B2 Writing Exam – Part 2 – Review
1. Understand the Task
- Purpose: A review evaluates something (e.g., a movie, restaurant) and recommends it (or not) to the reader.
- Audience: The target reader is usually for a magazine, website, or blog, so use a semi-formal or neutral tone.
- Word Count: Write 140–190 words.
- Structure: Include an introduction, main body (usually 2 paragraphs), and a conclusion.
- Content: Describe what you’re reviewing, give your opinion, and make a recommendation.
Example Question: Write a review for a website about a restaurant you recently visited. Describe the food, atmosphere, and service, and say whether you would recommend it.
2. Plan Your Review – Before writing, spend 5–10 minutes planning:
- What are you reviewing? (e.g., a specific film or restaurant)
- Key points to cover: Description, strengths, weaknesses, and recommendation.
- Structure: Decide how to split your ideas across paragraphs.
Example Plan:
- Introduction: Name the restaurant, location, and why you visited.
- Paragraph 1: Describe food and atmosphere.
- Paragraph 2: Discuss service and any negatives.
- Conclusion: Summarize opinion and recommend (or not).
3. Structure Your ReviewFollow this clear structure to organize your ideas effectively:Introduction (20–30 words)
- Introduce the subject (e.g., name of the film/restaurant).
- Give brief background (e.g., when/why you experienced it).
- Engage the reader with a question or catchy statement.
Example: Have you ever dined at Bella Italia in central London? I visited this cozy restaurant last weekend and was eager to try their famous pasta dishes.Main Body – Paragraph 1 (50–60 words)
- Describe the subject in detail (e.g., plot of a film, food quality, venue’s atmosphere).
- Use positive or neutral adjectives to set the tone.
- Focus on what stood out (good or bad).
Example: The food at Bella Italia was delicious, especially the creamy carbonara, which was perfectly seasoned. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and Italian music playing gently.Main Body – Paragraph 2 (50–60 words)
- Evaluate another aspect (e.g., service, value for money, actors’ performances).
- Include any negatives (but balance them with positives if possible).
- Use linking words (e.g., however, on the other hand) to show contrast.
Example: The service, however, was a bit slow, as we waited 20 minutes for our starters. Despite this, the staff were friendly and apologetic, which made the experience more enjoyable.Conclusion (20–30 words)
- Summarize your overall opinion.
- Make a clear recommendation (e.g., who would enjoy it?).
- End with a strong statement to leave an impression.
Example: Overall, Bella Italia offers tasty food and a lovely atmosphere. Despite minor service issues, I’d recommend it to anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine.
4. Use Appropriate Language
- Descriptive Adjectives: Use a range to express opinions (e.g., thrilling, disappointing, mouth-watering, overpriced).
- Opinion Phrases: Include phrases like In my opinion, I found it, It’s worth to show evaluation.
- Recommendation Language: Use I highly recommend, It’s perfect for, Don’t miss out on, or I wouldn’t suggest for your conclusion.
- Engaging Tone: Address the reader directly (e.g., If you love action films, you’ll enjoy…) or use rhetorical questions.
- Varied Vocabulary: Avoid repetition by using synonyms (e.g., great → fantastic, excellent).
Example Phrases:
- The plot was gripping from start to finish.
- It’s ideal for families looking for a fun evening out.
- On the downside, the prices were a bit steep.
5. Tips for Success
- Answer the Question Fully: Cover all points mentioned in the task (e.g., food, atmosphere, service).
- Stay Within the Word Limit: Practice writing 140–190 words to manage time (40 minutes total for Part 2).
- Use Paragraphs: Clearly separate your ideas for readability.
- Balance Positives and Negatives: Even if you loved or hated it, include a mix to show critical thinking.
- Check Your Work: Spend 2 minutes reviewing grammar, spelling, and coherence.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Recommending: Always state whether you recommend the subject.
- Overly Formal Language: Avoid academic phrases like “In conclusion, it is imperative that…”. Keep it semi-formal.
- Too Much Plot Summary: For films/books, don’t retell the entire story—focus on describing and evaluating.
- Ignoring the Audience: Engage the reader with a lively tone.
- Poor Linking: Use connectors (e.g., also, moreover, although) to make your writing flow.
7. Practice Example**Task: Write a review of a book you recently read for a school magazine. Describe the story, characters, and whether you recommend it.
Model Answer (150 words):
Looking for a page-turner? I recently read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, a magical tale of love and mystery. The story follows two young magicians, Celia and Marco, bound in a lifelong competition by their mentors, you know, magic. The circus itself is a character, with enchanting tents that appear without warning.The plot is beautifully crafted, blending romance and fantasy seamlessly. The vivid descriptions made me feel like I was walking through the circus myself. However, the pacing was slow at times, which might frustrate readers who prefer fast-paced stories. The characters, especially Celia, were complex and memorable, though Marco felt slightly underdeveloped.Overall, The Night Circus is a captivating read, perfect for fans of magical realism. Despite its slower moments, I’d highly recommend it to anyone who loves immersive storytelling. Don’t miss this enchanting adventure!
Review example questions:
Restaurant Reviews Needed
We are looking for reviews of local restaurants or cafés. Write a review of a restaurant or café you have visited recently. Describe the place, the food and the service, and say whether you would recommend it to others.
Write your review in 140–190 words.
Holiday Accommodation Reviews Wanted
Have you stayed in a hotel, hostel, or holiday apartment recently? Write a review of the accommodation, describing the location, facilities, and service. Would you recommend it to other travellers? Why or why not?
Write your review in 140–190 words.
Review of a film / movie
You see this announcement on an English-language film website: Reviews Wanted!
Have you recently watched a film that you really enjoyed or that disappointed you? Write a review for our website, giving your opinion of the film and explaining why you would (or would not) recommend it to other people. The best reviews will be published on our site.
Write your review in 140–190 words.
Review of a concert / music event or a theatre play
You see the following notice in an English-language entertainment magazine:Reviews Wanted
We are looking for reviews of concerts, music festivals or theatre performances. Write a review of a live performance you have recently attended. Describe what you saw and heard, and say whether you would recommend it to others.
Write your review in 140–190 words.