Writing a review

A review 评论 tells readers about something you have tried — a film, a book, a restaurant, or a place. A good review helps the reader decide 决定 whether to try it too.

Describe and judge

• A review does two things: it describes 描述 the thing, and it gives your opinion 观点 of it.
• Balance the two. Do not only describe, and do not only give opinions.
• Describing answers "What is it like?" Judging answers "Is it any good?" Move between the two, sentence by sentence.

Support your opinions

• Give reasons for what you think. Say why it was good or bad.
• Use examples 例子 from your experience to make your view believable 可信.
• A weak review says "The food was nice." A strong review says "The soup was rich and warming, though the rice arrived cold." The detail is what convinces the reader.

Useful language

Learn a few phrases 短语 for each job. Then you never stare at a blank page.

• To describe: It is set in… / The story follows… / The dish combines… / What stands out is…
• To praise: The best part is… / I was impressed by… / It really succeeds in…
• To criticise 批评 (gently): The one weakness is… / It could have been better if… / At times it feels slow.
• To recommend: I would recommend it to… / It is well worth… / Don't miss…

Mix praise and criticism so the review sounds fair 公正. A review that is all praise, or all complaint, is hard to trust.

Readers want a clear, helpful review.

Structure

• Start by saying what you are reviewing, and give the reader the basic facts.
• In the middle, describe it and evaluate 评价 it — the good points and the weak points.
• Write for a general reader, in a friendly but clear tone 语气.

End with a recommendation

• Finish with a recommendation 建议: do you advise the reader to try it or not?
• Make your advice clear, for example: "I would recommend this film to anyone who likes adventure."
• You can add a condition: "…as long as you don't mind a slow start." This sounds honest and grown-up.

A model review

Read this short review of a film. Notice how each sentence either describes or judges.

Skyward is an adventure film about a girl who builds her own aircraft. The story is simple, but the flying scenes are breathtaking 惊人 and the young lead acts with real warmth. The middle drags a little, and a few jokes fall flat. Even so, it left the whole cinema smiling. I would recommend Skyward to any family looking for a bright, hopeful evening — just be ready for a slow first ten minutes.

Count the moves: it names the film, describes it, praises it, admits two faults, and ends with a clear, honest recommendation. That is a complete review in five sentences.

• Name what you are reviewing and your overall feeling in the first paragraph; do not keep it secret.
• Do both jobs: describe it (what it is) and judge it (what is strong, what is weak).
• Strong adjectives are the fuel of a review: gripping, delicious, disappointing, unforgettable.
• Mention one weakness even in a good review; pure praise sounds like an advert.
• Finish with a clear recommendation: who should try it, who should not, and why.