How to Write a Review for GCSE (Edexcel GCSE English Language)

Writing a review is another type of task given in the Paper 2, Section B exam. A review requires you to give your opinion.

The following guide to writing a review in your Edexcel English Language GCSE exam includes:

• Key features of a review

• Structure of a review

Key features of a review

A review is a format of writing in which you consider an event, experience, service or something watched or read, describe it and then provide opinions or judgements about it. A critic might write reviews for a living, and we may decide to watch or read something because they persuade us to do so.

A review may have different purposes, but its primary aim is to inform and describe. It may also:

• Entertain, in that it provides opinions in a way that the reader enjoys

• Analyse, weighing up whether the thing being reviewed is good or bad

• Advise, recommending to the reader whether or not they should view, read or experience the subject of the review for themselves

See the below table for what to include in a review:

Because a review is intended for publication, it is important to use Standard English and to vary your sentence and paragraph lengths to keep your audience engaged.

Structure of a review

Once again, you should spend a few minutes planning the key points you are going to make in your review. It can be helpful to number your ideas to structure your answer in a specific order.

Some key tips for writing a review in the exam include:

• Mention the name of the author or director (if a film, TV programme or book) or anything specific, and clearly name the thing being reviewed in the title and first paragraph

• Ensure you have conveyed the main theme or idea of the thing you are reviewing in your introduction:

  • Your reader should know immediately what your review is about

• Consider the wider aspects of what you are reviewing:

  • Consider things such as actors, sequels, music or similarities to other things

• Include what you like or dislike about it

• Try to use a few short “quotes” or examples to illustrate your points:

  • These can be made up, but ensure they are credible

• Justify your views

• Organise your response into clear paragraphs

• Finish with a conclusion, suggesting whether or not your intended audience will like the thing you are reviewing

To produce an effective response, you should aim to develop your points carefully in each paragraph, using language features and techniques to highlight ideas and emphasise your points. 

So remember, the basic features of a review that the examiner would expect to see are:

• Correct formatting:

  • A heading

  • Subheadings can also be helpful to structure your response

• An introduction:

  • This needs to be clear and informative

  • It should introduce what you are reviewing, and include relevant names and locations

• A well structured argument:

  • Paragraphs begin with topic sentences and are effectively linked

  • Include your opinions throughout, but evidence these opinions with made-up quotes, or details from what is being reviewed

• A direct and engaging conclusion:

  • Your conclusion should address your audience and give a summative judgement