FCE review

In this post, we will look at how to write a review for the FCE exam.
1. Analyze the task:
a) What information do we need to include?
b) What is the purpose of the article?
c) Who is the review for?

Depending on what kind of person you are, a review might be the perfect fit for you. If you have a good memory and know a lot of details about a certain book or a movie (Video game, TV series, Hotels, places, etc.) this might be the perfect part 2 topic.
The main purpose is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which you have experienced. In other words, you are giving information to the reader and help them decide whether to…..well whatever you are given to write about, or not (play the game, watch a movie, read a book, etc).
Usually, the review is written for a magazine or a newspaper or perhaps a website. Give essential informatioп about the story, cast, band members, etc. Say what you liked and didn’t like about the performance. And of course, make а recommendation.

2. If it’s possible try to think of an interesting title.
a. Rocky – The fight of endurance
b. Titanic – Their Hearts Will Go On
c. Doom – One versus all
If you can’t think of anything interesting don’t worry just state what you are writing about.

3. In the first paragraph introduce the topic of the review. The review should be written in a communicative form so that it holds the reader’s attention. You should introduce the topic of the book and the subject matter in an engaging way, using a rhetorical question, then summarise some of the events in the narrative (In the book; it is told that; One day, the king; later on).

4. Give the positive and negative features in the second and third paragraphs. (On the plus side, the movie had, in my opinion, the world’s most favorite actors….On the other hand, it was visible that they were working with a small budget). (Yes! I am looking at you Game of Thrones!)

5. Finish with а final recommendation.
Here are some useful phrases you can use in your review:
1. Giving background:
a. This show stars…
b. The play is directed by…
c. The film is about…
d. The movie is set in the 1980s…

2. Explaining
a. It didn’t work out the way he wanted…
b. One day…
c. There once was…
d. Later on…
e. This book…

3. Expressions witch introduce a contrast:
a. On the plus side,…
b. On the down side, …
c. Оп the one hand, …
d. Оп the other hand,…

4. Recommending:
a. Overall, I’d recommend…
b. All in all, the film was…
c. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend…
d. I wouldn’t encourage anyone to…
e. This book is suitable for…
f. I can’t say that…
g. Highly recommended as…

Reminder! Don’t forget about the commas!

In addition

And finally, let’s speak about word count and time management.
In this task, you will have to write between 140-190 words. It means that you can fit about 10 to 15 sentences. In such writings try to be straightforward, don’t add information that the reader doesn’t need to know.
From my personal experience, I know that my usual sentences are about 12 to 16 words long and that means that I can write about 12 sentences to meet such criteria. You won’t lose marks if you write 5 words too many. Focus on writing that you have to write, and the word count will take care of itself. Don’t waste time in the exam counting how many words you have written! The usual time-management is 10 – 25 – 5. 10min planning, 25min writing and 5min review.