Articles, News Reports & Reviews

Useful Language

• 
  To begin reviews:
  

This well-written /informative/ fascinating/thought-provoking book is…

The film/book/play/etc is set in …/tells the story of …/is based on …

The film/play stars …/is directed by …/is the sequel to…

• 
  To end reviews:
  

You should definitely see/read …/Don't miss it/You might enjoy…

All in all, it is well worth seeing/reading, since…

On the whole, I wouldn't recommend it, in view of the fact that…

It is a classic of its kind/It is sure to be a hit/best-seller…

Introduction

Paragraph 1

background - type of story, setting, theme, main characters

Main Body

Paragraph 2

main points of the plot

Paragraph 3

comments on various

features e.g. acting, plot,

characters, etc

Paragraphs 4-5*

explanation, reason/

example

Conclusion

Final Paragraph

overall assessment of work/recommendation

The exact number and divi­sion of paragraphs will depend on the specific requirements of each writing task.

Useful Language

• 
  To explain the plot:
  

The plot revolves around …/involves/focuses on … /has an unexpected twist.

The story begins with .../unfolds/reaches a dramatic climax when...

• 
  Evaluating various features:
  

The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre cast.

The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak/disappointing/unconvincing.

The plot is	gripping/dramatic/fascinating/suspense-filled/fast-moving.
	far-fetched/predictable/confusing/dull/unimaginative.

The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.

It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively written/directed.

 2. Read the model below and identify the topic of each paragraph. Then, choose the most suitable word from those on the right to complete each of the numbered spaces in the model.

A student from your college has just won first prize in a national competition for young writers. Write a review for the college newspaper giving a brief sum­mary of the book and saying why you think other students might enjoy it and learn from it.

Elite's Success by Langbourne College's own second-year student, Katie McLean, is a 1)………………….. which has just won a major nation­al writers' competition, and deservedly so. It is a 2)…………………………………. story 3)…………………… in northern England during the early part of this century which tells the 4)…………………….. of a young woman, Ellie Turner, in her struggle to make herself known in the busi­ness world which was so domi­nated by men at that time. Her neighbour and childhood friend, William Thompson, causes her the greatest difficulties of all.
The story begins with Ellie being left a considerable sum of money in her grandfather's will. Subsequently, she decides to set up a catering business as a means of earning a living, making use of her abilities as a good cook. The 5)…………………… follows Ellie's ups and downs as she tackles problem after problem to make her dream come true, until, despite great opposition from friends, family and acquaintances, she finally achieves her goal.
The tale is 6)……………………………….., with episodes which are both 7)…………………….. and 8)……………………… and retains the reader's interest throughout. It gives a 9)……………….. insight into life in the early 1900's and the hardships encountered by people at that time.

Ellie's Success is well 10)………………….. reading, if you enjoy period fiction. It can teach the reader about fair play, or lack of it, in the business world and provides a welcome break from set literary texts and coursebooks.

1 a biography c novel 2 a long c box-office