approach

The details to include depend on what you’re reviewing. These will be discussed later.

The purpose of the conclusion is to give your overall opinion and recommendation .

In the conclusion, make sure to say whether you recommend this movie/book/product/service, etc. and to whom , stating why .

Here are some examples of useful concluding phrases:

• In a nutshell, you should definitely read/watch/use …
• All in all, I strongly/highly recommend …
• On the whole, I wouldn’t recommend it (in view of the fact that … / because …)
• Overall, it’s worth seeing/reading/using …
• I strongly advise you (not) to …
• It’s more suited for … / It will change the way you see… / Don’t miss it! / It’s absolutely worth a visit! / If you like …, then (the name of the movie/restaurant/course, etc.) is definitely for you! / If you’re looking for a …, don’t give it a second thought! / Or any other similar phrase.

Here is an example of an effective conclusion.

“I strongly recommend Sky Zone Park to anyone who wants to have an unforgettable experience whether alone, with friends or family. It’s absolutely worth a visit!”

Special types of review writing

Book review.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: Summary of the book

Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked

Paragraph 4: Overall opinion and recommendation

Paragraph 3: What you liked

Paragraph 4: What you disliked

Paragraph 5: Overall opinion and recommendation

In the introduction,

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something bold in this book that makes the reader want to know more.
• Summarize the main background information of the book , for example, the book title, its genre (fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, etc.) and author’s name.

Here is an example of an effective book review introduction. “Have you ever been so inspired by a book that it completely changes your perception of life? If not, then I suggest you read “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.”

In the 1 st body paragraph, write an outline of the story (do not describe the whole story, especially the ending). Use the present tense.

Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review:

• The plot focuses on/revolves around/involves …
• Set in …, this marvelous story explains …
• This is an enchanting story of …

In the 2 nd (and 3 rd ) body paragraph(s), mention what you liked and/or disliked and state why, giving examples if possible .

You could write about:

• The plot (captivating, entertaining, fascinating, thrilling, predictable, confusing, implausible, etc.)
• The author’s writing style ( Does it suit the book’s genre?). You can write, for example, “The writer does a fantastic job in combining … with … // The writer skilfully combines … with …” // With the author’s visionary blend of … and …, the book … // The writer attempts to …, but fails miserably …)
• What you learned
• How the book made you feel? Were you satisfied by the book’s ending? Note: don’t mention the ending itself; just how it made you feel (e.g. The book was heart-touching// The book had me hypnotised! // It kept me absorbed from the beginning to the end! // I couldn’t stop reading it until the end! // I was impressed by… // What struck me most was… // , etc.)

In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation (whether you recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why not?).

Examples of concluding phrases have been mentioned earlier.

Film Review

Paragraph 2: Setting of the film and main plot

Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked.

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something bold in this movie that makes the reader want to know more.
• Mention general information about the movie , for example, the movie’s title, its genre (sci-fi, comedy, thriller, horror, etc.) and the director’s name.

Here is an example of an effective film review introduction:

“Are you looking for an intriguing action-packed film where you can turn off your brain and enjoy the ride? If so, then “London Has Fallen”, directed by Babak Najafi is the film for you!”

In the 1 st body paragraph, mention the setting of the film (place and time) and an overview of the plot , including the main character(s) and plot twists (if any). Don’t describe the full story, especially the ending. Use the present tense.

Here are some useful phrases for this part of the review.

• Set in (time and place), the movie …
• … provides the setting for …
• As the film opens, …

In the 2 nd (and 3rd) body paragraph(s), mention what you liked and/or disliked about the film and state why, giving examples if possible. For example, you could write about:

• The plot (captivating, entertaining, thrilling, fast-paced, predictable, confusing, implausible, etc.)
• The acting (excellent/exceptional/remarkable/awful/unconvincing/weak, etc.)
• The script (e.g. the script is dull/exciting/clever/witty, etc.)
• The special effects (realistic, brilliant, spectacular, breathtaking, mediocre, terrible, etc.)
• How the movie made you feel (the film literally brought tears to my eyes// The film was heart-touching// The film was heart-pounding // I was on the edge of my seat the whole time// I didn’t want to miss a scene! // I was impressed by… // What struck me most was… // By the final scene I was already half-asleep, etc.)

It’s also important to note that you should focus on the main things rather than writing about every aspect of the film . Writing a few well-developed points is better than many unjustified ones.

In the final paragraph, give your overall opinion and recommendation (whether you recommend it or not, and if yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it suitable families? Why?).

Here are some useful expressions for describing a movie:

• The film combines (suspense) with (horror) …
• a box-office success/failure
• a blockbuster
• a masterpiece
• well-worth seeing
• not to be missed

Important points to keep in mind

• Include film-related vocabulary in your review, e.g. lead role, actors, director, plot, script, special effects, etc.
• Any expression you use should be consistent with your opinion of the film. For example, if you’re writing positively about the film, it’s not appropriate to write “By the final scene I was already half-asleep”!

Place Review

Restaurant/cafe review.

Paragraph 2: What you liked OR disliked (mention 2 points)

Paragraph 3: What you liked OR disliked (mention another 2 points)

Paragraph 2: What you liked

Paragraph 3: What you disliked

The 2 nd and 3 rd paragraphs don’t have to be balanced. For example, in an overall positive review, you can write 3 points you liked about the restaurant and only 1 point you disliked

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something unique in this restaurant that makes the reader want to know more.
• Mention general information about the restaurant, for example, its name, its location, when it opened, why you visited it, and with whom you visited it (if any). Note that you don’t have to mention all these details and that some of them, such as its location or when it opened, can be included in the 2 nd paragraph.

In the 2 nd and 3 rd paragraphs, mention what you liked and/or disliked according to the format you choose.

You can write about:

• Location (the city? close to/far from? Is it easily accessible?)
• Its physical features (if any striking one, e.g. extreme size, unusual architectural shape, etc.)
• The food: type of food (fast-food, fine dining), food options (varied, limited), taste (delicious, mouth-watering, lip-smacking, scrumptious, appetizing // awful, overcooked, salty, etc.)
• Staff (polite, helpful, friendly, amiable // awful, rude, unskilled, careless, slow, etc.)
• Setting: décor (modern, contemporary, magnificent, etc.), atmosphere (lively, soothing // dull, crowded, noisy, etc.)
• Cleanliness (immaculate, spotless, tidy // filthy, dirty, untidy, etc.)
• Price (expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable, reasonable, low-priced, etc.)
• Located in …, this (sumptuous, luxurious, sophisticated, impeccable, exceptional, or any other suitable adjective) restaurant offers …
• As you enter the place, you …
• Just as you step in, …
• The ambience of the restaurant was …
• The menu offers …
• What I particularly enjoyed was …
• I was pleasantly surprised by …
• The best thing about it is …
• However, I disliked …
• I was disappointed by …
• I was extremely dissatisfied by …
• What you may find unfavourable is …

Describe the restaurant in the present tense and describe your experience in the past tense. Remember to write about the important parts of the experience, not every detail.

In the final paragraph, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Do you recommend it or not? If yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it suitable for families?).

Other places

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or an interesting point about it, such as its exploding popularity, its long-awaited opening, etc.
• Mention general information about the place , for example, its name, its location, when it opened, why you visited it, and with whom you visited it. Note that you don’t have to mention all these details and that some of them, such as location, can be included in the 2nd paragraph as part of your opinion about the place. For example, the following sentence could be used to begin the 2 nd body paragraph: “Located right at the heart of (city name), (place) is easily accessible by car.”

In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention what you liked and/ or disliked according to the format you choose.

• Atmosphere (lively, soothing // dull, crowded, noisy, etc.)
• Facilities (depends on the place you’re reviewing.  For example, in a gym review, you could write about the variety of gym equipment available and whether there’s personal coaching; and in a shopping centre, you could write about the variety of shops available and whether there’s a children’s play area.)
• Located in …, this (sumptuous, luxurious, sophisticated, impeccable, exceptional, or any other suitable adjective) (place) offers …
• The ambience of the place was …
• The place offers …

Describe the place in the present tense and describe your experience in the past tense. Remember to write about the important parts of the experience, not every detail.

In the final paragraph, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Do you recommend it or not? If yes, to whom and why? If not, why not? Is it suitable for families? Why?).

Examples for concluding phrases have been mentioned earlier.

Event Review

Paragraph 2: What you liked (mention 2 points)

Paragraph 3: What you disliked (mention 2 points)

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something unique in this event that makes the reader want to know more.
• Mention general information about the event , for example, its name, location, when it’s held, why you visited it, and with whom you visited it. Some of these details can also be mentioned in the following paragraph.

In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention what you liked and/or disliked according to the format you choose.

• The program of the event (For example, what band will be playing in the concert? What’s their album name? What will be displayed in the exhibition?)
• The performance, including the stage lightening and the musicians’ attire (if it’s a concert or a festival)
• Atmosphere and sounds (lively, boisterous // dull, crowded, noisy, etc.)
• How did it make you and the audience feel? (fascinated, excited, mesmerized, captivated, enthusiastic// didn’t live up to my expectations, dull, etc.)
• Ticket price (expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable, reasonable, low-priced, etc.)

In the conclusion, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Do you recommend attending this event or not? If yes, to whom and why? If not, why not?)

Product Review

Paragraph 2: Positive aspects of the product

Paragraph 3: Negative aspects of the product

• Start with something to engage the reader such as a rhetorical question or an attractive statement about something unique in this product that makes the reader want to know more.
• Mention general information about the product , for example, its name, the brand name, and its release date. You could also include when you bought it, why you bought it and your first impression.

In the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs, mention the positive and/or negative aspects of the product according to the format you choose.

• The product’s core features and your comment on them
• The benefits and uses of the product
• Any notable improvements or changes to previous versions (if applicable), and your comment on them (Are they useful? Not many? Disappointing?)
• Price (mention its price and comment on it: expensive, exorbitant, overpriced // inexpensive, affordable, reasonable, low-priced, etc.)

In the conclusion, mention your overall opinion and recommendation (Is it worth buying? Why? Why not? Who are the target users?).

Points to keep in mind

• Organize your review into 4-5 paragraphs. Leave a line between paragraphs or indent the first line of each new paragraph. Don’t do both!
• Take care of spelling, punctuation, and grammar. This is important as the examiner will look at the accuracy of your language.
• Use a wide range of cohesive devices and linking words. Here are some examples:
• Addition: and, also, as well as, plus, what’s more, apart from that, not only … but also …, but that’s not all, above all, and best of all, on top of that, one of the best things …
• Contrast: but, yet, though, while, however
• Reasoning: because, as, so, that’s why, for this reason,
• Giving examples: for example, like
• Highlighting and stressing: specifically, especially
• Use a combination of simple, compound, and complex sentences. A series of long sentences will make your writing difficult to read, and a series of short simple sentences will make your writing boring to read. Balance is the key.
• Place longer sentences next to shorter ones for a dramatic effect.
• Use a wide range of vocabulary, including some advanced and less commonly used ones. Don’t use common adjectives such as happy, nice, bad, sad, etc. Try to think of more advanced and interesting alternatives such as ecstatic, pleasant, terrible, heartbroken, etc. We recommend reading a lot of samples to improve your vocabulary. You can find them on our samples page .
• Use a variety of adjectives and adverbs
• Include a range of topic-related vocabulary to show that you have a good understanding of the topic. For example, if you’re writing a film review, you could include vocabulary such as “director, “cast”, “special effects”, “scene”, “protagonist”, “blockbuster”, etc.
• Use advanced punctuation sparingly (1-3 in the whole review), for example, colon (:), semicolon (;) and em dash (—).
• Aim to complete towards the maximum word limit (approximately 160 words). Exceeding the word limit slightly (15-20 words) is fine as long as you write accurately and complete the task within the correct time. If you exceed the word limit by any number of words, no marks will be cut directly, but you increase your chances of making more mistakes and spending more time than required for this exercise, which may affect your mark indirectly. If you write towards the lower limit or below, you are highly unlikely to achieve the highest band for Content as your content is not well developed.
• Develop your content by including reasons, evidence or examples to support the opinions expressed.
• Spend about 30 minutes on this exercise : the initial 5 minutes for planning and the last 2-3 minutes for checking your work for simple spelling and grammatical mistakes.
• Include your audience throughout by using pronouns such as “we”, “us” and “you”.
• Use phrasal verbs , examples: pick up, left off, takes you on, etc.
• Use contractions but stay away from ones which are too informal such as wanna, gonna, etc.
• Write legibly

Don’ts

• Avoid writing very simple sentences with simple vocabulary , e.g. “The film is very nice. The actors are also good, and the story is also great.”
• Avoid repetition of vocabulary and beginning your sentences with the same words. Sometimes students write 3 or more sentences in a row starting with “The” or “I”!
• Avoid very formal linking words and vocabulary like “moreover”, “furthermore”, etc. as this may have a negative effect on the target audience (i.e. other students if you’re writing for your school magazine).
• Avoid abbreviations and slang (texting language) such as, wanna, gonna, etc.
• Avoid listing (firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.). If necessary, you might use other informal alternatives to “firstly”, such as “To start with”, “For a start”, or “For starters”, but listing is not preferred whatsoever.
• Avoid including too many different ideas in your review. It is better to include fewer ideas and develop one or two in greater depth rather than writing many ideas which are not well-developed.

Practice a lot of past papers and get feedback on your writing. If you don’t have a teacher, reread these notes and check for what you have done right and what you haven’t. Read some of the samples on the samples page to see what you have just learned effectively used and incorporated in a review.

Finally, don’t forget to check out our  samples page  and if you find this helpful, please share it with your friends.

Good luck! Go get that A*!

12 responses to “Exercise 6: Writing a Review (Ultimate Guide)”

I’m so much pleased with your work ,it has done wonders .How do I access notes on other types of writing in IGSCE 0511

Thank you for your kind words! You can find them on our notes page .

Amazing notes!!!!! Absolutely love them! However, I just have two small questions: – In book review, if its not a story or something like that, for instance, its a course book can I still use the introduction “Are you looking for a book to help your English go from…….? Then …. is for you. Written by………….., and was published back in……” Is it appropriate ?

– How strict are the examiners? Considering this is ESL but the grade boundaries are extremely high. Thank you!

Thank you for your kind words! We’re glad you found them helpful!

Yes, you can still use the same introduction regardless of the type of book you’re reviewing. It’s also worth noting that exam questions will never limit you to reviewing a specific book; you can review whatever book you want. This is also the case for all types of reviews.

Examiners are neither strict nor lenient; they evaluate your answer based on the specific criteria outlined in the mark scheme, so you get your marks based on the maximum level of competence you showed in your answer. With dedicated practice and a good understanding of what the examiner is looking for in your answer, you can definitely get top marks despite the high grade thresholds.

Thanks alot for the response, much appreciated.

You’re welcome

Hi ESL Kings, your notes are detailed and the suggested sentence frames are well developed; many thanks.

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We truly appreciate it!

I used all of your notes and they have always helped me. I am giving exam in mayjune 2024. I wanted to ask you that in Place review, Resturant/cafe review section in the second option in paragraph 4 is it important to write opinion and recommendation in one paragraph or you can write in 2 seperate paragraphs?

Hi Ayaan, thank you for your comment. We are glad our notes are helpful!

Regarding your question, your final opinion and recommendation are typically included together in the final paragraph of the review since they’re strongly correlated. You recommend or do not recommend something based on your overall opinion about it, so there’s no need to write them in two separate paragraphs. In fact, you can even just mention your recommendation, which implies your opinion.

So, while your final opinion and recommendation can be included in separate paragraphs, it is not recommended for the previously stated reason, as well as the limited word count of the review.

Okay thanks! Sorry for the late reply. I was busy practicing my upcoming speaking exam on 19th/20th April.

You’re welcome 🙂 It’s ok. Good luck with your exam!

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Breakout English

How to write a film review

Writing a review is an option in many different English language exams, and films are such an obvious choice for reviews, so knowing how to write a film review is pretty important. It’s a great topic for the classroom too. Everyone watches films and there is a lot of opportunity to teach vocabulary, either film-related vocabulary or film review adjectives. I like to start off a class about films with some chat, or my personal favourite, the Movie Music Quiz , which also now has an excellent Movie Picture Quiz version too.

The structure of a film review

Like any writing task, it’s essential to know the structure of a film review before you start writing. A basic film review template shows you how to write a film review using a simple structure. Film reviews for First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) Cambridge exams, as well as Trinity ISE exams, should all use a 4 paragraph structure. Another thing to remember is that your review should always have a title, and that title should include the name of the film.

• Introduction – Essential details and mini-summary
• Summary – A description of the film and some important details
• Analysis – An evaluation of different elements
• Conclusion – Your opinion and a recommendation

Introduction

In the introduction of a film review, it is crucial to mention the film title and the names of the director and the main actors. A brief summary of the film’s plot and background information can also be included, but it should not give away too much detail. The introduction should engage the reader and entice them to continue reading the review. Additionally, it is important to mention the genre and target audience of the film, which will give the reader an idea of what to expect.

In the summary section, the film review should give a comprehensive but concise description of the film, focusing on the plot, characters, and any significant events. The summary should be written in a way that does not give away the ending or spoil the film for the reader. It is important to maintain objectivity and not include personal opinions in this section. This section should provide enough detail for the reader to have a clear understanding of the film without giving too much away.

The analysis section is where the reviewer can showcase their critical skills and provide an in-depth evaluation of the film. The review should examine various elements of the film such as the script, direction, cinematography, acting, and special effects. You could also make a comparison to similar films in the same genre. The analysis should be written in an objective style with the opinion only showing through the language used.

In the conclusion, the reviewer should give their personal opinion of the film, summarising their thoughts on its strengths and weaknesses. They should also consider the target audience and whether they believe the film will appeal to them. Finally, the reviewer should provide a clear recommendation. The conclusion should be concise, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the reviewer’s overall opinion of the film.

Using adjectives in reviews

Reviews are a great way to show off your language with impressive adjectives. If you read a film review in a newspaper or magazine, you’ll notice that the reviewer rarely, if ever, gives an explicit direct opinion. However, their opinion of the film is always crystal clear. This is through the use of adjectives.

Many adjectives have a clear connotation. They are either perceived as positive or negative. Compare these two examples. Which one is a positive description and which is negative?

• It’s a first-rate experience with an imaginative plot and a star-studded cast.
• The second-rate writing combined with weak performances is typical of this director’s work.

When using adjectives in a film review, it is important to choose words that accurately convey the reviewer’s opinion. Adjectives with strong connotations, either positive or negative, can be very effective in expressing the reviewer’s thoughts about the film. However, it is also important to use a variety of adjectives to avoid repetition and keep the review interesting. The use of adjectives can also help to paint a picture of the film, allowing the reader to get a sense of its atmosphere and tone.

The materials

Many exams, such as the Cambridge First (FCE) and Advanced (CAE) exams, as well as Trinity ISE exams, require students to write a film review as part of their writing task. These materials will provide students with a solid understanding of the structure of a film review and help them to develop their writing skills. This will give them the confidence they need to write a review that meets the requirements of the exam and impresses the examiner.

The materials will help you learn how to write an introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion of a film review. You will also see a range of useful adjectives that you can use to express your opinions in their reviews. Finally, you will get an opportunity to practise writing film reviews, which will help you to develop your skills. Then you can check your answers with the samples provided in the answer key. Whether you’re preparing for an exam or just looking to improve your writing skills, these materials will provide you with everything you need to write a great film review.

1 thought on “How to write a film review”

Interesting and useful material to be used in class. thanks!

Comments are closed.

Writing: Exercise 6 (Writing a Review)

Exercise 6 of the ESL paper could also be a review writing.

The review could be for a book, movie, restaurant etc. that you enjoyed (or didn’t!)

The exercise is worth 16 marks and you should write about 150-200 words.

Let’s dive right in. I will be using a book review for examples. I have included a sample review at the end.

• Introduction : state the book’s title, author’s full name, the setting of the story, giving a one-line description of what the story is about. Use adjectives to describe the book such as insightful, beautiful, controversial etc.
• Brief description : give a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot of the book, shortly expanding your one-sentence description in the introduction. Don’t write the whole story, only the beginning! Use the present tense of verbs and linking words to outline the story chronologically. Bonus points if you can use words that fit the theme of the story. If, for example, the book is of the fantasy genre, use words like magic, summon, fate, spells etc.
• Opinion : this is where you have to write down how the book impacted you. Was it inspiring? Thought-provoking? Life-changing? You could praise the book or criticise it, stating why.
• Recommendation : you must state whether you would recommend this book, to whom and why.

Let’s look at a sample. See if I’ve stuck with the points above.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini has to be the most devastatingly beautiful book I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Set in 20th century Afghanistan, it tells the story of how a young boy’s friendship is tested by war and betrayal.

Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan, shares a close friendship with their household servant’s son, Hassan. But a fateful kite-flying competition tethers their bond, and as war forces them to part ways, the boys’ lives take them on a journey of love and redemption.

The book made me realise how precious yet fragile the relationships we build are; and that we must always take a chance on our loved ones. It taught me the importance of the people in our lives and how they shape us to be who we are.

The Kite Runner is a beautifully narrated tale, the writing just as simple as it is heart- breaking, the characters realistically portrayed. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy character-driven stories set in troubled times.

Time Management

For the core paper 1 , spend about 20 minutes in this exercise.

For the extended paper 2 , spend 30 minutes on this exercise. Allot 5 minutes to plan the points you will include in each paragraph. Take 20 minutes to write your review, keeping in mind all the above tips. Use the final 5 minutes to proofread and make any changes.

That’s the end of the ESL paper. Good luck!

Notes submitted by Lintha.

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Mastering the Art of IGCSE Review Writing: A Comprehensive Guide

• backlinkworks
• Writing Articles & Reviews
• September 17, 2023

Introduction

review writing is an essential skill that students need to master when pursuing their IGCSE exams. IT requires a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and the ability to critically analyze the content . In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of IGCSE review writing .

Understanding the IGCSE review writing Format

Before delving into the intricacies of review writing , IT is important to understand the format that IGCSE exams follow. The review is typically a piece of writing that evaluates a particular work, such as a book, film, or play. IT includes a summary of the content , an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses, and a personal opinion.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Material

The first step in mastering the art of IGCSE review writing is to familiarize yourself with the material you will be reviewing . Whether IT is a book, film, or play, read or watch IT carefully, taking notes of the key points, themes, and characters. Understanding the material thoroughly will allow you to provide an accurate and insightful review.

Step 2: Identify the Main Elements

Once you have familiarized yourself with the material, identify the main elements that you will be discussing in your review. These elements may include the plot, characters, setting, themes, and writing style. By identifying these elements, you can better organize your thoughts and ensure that you cover all the important aspects in your review.

Step 3: Summarize the content

In your review, IT is important to provide a concise summary of the content . This allows your readers to understand what the material is about without giving away too many details or spoilers. Use your notes from Step 1 to summarize the main plot points and key events in the material.

Step 4: Analyze the Strengths and Weaknesses

After summarizing the content , IT is time to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the material. This is where you provide a critical evaluation of the work. Discuss the aspects that impressed you, such as well-developed characters, engaging plot twists, or thought-provoking themes. Similarly, identify any weaknesses, such as poor pacing, inconsistent character motivations, or plot holes.

Step 5: Express Your Personal Opinion

A strong IGCSE review should include your personal opinion about the material. IT is essential to back up your opinion with evidence from the material itself. Explain why you enjoyed or disliked the work, providing specific examples to support your claims. This shows the examiner that you have thought critically about the material and can articulate your views effectively.

Step 6: Use Clear and Concise Language

In any form of writing , clarity is key. Use clear and concise language to express your ideas and opinions. Avoid using jargon or overly complex sentences that may confuse the reader. Keep your sentences and paragraphs well-structured, ensuring that your review flows logically from one point to the next.

Step 7: Edit and Proofread

Before submitting your IGCSE review, IT is crucial to edit and proofread for any grammatical or spelling errors. Read your review carefully, checking for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Ensure that your sentences are well-constructed and that your ideas flow smoothly from one paragraph to the next. A well-edited and polished review reflects the effort and dedication you put into mastering the art of review writing .

Mastering the art of IGCSE review writing takes practice and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you will be well on your way to crafting insightful and engaging reviews. Remember to familiarize yourself with the material, identify the main elements, summarize the content , analyze the strengths and weaknesses, express your personal opinion, use clear and concise language, and edit and proofread your work. With dedication and practice, you can excel in your IGCSE review writing .

1. How long should an IGCSE review be?

There is no set word count for an IGCSE review. However, IT is important to strike a balance between providing enough detail to support your opinions and keeping the review concise. Aim to write around 500-800 words, but prioritize quality over quantity.

2. Can I express my personal opinion in an IGCSE review?

Absolutely! Expressing your personal opinion is a crucial aspect of an IGCSE review. However, ensure that your opinion is backed up with evidence and examples from the material itself. This shows the examiner that you have critically engaged with the work.

3. How should I structure my IGCSE review?

An IGCSE review should have a clear and logical structure. Start with an introduction that provides some context about the material and your overall opinion. Then, move on to summarize the content , analyze the strengths and weaknesses, and express your personal opinion. Conclude the review by summarizing your main points and restating your opinion.

4. Is IT necessary to edit and proofread my IGCSE review?

Editing and proofreading are essential steps in any form of writing . They help eliminate grammatical and spelling errors and ensure clarity and coherence in your review. Take the time to carefully read through your review and make any necessary edits or corrections before submitting IT .

5. Can I use quotations from the material in my IGCSE review?

Using quotations can enhance the strength of your arguments and provide evidence to support your opinions. However, be selective in the quotations you choose and ensure that they are relevant and add value to your review. Use them sparingly and always provide proper citation.

By following this comprehensive guide, you are well-equipped to master the art of IGCSE review writing . Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep reviewing and honing your skills to excel in your exams.

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Writing a film review

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

29 June 2014

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FILM REVIEW

Cinema World

• October 21, 2023

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Film Reviews

How to write a film review in cambridge igcse esl exercise 6.

Are you looking for a film review for your school magazine expressing your views? If yes, you are in the right place! Add the title of the film and underline it, you may provide the reviewer’s name or byline. Begin your film review with an introduction. One of the easiest ways of involving or reader […]

How to write a film review in Cambridge IGCSE ESL Exercise 6? Read More »

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Home | Learning Resources | Samples | Review | Event Review | Sample -1 IGCSE S22/2019

In your school holidays, you attended a course to learn singing, dancing and acting. Your teacher has asked you to write a review of the course for the school magazine.

Here are two comments from other young people who attended the course:

• • It was brilliant! We all learned new things.
• • I started to get bored after a few classes.
• Write a review for the school magazine, giving your opinions.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• • State the background
• • Basic facts of the matter

Paragraph 2: Summary information

• • Give quantified information about the programme

Paragraph 3 and 4: analysis

• • Basic facts of the matter.Develop review statement in paragraph 3 and treat the alternative point in paragraph 4 from your own point of view without weakening the idea of the review statement.

Paragraph 5: conclusion

• • Restate your review sentence and then write a closing sentence to end the review

Sample review

During the last vacation, I attended a two months’ course - in singing, dancing and acting. It was designed and managed by a group of graduates from the ‘School of Fine Arts’. Though a little amateurish, the course was remarkable as it trained us in useful technical aspects of the arts.

The programme – ‘Foundation Course in Performing Arts’- aimed to offer training in basic technical skills to young students who want to make a career in art industry. The number of seats was limited to 30 and that helped personalised attention in instructions. In addition to the management team, faculty from various institutes were invited to facilitate various sessions. The course combined activities and lectures so that experience was supported by theoretical knowledge.

The greatest plus point about the course is that it was a programme, in true sense of the word. A brochure was given to the candidates in advance and it contained the syllabus and detailed schedule with specific information about what is done in each session. This clarity worked wonderfully. We had the idea of what and how we are going to achieve. This also helped to avoid lapse of time and get the best out of each sessions.

Some participants complain that theoretical sessions were boring. I think this opinion is because of tightly packed schedules wrongly interpreted. For me, the lecture sessions helped a lot in detailing our performances.

To put my idea in brief, except for the unprofessional concepts of arts here and there, the course did marvellous little to mould us into artists. All of the participants could really get fluent with the basic technical side of their arts. With only two months, it was just one or two inches, but real ivory.

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Movie Reviews

Sharply funny 'janet planet' perfectly captures the feel of a long, hot summer.

Justin Chang

Mother and daughter Janet (Julianne Nicholson) and Lacy (Zoe Ziegler) share a slow New England summer in Janet Planet. Courtesy of A24 hide caption

Amid the current crop of summer movies, I can’t think of one that captures the feeling of summer more evocatively than Janet Planet. Much of the story takes place in a rustic house in woodsy Western Massachusetts; by day, sunlight streams in through enormous windows, and at night, chirping crickets flood the soundtrack. The celebrated playwright Annie Baker, here writing and directing her first film, has uncanny powers of observation and a talent for evoking time and place. She also has two memorable lead characters and a sharply funny and moving story to tell.

It’s the summer of 1991. The story begins when 11-year-old Lacy, played by the terrific newcomer Zoe Ziegler, calls her mom from camp and demands to be taken home early; her exact words are “I’m gonna kill myself if you don’t come get me.”

These are the 19 movies we're most excited about this summer

Lacy is a shy misfit with big owlish glasses and a flair for deadpan exaggeration. She and her single mom, Janet, who’s played by a subtly luminous Julianne Nicholson, are extremely close, as we can see when Janet duly comes to fetch Lacy and bring her home. Later at their house, Janet puts Lacy to bed and listens to her vent.

Baker isn’t one to hurry her characters along. Her plays — the best known of which is her Pulitzer-winning 2013 drama, The Flick — have been justly praised for bringing a new kind of naturalism to the stage, especially in the way the actors retain the stammers and silences of normal conversation. She brings that same sensibility to Janet Planet .

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Baker includes a few loving nods to her background in theater; at various points, Lacy plays with a small puppet theater, complete with handmade clay figurines, and in a later scene, she and Janet attend an outdoor performance featuring actors in elaborate costumes. But the movie never feels stagey. It was shot on 16-millimeter film by Maria von Hausswolff, who previously filmed the visually stunning Icelandic drama Godland , and her use of natural light and precise, fine-grained details feel transportingly cinematic.

The movie is divided into three loose chapters, each one focused on a friend or significant other of Janet’s who becomes a houseguest for a spell. First up is her boyfriend Wayne, played by a gruff Will Patton, who has a daughter around Lacy’s age but doesn’t take too kindly to Lacy herself. He’s soon out the door.

In the second chapter we meet Regina, played by a wonderful Sophie Okonedo, a free-spirited drifter who comes to stay with Janet and Lacy after leaving a local hippie commune — basically a cult, though everyone is careful not to use that word. Regina initially brings a breath of fresh air into the house, though she proves insensitive and tactless, especially around Janet, and soon overstays her welcome.

The third houseguest — Avi, played by Elias Koteas — is Regina’s ex-partner and the leader of that hippie commune. Avi is the most mysterious presence in the movie, and it’s through his short-lived relationship with Janet that we fully grasp how profoundly unhappy she is.

The title Janet Planet has many meanings — it’s the name of the acupuncture studio that Janet operates out of the house. It’s also a passing reference to the nickname that Van Morrison gave the singer-songwriter Janet Rigsbee, who inspired a lot of his love songs during their five-year marriage. But the title is most meaningful as it frames our understanding of Janet, whose quiet magnetism really does seem to draw other people, especially men, into her orbit. As we see in Nicholson’s heartbreaking performance, it’s been as much a curse as it is a blessing.

One of the movie’s subtlest achievements is the way it clues us into Janet’s perspective, even as it keeps Janet herself at a bit of a distance. Much of the time we’re studying Janet through Lacy’s eyes, and what’s uncanny is the way Baker captures a sense of the girl’s growing disillusionment — that intensely specific moment when a child begins to see even a doting parent in a clear and not always flattering new light. By the end of Janet Planet , not much has happened, and yet something momentous seems to have taken place. You want Baker to return to these characters, to show us how Janet and Lacy continue to change and grow, together and apart, in the years — and the summers — to come.

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‘the bear’: what to remember for season 3.

It's easy to pop back into the Jeremy Allen White series, right? Wrong. Here's where things left off.

By Josh Wigler

Josh Wigler

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“The Bear is coming.”

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'the bear' season 3 review: jeremy allen white's funny, haunted, infuriating return to the kitchen, stella artois, chef how 'the bear' added in brand deals for season three .

All 10 episodes of  The Bear  binge drop at 9 p.m. ET on June 26, as Hulu edged up the release by three hours . It’s easy enough to just pop back into the show and eat all servings in one shot, right? Wrong.

Technically, you could hit play and let it go until 3 or 4 in the morning. You could spend opening weekend watching all the new installments and let that be that. But doing so without revisiting the 18 existing episodes of  The Bear  would be a mistake — one almost as severe as leaving a pack of cigarettes on an oven during a health inspection. Don’t get the reference? Then you need to brush up on your  Bear  lore. Lord knows, there’s a bunch of it.

The Bear  begins with series lead Jeremy Allen White ‘s Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto sifting through the wreckage left behind by his brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal), who died by suicide some months earlier. Carmy is determined to take his late sibling’s hole-in-the-wall spot from a neighborhood Italian beef sandwich institution to a whole new level of restaurant, one more consistent with his experience in the fine-dining world. He has poured every bit of his blood, sweat and tears into the restaurant industry for the past few years and that same tireless energy is coming home with him to Chicago, whether anybody else likes it or not.

Then there’s Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) , an accomplished chef in her own right, one who wants more from herself and has followed Carmy’s career closely. She steps into The Beef and follows Carmy’s lead, but not without a whole lot of questions once she gets to see the chef’s chaotic mind up close. Season one’s journey largely centers on Syd’s increasing frustration with Carmy , whose desire for perfection comes up against Syd’s own obvious talents. What’s more, both Carmy and Syd find themselves frequently at odds with the occasionally gun-toting Richie, who is striving to keep The Beef exactly as it was when Mikey was still alive.

While Mikey’s gone, his ghost lingers over the show, both in flashbacks featuring Bernthal and with the lack of answers left behind after his death. One answer comes right at the end of season one, when Carmy discovers Mikey was hiding cash in oddly small cans of tomato puree (“they taste better”), opening up the possibilities for The Beef to actually become the highly respected restaurant of Carm and Syd’s dreams. The season ends with those aforementioned words, noting that The Beef is closing down, but “The Bear is coming.”

For his part, Carmy’s hustle to open The Bear meets an unexpected obstacle in the form of Claire (Molly Gordon), an old flame from his past, whom he reconnects with at the start of season two. Much of Carmy’s second-season journey follows the chef’s quest to open himself up to the joys of life outside of the kitchen, with Claire leading the way. Sometimes, it works out. By the end, it very much does not. 

The season climaxes with the friends-and-family night at The Bear, on the eve of opening the restaurant. While most of the figures involved rise to the occasion and deliver a beautiful meal to their loved ones, Carmy himself ends up locked inside of the walk-in refrigerator, spiraling into an existential crisis, during which he calls his relationship with Claire a waste of time — all while Claire is listening from the other side of the fridge door. Richie witnesses the emotional wreck, and he gets into it with Carmy as well, the two of them releasing a torrent of insults at each other, inflicting verbal abuse you can’t just take back . Heading out of season two and into season three, two of Carmy’s most important relationships are broken, perhaps beyond repair.

There’s other drama to consider as well. For instance, Carmy’s mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis) , who has been in the throes of addiction for years, is a wild card looming over season three; Marcus’ sick mother, who he visits as often as possible in his off-hours, dies at the end of the season while he’s at work, mere minutes after he’s all but asked Syd out on a date; and Carmy’s sister and business partner Sugar (Abby Elliott) is very pregnant and very sad about the state of her family’s relationship with their mother. 

Got all that?

Even if your answer is “Yes, chef,” it’s highly advised you go back and watch the preceding episodes before hopping straight back into  The Bear  season three . (Season four, meanwhile, films back to back .) Half the pleasure of the show is watching all of the cookery and absorbing the incredible soundtrack , the series as much a vibes show as a plot-driven one. But the lore is also incredibly deep, and while the above recap gives you the gist, it’s incomplete, if not in information, then certainly in feeling. As Sean Bean might say: One cannot simply read about  The Bear . It’s a show that must be tasted and savored, even as it’s offered in a binge.

Read THR’ s review of season three , Jeremy Allen White explaining the stunning premiere episode and follow along with our season coverage.

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