Reviews
Look at this scene from a film.
What type of film is it (e.g. adventure, thriller, comedy)? Where do you think the film is set? Who are the

main characters? What do you think the plot is? Where would you find a short description of a film? What makes a film / book enjoyable? What is your favourite film / book? Why would you recommend it?

1. A review is a short description of a film, book, theatrical
   performance, etc. The plot's main points along with the writer's remarks and recommendation of the film, book or performance are included in a review.
2. It is important that you consider the tenses that should
   be used for each paragraph. The description of the plot
   should be written in present tenses. Note that paragraphs should consist of more than one sentence. A new paragraph is needed when a new topic is presented. When forming the conclusion of a review, include your recommendation or viewpoint. Support and justify your comments or beliefs with arguments or reasons. A formal or informal style can be used when writing a review, depending on-the publication.

 

 

Paragraph plan for a review

Introduction Background (setting, type of story, characters)

Paragraph 2 Main points of the plot

Paragraph 3 General comments

Conclusion Recommendation

 

When writing a review consider:



1. where the story is set (place, time)
2. what kind of story it is (adventure, western, thriller, etc.
3. the acting/direction/production (well acted/directed, etc.)
4. the plot (entertaining/boring? What makes it enjoyable/
   dull?)/the script (well/badly written?)
5. whether you would recommend the film/book to your
   readers or not and why

 

Useful language for writing reviews

BACKGROUND
This well-written and informative book may well spark off many discussions, This fascinating book contains the most thorough examination of ..., This wonderfully original book illustrates ..., The film/story is set in ..., This is the first novel written by ..., This novel was written about ..., The film sta^he film is directed by ..., The film/book tells the story of ..., It is a love story/ thriller..., The author explores the origins of ..., This work is based on ..., It clearly points out how ...

MAIN POINTS OF PLOT
The story concerns ..., The plot revolves around/centres on ..., The tale begins ..., After a series of unbelievable coincidences..., The film reaches a breathtaking climax ..., The plot has an unexpected twist to it..., The plot is rather unconvincing ..., etc.


GENERAL COMMENTS
As gripping as this book is, it lacks..., It makes quite depress­ing reading as ..., The description of...is particularly graphic, The book must have been extremely difficult to write, The last scenes/chapters are more uplifting, It was rather long/confus­ing/unbelievable, It is a high-action drama, The cast is excel­lent/weak, The script is dull/exciting, etc, a tragic/thrilling end, It will keep you on the edge of your seat, It is beautifully/poorly written, It is a classic study of jealousy/war, etc.


RECOMMENDATIONS
The interesting facts offered in this book make it stand out, Don't miss it, It will change the way you think about..., It is well worth seeing ..., It is a classic/masterpiece of its kind, This book offers a wealth of thought-provoking/ entertaining reading, It succeeds brilliantly in..., It is a highly entertaining read, Now all of us can enjoy this ..., etc.

 

1    Read the review below and spot the topic of each paragraph. Then answer the following questions:

a. Where is the film set?
b. What kind of film is it?
с Who are the stars of the film?
d. What is the plot of the film?
e.  Is the film recommended?

Braveheart

Braveheart is a historical film set in Scotland in the 14th century. Mel Gibson plays the title role and directs this three-hour epic about William Wallace, the man who led the Scots in their fight against the English.
After his wife is executed by an English Lord, Wallace rallies the villagers and they drive out the English soldiers. Support for Wallace grows and he soon comes to the notice of the English King
Edward, played by Patrick McGoohan. Edward sends his daughter-in-law to negotiate with Wallace, but the King is well-known for double-crossing his enemies.
Although the film is rather long, the script is exciting and full of high-action scenes. The cast is excellent, especially McGoohan as the evil King and of course, Mel Gibson is perfectly heroic in the starring role. The story will keep you on the edge of your seat right up to the tragic end.
Braveheart is bound to be a box office hit. It is well worth seeing, as it has action, excitement and even romance. You will also fall in love with the beautiful Scottish scenery.


2   Read the review below and put the paragraphs in the correct order. Then say which tenses are used to describe the plot of the story. Finally, state the purpose of each paragraph.

Lord of the Flies by William Golding
The book is very well written and will hold you in suspense to the very last page. It is a brilliant study of society and the forces that can destroy it.
I thoroughly recommend Lord of the Flies, as it is a masterpiece of its kind that shows the reality of how fragile our civilisation actually is.
Lord of the Flies is set on a Pacific Island during a war. The book tells the story of a group of boys who survive a plane crash on the island which is deserted. It is an adventure story with a deep message.
The tale begins when the boys gather together and elect a leader called Ralph. Another boy, Jack,
becomes the head of the hunters and a dangerous rivalry grows between the two boys. At the same time; the group is afraid of the Beast, a creature they believe lives on the island. The story reaches a breathtaking climax as war breaks out amongst the boys and we realise that the Beast is actually the hidden evil in them.

3.Bearing in mind that there are certain phrases which can be used in reviews, decide whether the following phrases should be used in a book or a film review.


the script is well written, it is brilliantly directed, a must-see, a dull read, the starring role is played by, the film is set in, the spe­cial effects are impressive, a strong cast including, the author has attempted to discover


4. Write a review about a film you have recently seen for an entertain­ment magazine.

 

 

Writing a review. Film review. Book review.

Aim: by the end of the session the Ss will be able to make up sentences about a film (book) they have watched and recommend to their groupmates a film (book) with they enjoyed.
 Materials                     successfully Writing Int.
 equipment:                  Upstream upper-Int. SB
                                      Count down to first Certif.
1.Checking punctuation
2. Engage.

Answer the questions:

1. Would you rather read the book, or watch the film? Why?
2. What kind of book is it? What kind of film is it? Tick (\/)

 

1. romance
2. science fiction

1. Can you think of any other types of books and films?
   
2. What's your favourite book/film?
   
3. What would you say to a friend to recommend a book or a film?

3. Study
Reviews are brief accounts of books, films, plays, CDs, etc. Their purpose is to inform readers and viewers, while also giving opinions and recommendations about whether or not they should buy a CD, read a book, watch a film, etc.
Reviews should include:

1. an introduction, which gives facts and background
   information concerning the book, CD, etc (i.e. the
   title, the name of the artist/author, type, etc)
2. a main body, usually made up of two paragraphs:
   one describing the main features of the subject
   (e.g. the plot), and another including general
   comments and opinion (e.g. the acting, musical
   style, etc)
3. a conclusion which includes a recommendation of
   the book, CD, play, etc, supported by reasons

Reviews are normally found in newspapers, magazines or as parts of a letter. The style used depends on the ublication and the intended reader; therefore, it can be either formal or semi-formal. Present tenses are normally used, as well as a variety of adjectives to make the review more interesting to the reader.

Introduction

Paragraph 1

background information  (title, name of author/ director, type, setting, etc.)

Main Body

Paragraph 2

main points of the plot Paragraph 3

general comments ;

Conclusion Paragraph 4

recommendation

4. Pre-writing

Understanding the Rubric 1
Read the rubric and underline the key words, then answer the questions.
Your school newspaper has asked students to submit reviews of films that they have recently seen which are related to the environment. Write your review, giving a brief summary of the plot and saying why you think it might interest other people.
1.Who is going to read the review?
2.Which of the following should you include?

1. the end of the story
2. recommendation
3. the main points of the plot
4. type of film / name of director
5. when and where you saw the film
6. main characters/names of actors
7. awards the film has won (if any)

3.Which tenses should you use?

5. Pre-writing
Read the model and match the paragraphs to the topics.

a    recommendation
b   general comments
c    main points of the plot
d   background information

 Erin Brockovich is a true story about one woman's courageous fight to beat the system. The film's director is Steven Soderbergh and the cast includes Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, a single mother of three, and Albert Finney as Ed Masry her sympathetic attorney and later boss.

Set in a small California town, the story
begins when, after a car accident leaves her with no money and no job, Erin begs Ed to let herwork at his law firm.  While working there, she accidentally comes across some medical files. Sensing   that   something   is   not   right, she convinces Ed to let her look into the matter. Soon, Erin discovers that a power company has been polluting the city's water supply, causing many of its   residents   to   develop  serious illnesses.

The film is full of emotional moments as Erin wins the trust of the suspicious but frightened local citizens. The actors -especially Roberts, who won the Oscar award; for Best Actress - give moving and believable performances, and the directing is excellent.

This film is well worth seeing. It will j touch your heart and make you cheer for? ordinary people. Don't miss it

6.Post-writing

Answer the questions.

1. Does the writer give a detailed account of the
   story, or a brief summary?
2. What background information does the writer give?
3. Is this a positive or a negative review? What
   phrases does the writer use to recommend or not
   recommend the film?
4. Does he/she reveal the end of the story?
5. Has the writer used:
6. passive voice?
7. variety of adjectives?
8. colloquial expressions?
9. complex sentences?
10. abbreviations?

 

7.Study

Useful Language

Choose phrases from the box to make sentences based
on the model in Ex. 1.

Erin Brockovich is set in a small town in California.
Useful Language: Vocabulary /Phrases / Expressions

Background


•           The film/story is set in ...
•           This well-written/informative/ fascinating book                                 
•           This original first novel ...
•           The film/book tells the story of...
•           The book/novel was written by ...
•           The film is directed by ...
•           This work is based on ...
•           It is a comedy/horror film/love story.


Main points of the plot:

•           The plot focuses on ...
•           The story begins/concerns/is about...
•           The plot has an unexpected twist...
•           The film reaches a dramatic climax ...
•           The plot is(absolute.'y) thrilling/ (rather) boring.


General comments and opinion:

1. It is rather confusing/long/slow/boring.
2. The cast is excellent/weak/awful/unconvincing.
3. The script is dull/clever/exciting.
4. It has a tragic/surprising/dramatic end.
5. It is beautifully/poorly/badly written.
6. It doesn't come across as...
7. The arrangements are simple/effective/ complicated.
8. rich/dull sound
9. catchy tune
10. features a variety of musical instruments
11. powerful/weak voice
12. musically satisfying

 

8.Study

Underline the correct word/phrase.

1. The film Gladiator had a cast/script of thousands.
2. Mel Gibson plays one of the   main   characters/ actors in the film.
3. Elizabeth is an outstanding film based  on/set in the life of Queen Elizabeth I.
4. Many famous actors and musicians attended the film's special effects/premiere.
5. Most of the film was rather boring but it did have an interesting twist/script at the end.
6. Chicago is one of the best films I've seen in a long time.  It's sure to be a  box office  hit/highly entertaining read.
7. The Harry Potter books are so well-written/acted that even my husband enjoys reading them.
8. Nicole Kidman tells the story/plays the part of Virginia Woolf in the film The Hours.
9. Robert De Niro got very good reviews for his role/plot in the film Raging Bull.
10. The story has such a dull/tragic end that you'll leave the cinema in tears.

 

9.Study
a. Which of the following nouns refer to films only?

1. script
2. screenplay
3. acting
4. scenery
5. plot
6. sound effects
7. story
8. cast
9. endrole
10. character
11. special effects

 

b. Which of these adjectives can be used to describe the nouns above?

1. dull
2. excellent
3. terrible
4. moving
5. superb
6. awful
7. fantastic
8. fascinating
9. touching
10. dreadful
11. thrilling
12. hilarious
13. entertaining
14. amusing
15. starring
16. tragic
17. dramatic
18. spectacular





Activate
*In pairs, make up sentences about a film you have both watched.

StarWars has got spectacular special effects

 

10. Pre-writing

Match the sets of adjectives (1-6) to the nouns (a-f), then use the collocations to make sentences.

a	hit
b	novel
с	CD
d	film
e	twist
f	version

	black-and-white/animated/silent
	big/box-office/smash
	unexpected / ironic / dramatic
	gripping/best-selling/fast-paced
	instrumental/cover/live
	debut/solo/chart-topping

 

Charlie Chaplin starred in black-and-white films

1. Don't miss it.
2. It is well worth seeing.
3. It will change the way you see ...
4. I wouldn't recommend it because ...
5. It's bound to be a box-office hit.
6. I highly/thoroughly/strongly recommend it.
7. Wait until it comes out on video.
8. It is a highly entertaining read.
9. It's a bore to read.
10. It's certainly at the top of my list.
11. Fans will no doubt be thrilled with this.
12. It's a must!
13. Don't bother with this one.
14. I definitely recommend that you add this CD to your  collection!

 

a. Which of the phrases in the list above are positive and which     
are negative?   
b. Which can be used for a film, book, CD or all three?


Activate
 * Use appropriate sentences to recommend to your  
partner a recent film/book/CD which you enjoyed.

 

11. While-writing
Analysing a book review

a. Read the book review and put the paragraphs into the correct order. What is each paragraph about? How does the writer recommend the book? Suggest an alternative recommendation.


WOMAN    I   N THE  MISTS
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.

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.

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.

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 mountain gorillas.

Read the extract from a negative review and change it into a positive review by replacing the underlined words with the words in the list. Then, suggest an appropriate recommendation.

1. catchy
2. effective
3. hard
4. beautiful
5.  simple

 

The CD's title track, A Beautiful Day, is a miserable song about life and hope. The arrangements are complicated and dull. The monotonous tune of Elevation, as well as the weak lyrics of Wild Honey, make these two songs very easy to forget.

 


Film review. Book review.                                                               




1. Understanding the Rubric 2

    a. Read the rubric and underline the key words. What information should you include in your review?
What style should you use? Why?

The editor of the newspaper you work for has asked you to write a review of a CD you like. Write your review, including a description of some of the tracks and saying why you recommend it to your readers.

b.Compare and contrast the two models. Which model:

1. uses a variety of adjectives?
2. is informal in style (e.g. uses short sentences, contractions, colloquial language)?
3. doesn't give reasons for its recommendation?
4. uses simple linking devices?
5. doesn't have paragraphs?



Model A.
   Sting: Brand New Day
Brand New Day, by Sting, is a brilliant CD which is by far one of his best. There are ten tracks to enjoy, each one better than the last. And although the main theme of the CD is love, each song tells its own different story.
The CD's title track and first single, Brand New Day, is an upbeat song about never giving up on love. The arrangements are simple and effective. The rich sound of Desert Rose promises to be the second single from the CD and is full of surprises. The minute-long introduction is sung in Arabic by Cheb Mami and the song, with its Middle Eastern influences and Sting's powerful voice, is unlike anything he has ever done before. After the Rain Has Fallen is an energetic song that tells a fairy-tale story of love. You'll be humming this catchy tune long after you first hear it! The End of The Game features a variety of musical instruments from loud drums to calming keyboard and violins.
Once again, Sting will fascinate audiences from all over the world with his powerful voice and catchy tunes. I definitely recommend that you add this CD to your collection. It is a must!

c. Divide model В into paragraphs, then suggest another conclusion. In which type of publication could you read such a review?

 

2.Study the material about reviews from handout.

Sting: Brand New Day


Sting's latest CD, Brand New Day, is really great. There are ten tracks on it and even though the main theme is about love, the songs tell a different story The title track, Brand New Day, is also the name of the first single. This song is really good and the way it's put together is really interesting. Desert Rose is the second single from the CD and it's also great. The beginning of the song is sung in Arabic and then you hear Sting's voice. I really liked this song! The song After the Rain Has Fallen, is another song that I loved. The End of the Game has a lot of different instruments like drums, keyboards and violins. Sting is a man who has played almost everywhere in the world. If I were you, I'd go out and buy this CD today!

3. Describing a film or book you have enjoyed


1.Read the review of the film Kolya and complete the gaps with the appropriate phrase from the box below.
(a)…….is  Kolya.  What's  unusual   about it   is  that   it's  a  •film  -from  the   Czech  Republic,  and it s  nice   to   have   a  change   -from   American   movies! (b) ……….. because   it  won   аn   Оsсаг  -for Best   Foreign   Film   so   I   thought   it   must   be (c)…….. (d)…………… by  a man called  Jan  Sverak,  and (e)………….  a Czech  actor   Zdenek   Sverak,   as  well   as   a  young Russian   child   actor,   Andrej   Chalimon. The   film  (f)……..  Prague,   the   capital city,  and  the   action   begins   in  the   late   1980s, just before  The   Velvet   Revolution,   when   communism   was replaced   by   democracy,   (g)………  of Louka,  a  musician  with the  state  symphony orchestra, who   suddenly   loses   his job,   and   is  forced   to   play music   at  funerals  in  order  to   make a   living. Eventually,   he   meets   and   marries a   Russian woman, but   unfortunately,   she   is   only   interested   in   getting citizenship,   and   immediately   after   the   wedding   she flees to Germany,   leaving   Louka   to   cope   with   her five-year-old   son   (h)………  by   Andrej Chalimon. The film follows the relationship between the man and the boy, and the way they eventually learn   to   adapt   to   each   other's   way   of   life.   Although (i)……….,and a little   slow-moving  at times,   there   were   a   number   of   things   1   really   liked about   it.   (j)………..   the   acting,  which   I thought  was  excellent  (particularly   Sverak   And  the boy),   and   I   also   liked   the  touches  of  humour,  which were   very   subtle   and   gentle.   (k)……….. how   people   live   their   lives   in   such   a   different culture   from   mine. (l)……….. this  film  to  anyone  who  is interested   in   seeing  something  different   from   the   usual action-packed  Hollywood  blockbuster,  and  also  anyone who  enjoys  a  good  cry!

 

worth seeing     it stars     It tells the story of
I particularly wanted to see it
On the whole, I'd certainly recommend
I was especially impressed by     It's directed
One of the best films I've seen this year
the film is a little sentimental     brilliantly played
I also found it very interesting to see     is set in

З   Маке a similar table about a film or play you have seen recently, or a book you have read. Which sections do you need to change if you write about a book? Complete your table with as much information as possible.
4   Use the table to write your own account of a film, play or book you have enjoyed. The other students are going to read your review, so make sure that it is dear and accurate.
5   Display the reviews on a wall or desk. Which of the films / plays / books have you already seen / read? Do you agree with the writer's comments? After reading the reviews will you read / see any of the films or books? Which ones?

Title	a
b Reason for going to see it	change from American  movies because it won an Oscar    for Best Foreign Film
Director	c
d	Zdenek Sverak Andrej Chalimon
Where / when the film is set	e
f	A musician with the state symphony orchestra loses his job. While working as a musician at funerals, he meets...
Positive points about the film	g
h	a bit sentimental, slow-moving at times
Who I'd recommend it to	i