B2 · Writing
The Review
Lesson Handout
What is an FCE Review?
⚠ A review evaluates something — a book, film, restaurant, product, place or event — and gives a recommendation. It is written for a specific audience and must be engaging and informative.
Review Structure
Language for reviews
Positive language
• The film was utterly gripping from start to finish.
Recommendation phrases
Sample review (annotated)
Summary
B2 · Writing
The Review
Worksheet
Name: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Identify the review features (6 points)
Read each sentence and identify its function in a review.
1. "The service was attentive without being intrusive." This sentence is part of the ______.☐ introduction☐ main body☐ recommendation
2. "I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys live music." This is the ______.☐ introduction☐ main body☐ recommendation
3. "Having heard so much about it, I finally visited with high expectations." This sentence opens the ______.☐ introduction☐ main body☐ recommendation
4. Which tone is most appropriate for a review in a student magazine?☐ semi-formal and engaging☐ formal and academic☐ informal and chatty
5. What is the main purpose of a review?☐ to evaluate and recommend☐ to inform objectively☐ to argue one point of view
6. Which element makes a review credible?☐ including both positives and negatives☐ only focusing on positives☐ using technical language
Vocabulary — stronger adjectives and phrases (8 points)
Replace each underlined word with a more vivid or precise alternative.
7. The film was very good from start to finish. → The film was ___________ from start to finish.
8. The food was nice. → The food was ___________.
9. I think you should see this film. → I would ___________ this film.
10. One bad thing is the limited menu. → One ___________ is the limited menu.
11. The service was bad but the food was good. → The service was ___________, on balance the food more than compensated.
12. It was worth going. → It was well ___________ the journey.
13. What makes it special is the view. → What ___________ it apart is the view.
14. I was surprised by how good the service was. → I was ___________ by the quality of the service.
Reorder the review (6 points)
These sentences from a review are in the wrong order. Number them 1–6 in the correct order.
15. A"On the whole, I would strongly recommend this documentary to anyone interested in climate change." → Position: ___________
16. B"However, some sections feel repetitive and could have been edited more tightly." → Position: ___________
17. C"The interviews with scientists are particularly compelling." → Position: ___________
18. D"Last month I watched a documentary about sustainability and carbon emissions." → Position: ___________
19. E"It presents a broad range of perspectives on fossil fuels and renewable energy." → Position: ___________
20. F"Overall, it is a thought-provoking watch that raises important questions." → Position: ___________
Write a review (10 points)
Write a review of a film, book, restaurant or place you know. Include: a catchy title, introduction, body (positives and negatives), and a clear recommendation. Write 140–190 words.
21. [Open writing task — see instructions above]
B2 · Writing
The Review
Answer Key
1. main body
2. recommendation
3. introduction
4. semi-formal and engaging
5. to evaluate and recommend
6. including both positives and negatives
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