Paper 2 Question 5: Review Model Answer (AQA GCSE English Language) : Revision Note

'Some people think reading books is outdated and prefer watching videos or listening to podcasts to learn. Others believe books still offer the best way to understand and enjoy information.'

Write a review of a book you've recently read for a magazine, giving your opinion on its impact and discussing whether reading is still valuable in today's digital world.

[40 marks]

Answer

Why Great Expectations Still Deserves a Place in Our Lives

In a world where knowledge can be consumed in bite-sized podcasts and through TikTok influencers, the humble book is often cast aside. They’re too long, too slow, too outdated. However, reading Great Expectations by Charles Dickens reminded me why books still matter and that the characters you encounter in those written pages can remain with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

Great Expectations is a coming-of-age story which follows the narrator of the novel, Pip. As an orphan, Pip comes from very modest beginnings, though his life takes a very unexpected turn when he receives news regarding a mysterious benefactor. What follows is a tale of ambition, love, regret and identity, culminating in Pip’s difficult path towards self-awareness.

So what has made Dickens’ storytelling endure over the centuries? It’s so evidently his mastery of language and the memorable characters he has created. Surely, one of his most haunting and iconic characters is Miss Havisham. Shrouded in her wedding dress and frozen in time, she is the embodiment of grief and a symbol of decay. Plus, who could not feel empathy for Magwitch? Initially introduced as a terrifying convict, he becomes the novel’s most poignant example of the power of redemption. Furthermore, through the character of Pip, Dickens forces every reader to reflect not only on Pip’s expectations, but also on our own.

In today’s digital age, some may argue that reading a 500-page Victorian novel is an outdated and pointless task. But that is the beauty of it all. In a world obsessed with instant gratification, curling up with a long novel demands time and patience. It also offers something very rare: the opportunity to be immersed in another character’s world. While videos and podcasts offer instant access to information, books invite us to slow down, experience another place, or consider another perspective.

Reading books like Great Expectations is not just relevant — it’s a necessity. Indeed masters like Dickens offer every reader something much more precious and enduring than podcasts or videos ever could. So do yourself a favour… reach for Dicken’s wonderful novel. It perhaps won’t just challenge your expectations, it might end up changing them altogether.

When writing a review, it is essential to keep your audience in mind. 

If the review is for a magazine or general readership, your tone should be engaging and accessible, but not too formal. Use expressive language to communicate your opinion clearly and thoughtfully.

Before you begin writing, be clear about your overall opinion of what you are reviewing. Did it inspire you, challenge you or disappoint you? 

Your viewpoint should be evident from the very start of your review and should remain consistent throughout. Make your judgement clear and support it with references to the text.