Writing · Both
Writing a Review
A review informs and judges. Readers need enough detail to understand the experience, plus a clear recommendation.
What to include
• Context – what is it? (film, restaurant, game…)
• Key features – without full spoilers if relevant
• Strengths and weaknesses
• Overall judgement and who it is for
• Star rating or clear recommendation (optional but useful)
Style tips
• Match register to audience (magazine vs school blog)
• Use precise descriptive vocabulary
• Avoid only plot summary – evaluate
• First person is fine if the task allows (“I found…”)
Worked example
Plot dump vs review?
Solution: Plot dump retells everything. A review selects details that support a judgement, e.g. “The final act rushes the characters’ decisions, so the emotional payoff feels unearned.”
Practice questions
1. Name three elements of a good review.
2. Why avoid full spoilers?