Les7-8_Writing_a_Review (1)

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Writing a Review

Lesson 7-8 · English Writing Skills · Year 4

Quick recap: lessons 1-6

In pairs - answer as many as you can in 2 minutes.

1. Name 2 things that make a text formal.

2. Which signal word do you use to close a text?

3. Give a sentence to describe a feeling or experience.

4. What's the difference between "I think..." in an informal email vs. a job application?

Recap: answers

1. Formal greeting/closing (Dear Sir or Madam / Yours faithfully), no contractions, polite indirect requests ("I would be grateful if...").

2. Finally / In conclusion (formal) - Anyway / Talk soon (informal).

3. Example: "I felt so nervous when I walked in." (any feeling + reason works).

4. Informal: casual, direct - "I think..." is fine. Formal: use "I believe..." or rephrase - more indirect and polite.

Today

I can give my opinion about something and briefly support it with a reason.

Discover: cut-up review

Work out the structure yourself.

Speak: mini-review

Tell your partner, they take notes.

Best or worst... ever?

What's the best or worst thing you've ever eaten, played or watched? Tell your partner!

Cut it up: The Burger Bar

Cut the review into 3 parts and put them in order. Number them: where's the description? The opinion? The recommendation?

The Burger Bar - Restaurant Review

Even so, I would definitely recommend The Burger Bar if you're looking for a quick, tasty meal. Just don't expect a cheap night out!

The Burger Bar is a small, cosy restaurant in the city centre. It only opened three months ago, but it's already busy every evening. The menu is simple: burgers, fries and milkshakes, nothing else.

I went there last weekend with my sister and honestly, it was one of the best burgers I've ever had. The meat was juicy, the bun was soft, and the fries were perfectly crispy. The only downside was the price - almost €15, which felt a bit expensive.

Answer key: The Burger Bar

(for the teacher - reveal after students have ordered the parts)

1. Description

"The Burger Bar is a small, cosy restaurant..."

2. Opinion + reason

"I went there last weekend with my sister..."

3. Recommendation

"Even so, I would definitely recommend..."

You found it: 3 parts

1. Description

What is it? Where / what kind of place or product?

2. Opinion + reason

What did you think, and why? (good AND bad)

3. Recommendation

Would you recommend it? To whom?

Useful phrases: I really enjoyed... / The downside was... / I would recommend... / I wouldn't recommend...

Give your mini-review

In pairs: give a 1-minute spoken review. Your partner listens and takes short notes.

Choose a topic:

• A game

• A film or series

• A restaurant

• An app

• A product (headphones, sneakers...)

• The school canteen

• A school trip or event

• A subject or lesson

Today: write your review

No new explanation - use your notes and the 3-part structure from last lesson!

Your writing task

• Write a full review: 150-200 words

• Use your topic and notes from last lesson

• Include all 3 parts: description, opinion + reason, recommendation

• Use at least 3 phrases from the phrase bank

• Informal, personal tone - this is your honest opinion!

Done? Swap & check

• Description of the thing?

• Opinion with a reason (good and/or bad)?

• Clear recommendation?

• Does it sound like YOUR honest opinion?