Writing a Book/Film Review

• Describe the setting of the book. How does it compare or contrast to the world you know? Does the author make
you feel like you're a part of the setting? Can you picture the book's setting if you close your eyes?
• Describe the book's main characters. Does the writer make you believe in them as people? Why or why not? Think
about whether you like the characters and about how liking them or disliking them makes you feel about the book. Also
include:
o Physical descriptions
o Psychological description
o Age, nationality, social/personal background
• Give your reader a taste of the plot, but don't give the surprises away. Summarize the plot in a way that will
answer some questions about the book, but leave other questions in the reader's mind.
o Place and time: Where does the action take place? When does the action take place? (present time, 19th
century…) Is the story chronological (according to the order of time ) or flash back.
o Background: society, country, kind of people (age, culture social class...), historical time...
o Genre: horror, comedy, drama, adventure film, thriller...
• Finish your review with a conclusion. Let others know whether or not you liked the book or film. Why do you like it?
Why don’t you like it? Is the author’s style good or bad? Is the book/film interesting or boring? Would you recommend
the book/film?

Points to Ponder:

• What was the story about?

• Who were the main characters?
• Were the characters credible?
• What did the main characters do in the story?
• Did the main characters run into any problems? Adventures?
• Who was your favorite character? Why?

Your personal experiences

• Could you relate to any of the characters in the story?

• Have you ever done or felt some of the things, the characters did?

Your opinion

• Did you like the book?

• What was your favorite part of the book?
• Do you have a least favorite part of the book?
• If you could change something, what would it be? (If you wish you could change the ending, don't reveal
it!)

Your recommendation

• Would you recommend this book to another person?

• What type of person would like this book?