Compulsory task: no.
Word count: 140-190 words.
Register: informal to neutral.
Possible topics:
Films
Products
Festivals
Series
Restaurants
Personal experience
Books
Hotels
Shops
Extreme adjectives:
Impressive
Mesmerising
Awful/terrible
Fascinating
Gripping
Disappointing
Astonishing
Hilarious
Unexpected
Moving
Excellent
Unconvincing
Make sure you use vocabulary and grammar related to the task.
Films: script, director, cast, main characters, protagonist, supporting actor; special effects, soundtrack, plot, stunts, setting…
“The film was directed by James Cameron”
Hotels: check-in, check-out, guests, reception, single/twin/double rooms, minibar, toiletries, meeting rooms, card key…
“I checked in to the hotel late in the evening. To my surprise, the room was untidy and dirty when I got into my bedroom”
STRUCTURE:
TITLE
Write an interesting and grabbing title.
INTRODUCTION: Paragraph 1.
State your opinion from the beginning.
Grab the reader’s attention.
Engage the reader:
“Thinking of going to the cinema to watch the new Avatar film? I went last week and I was amazed by the visual effects”
(positive review)
Potential problems:
“Deciding which hotel to book can be a difficult decision to make. I booked a new 4* in Valencia and I don’t want you to make the same mistake” (negative review)
PARAGRAPH 2
Describe the product/film/book… (general review)
Describe particular elements of a product/film/book… (particular review)
PARAGRAPH 3 (if needed)
Evaluate the product/film/book… (strengths and weaknesses/negative or positive aspects)
CONCLUSION: Paragraph 4.
Make a recommendation depending on your previous paragraphs.
You can include two recommendations:
The reader who would like the product. Write a recommendation about why they would like it.
The reader who would not like the product. Write a recommendation about why they would not like it.
EXAMPLE
MESMERISING AVATAR
Thinking of watching ‘Avatar 2’? The sequel to the blockbuster hit ‘Avatar’ ten years ago was also directed by James Cameron and filmed with the latest technology, 3D cameras and motion capture. Thanks to those, Cameron really brings Pandora to life.
While the special effects are particularly stunning and impressive, I feel that the story relies too much on them and doesn’t have a strong connection to the prequel. Having said that, I personally don’t find it a problem, as the story itself is captivating. Moreover, the actors are outstanding, and their avatars are very well-created and realistic.
So, if you don’t mind the lack of connection to the prequel, this film is impressively gripping and utterly beautiful. Indeed, I do think it’s very well worth a watch, especially in 3D and with a good sound system. However, if you are expecting a well-connected story, don’t bother to waste three hours of your day.