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Writing a Book Review for FCE

The document outlines a review task for an international arts website, focusing on writing a review of a novel. It provides a personal review of 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum, highlighting its gripping plot and well-developed characters while noting a minor criticism regarding its descriptive elements. The reviewer recommends the novel to fans of action and crime stories, expressing eagerness to read the sequel.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
422 views5 pages

Writing a Book Review for FCE

The document outlines a review task for an international arts website, focusing on writing a review of a novel. It provides a personal review of 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum, highlighting its gripping plot and well-developed characters while noting a minor criticism regarding its descriptive elements. The reviewer recommends the novel to fans of action and crime stories, expressing eagerness to read the sequel.

Uploaded by

7qxgqjhkdv
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Part 2 REVIEW

You must answer this question.

An international arts website is looking for reviews of novels for a new section
called ‘A Reader Writes’. You have decided to write a review of a novel you’ve
recently read for this section. Describe the novel and say what you think about it.
Would you recommend this novel to other people?

Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

I really enjoyed the film version of The Bourne Identity starring Matt Damon, but I
thought the original novel by Robert Ludlum was even better. This book is so well-
written, I didn’t want to finish it!

The plot is gripping right from the start. When we first meet the lead character, Jason
Bourne, he is being rescued from the sea. His identity is a mystery to everyone,
including himself! Over the course of the novel we gradually find out who Bourne is,
and follow him through a series of exciting adventures.

As well as a highly original plot line, the novel includes a number of fascinating
characters, especially the villains! I only have one negative -comment: in my view, the
novel is strong on action but weaker on description. However, this is a small criticism
of an otherwise excellent book.

I would highly recommend The Bourne Identity to anyone who enjoys action or crime
stories. However, if you prefer more descriptive or romantic novels, then you should
give it a miss. Personally, I can’t wait to start reading the sequel!
Paragraph 1- Introduction

– make your review more interesting with personal comments

– mention the title, the type of the book/ play/ film/etc, the setting (when/where), the theme, the main
characters, etc

Phrases you can use in the introduction:

* This well-written/ informative / fascinating/ thought-provoking book is…

* The film/ book/ play/ etc. is set in…. / tells the story of…. / is based on….

* The film/ play starts …. / is directed by…. / is the sequel to…..

Comparing and contrasting

*… is even better than …

*… is (not) nearly as good as …

*… is twice as good as …

*… is the best I have ever seen / read / been to. in comparison with …

*One of the strongest / weakest things about …

*In contrast, … / On the other hand, …

REMEMBER: A review is a special type of article written for publication in a magazine,


newspaper, etc giving a brief description and evaluation of the film, book, play, TV/ radio
programme, etc. It may be formal or semi-formal in style, depending on its intended readership, and
is usually written using present tenses.

Paragraphs 2 & 3 – Main Body

– include the main points of the plot (without revealing the ending), and evaluate such features as the
acting, writing style, directions, characters etc.

– you can also add what you learnt, found out from the book, etc

Phrases you can use to in the 2nd and 3rd paragraph:

Describing a book / film / TV programme

* … is set in …

* The main character is …


* It tells the story of …

* The plot / dialogue / acting / characterisation is …

Giving an opinion

* The only criticism I would make is that …

* What I really loved about … is …

*To me, … seemed …

* … was … from start to finish.

+ exceptional / good value / gripping / lively / memorable / perfect / realistic / stunning / superb /
well-written / -acted / -cooked etc.

— disappointing / dreadful / dull / inadequate / poor / predictable / sub-standard / unconvincing /


unimaginative / uninteresting

Phrases you can use to in the 2nd and 3rd paragraph:

To explain the plot:

* The plot revolves around …involves …/focuses on …/has an unexpected twist.

* The story begins with …/unfolds / reaches a dramatic climax when …

Evaluating various features:

* The play/film/series has a strong/star-studded/mediocre cast.

* The acting is moving/powerful/excellent/weak/disappointing/unconvincing.

* The plot is gripping/dramatic/fascinating/suspense-filled/fast-moving. far-fetched/predictable/


confusing/dull /unimaginative.

* The script/dialogue is touching/witty/hilarious/boring/mundane.

* It is beautifully/brilliantly/sensitively written/directed.

Paragraph 4 - Conclusion

– include an overall assessment of the work and/or a recommendation, usually with justification

– you may also be asked to give reasons why someone should see the film/ play or read the book,
how it has influenced you, etc.
Phrases you can use to end the review

Making a recommendation:

*I would highly / strongly recommend …

* I certainly wouldn’t recommend …

* I strongly advise you (not) to …

* Everyone should see / do / read this … immediately!

* … is not to be missed!

* You should give … a miss!

* Don’t bother reading / seeing / going …

* It is a classic of its kind/ It is sure to be a hit/ best -seller

Over to you:
A. You have seen the following announcement in a magazine:
ENTER NOW!!
OUR READERS AND THE BOOK THEY TREASURE
• Is there one special book that has had a great influence on your life?
• Write in and tell us about it.
• Tell us briefly about the book and, more importantly, what it taught you or how it helped you.
• The best entry will he published in the near future.
Prize: £100 in book tokens to help you build up your own library!
Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

B. The magazine published by your school’s English club is asking students to give opinions on the
coursebooks they have been using. Write a review of a coursebook, giving your views on the following
points:

• its content
• its design
• how well it prepares students for the exam
• how much it has helped you improve your English
Write your review in 140- 190 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Common questions

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A book review serves as an analytical tool by dissecting the book's narrative structure, themes, and character development, helping readers understand its content and execution. It also evaluates the book by providing subjective judgments on its strengths and shortcomings, guiding potential readers in deciding whether it aligns with their interests. Reviews offer insight into how the book compares to others in its genre, thus acting as a comprehensive guide that aids in the decision-making process .

To persuade a specific audience in a novel or coursebook review, one might use techniques such as appealing to shared interests and values, using relatable anecdotes, and employing vivid language that evokes emotion. Addressing common reader concerns directly shows empathy and understanding. Providing evidence or testimonials from trusted sources can bolster credibility. Additionally, using calls to action and engaging questions can invite the audience to think critically about the recommendations offered .

Personal anecdotes enhance the effectiveness of a narrative in reviews by making the writer's experience relatable and engaging. Anecdotes add authenticity and help paint a vivid picture of the reader's personal engagement with the book, often illustrating abstract opinions with concrete examples. This personal touch can draw in readers, making the review more memorable and persuasive, as it allows the audience to connect emotionally with the reviewer's experience .

Reviews of novels often focus on the depth of character development, the originality and cohesion of the plot, and the author's writing style. They might criticize or praise the narrative structure and the themes explored. In contrast, film reviews also evaluate acting performances, direction, cinematography, and special effects, emphasizing visual storytelling elements. Both review types assess the work's overall impact, but the criteria differ significantly due to the distinct mediums—text versus visual and audio .

The structure of a novel review is crucial in effectively conveying the reviewer's opinion. An engaging introduction can draw readers in by summarizing the main themes and setting a tone. The main body should present a balanced evaluation of key elements like plot, character development, and writing style. Providing specific examples strengthens the argument. Finally, a concise conclusion with a clear recommendation helps readers understand the reviewer's stance. Each section should logically flow into the next to maintain coherence and clarity .

The conclusion of a novel or film review should summarize the key points discussed, offering a final evaluative statement that reflects the reviewer's overall impression. An effective conclusion provides a clear recommendation or caution, supported by the analysis presented earlier. It should be concise, leaving a lasting impact on the reader, and may include a call to action, encouraging the reader to engage with the work or consider the insights offered. Crafting the conclusion requires balancing brevity with substance to reinforce the reviewer's perspective persuasively .

A reader who favors descriptive novels might choose to avoid 'The Bourne Identity' because it is primarily action-driven with a focus on plot and character activities rather than detailed descriptive passages. Although the novel is gripping and well-written, it is noted for having less emphasis on atmospheric description, which could disappoint readers who enjoy immersive, richly described settings .

The novel 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum is considered to have a more gripping and original plot than its film adaptation. While the movie is undoubtedly exciting, the book delves deeper into the identity mystery of Jason Bourne, offering a gradual revelation of his character's past. This allows for richer character development, making the reader more invested in Bourne's journey. The novel's characters, particularly the villains, are described as fascinating, adding depth to the narrative that some readers might find lacking in the movie version, which is more focused on action sequences .

When reviewing an English coursebook, a student should focus on its content, such as the relevance and comprehensiveness of topics covered. The design should also be assessed, evaluating whether it is organized and visually appealing. Additionally, the effectiveness of the coursebook in preparing students for exams and its role in improving English language skills are critical points of consideration. Providing personal insights on how the book has impacted their learning will make the review more insightful and personalized .

Robert Ludlum's writing style in 'The Bourne Identity' is praised for being well-crafted and engaging, keeping readers captivated from the start. The plot is highly original and suspenseful, maintaining a strong pace with continuous action. However, a noted weakness is the relative lack of descriptive passages, which might leave readers wishing for more atmospheric depth. Nevertheless, this does not detract significantly from the overall excellence of the novel .

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