Writing - C2 Review
Essential strategies and common pitfalls to help you ace the Review for Cambridge C2 Writing exam.
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How to write a C2 Review
The main purpose of the review is to describe and express a personal opinion about something which the writer has experienced (e.g. a film, a holiday, a product, a website, etc.) and to give the reader a clear impression of what the item discussed is like.
A review does not merely require a general description of a film or publication, but it specifies the particular aspects to be considered. For example, the review may employ narrative, as well as descriptive and evaluative language, and a range of vocabulary relating, for example, to literature and the media such as cinema or TV.
C2 proficiency (CPE) Review: Structure
| Title / Introduction | Clarifying the topic and attracting the reader’s attention. |
| Main body | A short summary of the reviewed material – paragraph (1) Description of positive aspects and/or weaker points – paragraphs (2-3) Sum up the good and bad points to make an objective assessment – complementary paragraph |
| Recommendation | Final opinion, recommendation or comment. |
C2 proficiency (CPE) Review: Writing Guide
We will use the example topic below in our writing guide advice:
A literary magazine is running a series of reviews of books that people enjoyed reading as a child and would recommend for children today. You decide to send in a review in which you describe a book you enjoyed and the attractions it had for you as a child. You should also explain why you feel it remains relevant for children today.
Write your book review
Step 1: Title
The review should start with the title, and there are several ways to write it:
- Imagine you’re reviewing a book – you can write [Title] by [Author]
- If you were reviewing a hotel – write [Name of the Hotel] – a review
- Or just something catchy that points to the review topic
Title (book): Green Lantern by Stephen King (by)
Title (hotel): Ibiza Hotel in Barcelona – a review (a review)
Title (restaurant): Taco Bell: Unforgettable experience (catchy)
We will use this title in our guide:
Step 2: Introduction
The introduction focuses on the identification of the author, the title, the main topic or issue presented in the question as well as the purpose.
Example:
Introduction: One of my favourite childhood books is the ‘Six Bullerby Children’ written by Astrid Lindergen, a famous Swedish author. The story is set in a three-farm remote village of Bullerby in Sweden.
If your task requires reviewing a book or article concerning particular issues or topics, your introduction must also meet these expectations. The more complex your task is, the more you have to implement in your introduction.
Step 3: Main Body
Organize the content of your review according to a logical plan, so that each paragraph fulfils a specific role. The examiners will pay attention to whether the structure of your review is followed by some deeper thought and proper organization.
For example, if you're reviewing restaurants, your first paragraph might be about the exterior, location, and first impressions. The second paragraph can focus on the description of the interior and the service you had to deal with. The third one, which could also be the longest, could describe in detail the culinary side of the restaurant, the dishes and ingredients from which they are prepared, as well as prices.
This is, of course, only an example structure, however, pay careful attention to the fact that the order of the paragraphs and their length have some deeper meaning.
But, let’s go back to our review…
The first body paragraph
Paragraph (1) can give a short summary of the reviewed material. Give a brief overview – plot, setting, actors, and general idea.
Example:
Paragraph (1): The narrator is a seven-year-old girl, Lisa who, with her parents and two older brothers – Lasse and Bosse, lives in one of the houses. Lisa describes the daily life of the children in Bullerby which – contrary to what one might think when imagining life in a small, remote village – is far from boring. The children have plenty of funny ideas, which often lead to amusing adventures.
Second and/or third body paragraphs
Paragraphs (2 and/or 3) can be used to describe good and bad points respectively. Unlike essay writing, your paragraphs don’t have to be of the same length – if you liked the described thing then your paragraph with good points will be naturally bigger than the other one.
Example:
Paragraph (2): Although the book was included in the compulsory school literature when I was a child (which often meant long, boring reads), I have truly enjoyed the adventures of Lisa and her friends. Despite very limited resources (the story is set in 1930s when children did not have many toys, not to mention a TV or video games!) the children always come up with exciting games or things to play with. This is something I admired and wished I could do when reading the book.
Example:
Paragraph (3): Another thing which appealed to me as a child was the natural childlike way in which Lisa (or Astrid Lindgren, the author) could tell the story connecting effortlessly with the young readers.
Complementary paragraph
In Paragraph (4): use this paragraph to sum up the good and bad points to make an objective assessment of the reviewed material. You may then recommend or dissuade your readers from seeing/attending it.
Example:
Paragraph (4): Despite the environment in which the children live nowadays has changed considerably since 1930s, children will always be children and if the book has appealed to so many young generations since it was published, I believe it will retain its impact. It can be more, even more relevant today, when children are presented with things to play, instead of inventing games themselves. Reading the book could definitely wake up their innate creativity.
Step 4: Recommendation
You should now evaluate the work as a whole, determining whether the author achieves the intended or implied goal and whether the work makes a significant contribution to the existing knowledge.
Example:
Recommendation: ‘Six Bullerby Children’ could, however, also be more relevant to adults who would like to either ‘return’ to their childhood for a little while, or be able to connect with their own children a bit better.
See Full Review
Childhood Book
One of my favourite childhood books is the ‘Six Bullerby Children’ written by Astrid Lindergren, a famous Swedish author. The story is set in a three-farm remote village of Bullerby in Sweden.
The narrator is a seven-year-old girl, Lisa who, with her parents and two older brothers – Lasse and Bosse, lives in one of the houses. Lisa describes the daily life of the children in Bullerby which – contrary to what one might think when imagining life in a small, remote village – is far from boring. The children have plenty of funny ideas, which often lead to amusing adventures.
Although the book was included in the compulsory school literature when I was a child (which often meant long, boring reads), I have truly enjoyed the adventures of Lisa and her friends. Despite very limited resources (the story is set in 1930s when children did not have many toys, not to mention a TV or video games!) the children always come up with exciting games or things to play with. This is something I admired and wished I could do when reading the book.
Another thing which appealed to me as a child was the natural childlike way in which Lisa (or Astrid Lindgren, the author) could tell the story connecting effortlessly with the young readers.
Despite the environment in which the children live nowadays has changed considerably since 1930s, children will always be children and if the book has appealed to so many young generations since it was published, I believe it will retain its impact. It can be more, even more relevant today, when children are presented with things to play, instead of inventing games themselves. Reading the book could definitely wake up their innate creativity.
‘Six Bullerby Children’ could, however, also be more relevant to adults who would like to either ‘return’ to their childhood for a little while, or be able to connect with their own children a bit better.
Another Full Review Example
Review Subject
A TV listings magazine has invited readers to write a review of a television series that is particularly special to them. Write a review, explaining why this programme is so popular in your opinion and commenting on whether you believe it deserves such popularity.
CPE Student's Answer
Friends
Nowadays, when TV is pouring out so many ‘thoughtful and entertaining’ programmes at poor TV consumers, it is not an easy task to distinguish and choose which of the meaningless soaps, which is mainly the only choice, is worth seeing. Thank God, there is still one great programme that makes me turn on my goggle box – ‘Friends’.
I bet a couple of years ago, the producers wouldn’t have expected and dreamt that their new ‘attempt to amuse’ bored viewers- and with totally unknown actors ‘from nowhere’ – would earn such a great success. After many years of living a daily life with characters from Dallas, Baywatch, Dynasty, a new wave of funny, clever and witty entertainment struck people in. And obviously, people welcomed the change very warmly.
‘Friends’ is full of diversity. Each of the main five characters is completely different and brings to the series something new. Despite their differences, they create a perfect working jigsaw. They live, laugh, cry and share their tip [txt=”Good use of sophisticated vocabulary and structure”]fate[/tip] together. You can feel some kind of oneness there; and that is a vital thing in every friendship. Chandler – a sexist who can’t live without women -with his ironic and sharp, witty humour, contrasts with naive, a little bit dumb but cute Joey, who has a vanity and irresistible smile in the role of an unsuccessful actor. Monica is a nagging perfectionist who often quarrels with frivolous and untidy Rachel. Ross is a worried palaeontologist who tries to p come to terms that his wife left him. Poor guy! And at last weird Pheobe, who refreshes almost every episode with her ‘fabulous’ music which nobody can get. Oh yeah, she’s quite odd but everybody loves her.
‘Friends’ is a great refreshment after a long, exhausting day at work. It is no wonder that it is so popular. People just love it – from children to adults and older people as well. We need to laugh and relax. The actors, producers and creators deserve appreciation and admiration for making such a great show. People are waiting eagerly for new episodes all the time. And that’s a sign of success. Otherwise, they would cease producing it, wouldn’t they?Not to mention that ‘friends’ is popular in every continent of the world. And that proves something.
I find myself waiting for Friday night impatiently to turn on my TV and enjoy my favourite programme. And I do believe I’m not the only one. It’s just hilarious, you know.
C2 proficiency (CPE) Review: Narrative, descriptive & evaluative
What is narrative writing?
- it is simply writing that tells a story,
- it can be non-fiction or fiction
- includes the basic elements of a plot (setting, characters, action, point of view, dialogue)
- it’s full of interesting details
What is descriptive writing?
Descriptive writing appeals to your reader’s five senses using vivid sensory details (vision, hearing, smell, taste and touch) to create imagery and help your narrative come to life.
Appealing to Vision
- describing colours – scarlet, blinding, white, pitch black, hazy gray
- describe movement – fluttering curtains, waving wheat or a rocking boat
- describe action – jumped, exploded or shattered
- describe your setting – landscape or scene
Appealing to Hearing
- rustling leaves, crickets chirping, motors running, cars honking, freeway buzzing
Appealing to Smell
- positive – perfume, aroma
- negative – odor, stink
Appealing to Taste
- adjectives – bitter, sweet, salty, sour
- disgusting taste – rotten meat, acid
Appealing to Touch
- adjectives – smooth, rough, sticky, itchy, slimy, fluffy, squishy
What is evaluative writing?
As the name implies, you are evaluating things in evaluative writing — determining the value or quality of your subject (book, restaurant, movie...)
Depending on your subject, there may be some elements that are expected to be present. If you’re reviewing a movie, readers will expect detail on the quality of the actors’ performances, the lighting, and how scenes were shot.
Example phrases:
One example of... is when...
...presents his views about the theme...
...argues not only that Holden is a loafer but also...
...having discussed... eventually focuses on...
Arguably...
In general I agree with... although I think that...
C2 Proficiency (CPE) Review: Writing Checklist
After writing your report, you can check it yourself using the writing checklist below.
Content
Communicative Achievement
Organisation
Language
C2 Proficiency (CPE) Report: Useful Phrases & Expressions
We'll wrap up with some useful vocabulary commonly used to organize ideas. While it might feel like taking a shortcut, learning a few key expressions for each paragraph type can help you produce a well-structured and cohesive text in your exam.
Book reviews:
Vocab to describe the book in general:
a page-turner / a white-knuckle ride / a tearjerker / a laugh a minute / I couldn’t put it down.
Vocab to describe specific parts:
a slow start / a gentle introduction / gripping climax / nail-biting conclusion / cliff-hanger ending / a shocking twist in the tail
Setting:
The book is set in ...... (place/time)
The action takes place in ....... (place/time)
the present day (now)
an alternate reality where vampires/wizards walk the earth
a sleepy village in the USA
the bustling city of New York
Plot:
The plot centres around / focuses on (the adventures/lives of ......)
The plot follows the adventures of ......(character name)
Characters:
Villain / hero / heroine / anti-hero / main character / protagonist
The characters are believable / well-crafted / a bit 2 dimensional.
Film/TV reviews:
General:
An all-star cast
heavily influenced by the films of...
glowing reviews
startling originality
suspense builds up
a polished performance
a bold experiment
an accomplished actor
an unmitigated disaster (bad film)
a dazzling display of his/her talents
made a lasting impression on me.
Brought a tear to my eye
Like watching paint dry (boring)
I was on the edge of my seat (exciting)
A blockbuster (big commercial film eg Superman)
... sets off an amazing chain of events
Gripping film (exciting)
The director/author evoked a magical atmosphere
... awakened my interest in...
Hold my attention
Capture the audience’s imagination.
Spectacular set-pieces (main action scenes)
... is cast in the role of...
... is miscast in the role of...
... gives a(n) (un)convincing performance as...
The film is let down by a clichéd script.
Restaurant review:
Hearty meal
Wholesome food
Piping-hot
Succulent/juicy (meat)
Creamy
With a kick (spicy)
Crunchy/crispy
Well-seasoned
Packed with flavour
A steaming plate of...
Hungry/starving/ravenous/famished
Bustling eatery (restaurant)
Lively atmosphere
Service with a smile