How to Write a Review - Cambridge B2 First / B2+
- Dave
- 3 apr 2022
- Tempo di lettura: 8 min
Aggiornamento: 2 lug
A review is one of the possible writing tasks in Cambridge B2 First Writing Part 2.
In this type of task, you may be asked to review a book, film, TV series, restaurant, shop, website, app, product, event or place. The subject can change, but the basic job is always the same:
You need to describe it, give your opinion, support your ideas with examples, and say whether you would recommend it to other people.
This lesson will help you write a clear, well-organised review using natural B2-level language.
What Do You Have To Write?
In Cambridge B2 First Writing Part 2, you choose one task from a choice of three. A review is one of the possible options.
You normally need to write: 140-190 words
Your review should be written in an appropriate style. This is usually semi-formal, but it can also be slightly more personal and lively than an essay.
A good review should:
describe the thing, place or experience clearly
give your personal opinion
explain the reasons for your opinion
use interesting adjectives and adverbs
answer all parts of the task
include a recommendation
Example Exam Task
Read the task.
Reviews wanted
We are looking for reviews of online clothes shops. Write a review of an online clothes shop you have used recently. Explain what kinds of clothes it sells, how the prices compare to other shops and how easy it is to find what you want.
Would you recommend this online shop to other people?
The best reviews will be published in next month’s magazine.
Write your review in 140–190 words in an appropriate style.
Before You Start Writing
Before you write, underline the key points in the task.
Task Question | What You Need To Include |
What online clothes shop have you used? | Name or describe the shop |
What kinds of clothes does it sell? | Give clear details |
How do the prices compare to other shops? | Compare prices |
How easy is it to find what you want? | Talk about the website/app |
Would you recommend it? | Give a clear recommendation |
If you miss one of these points, your answer may lose marks for content.
A Simple Review Structure
A review usually works well with 4 short paragraphs.
Paragraph 1 - Introduction
Say what you are reviewing and give a general first opinion.
Useful phrases:
I recently tried/visited/watched/read...
This review is about...
One of the best things about...
I had heard a lot about..., so I decided to try it.
Paragraph 2 - Description
Give more information about the thing, place or experience.
For example, if you are reviewing an online clothes shop, you could mention:
what it sells
who it is aimed at
how modern, trendy or classic the clothes are
whether the website is easy to use
Paragraph 3 - Opinion
Say what you liked or disliked and explain why.
Try to avoid basic adjectives like good, bad and nice. Use more precise language.
For example:
The range of products is impressive.
The website is easy to navigate.
Some items are rather overpriced.
Delivery was surprisingly quick.
The quality was better than I expected.
Paragraph 4 - Recommendation
Say clearly whether you would recommend it, and to whom.
Useful phrases:
I would definitely recommend it to...
It is probably best for people who...
I would not recommend it if...
It is worth trying if you are looking for...
Overall, I think it is a great choice for...
Useful Language For Reviews
Reviews are not just about giving information. You also need to sound interested, natural and persuasive.
Describing Something
Basic | Better |
good | impressive / excellent / enjoyable |
bad | disappointing / poor / frustrating |
nice | pleasant / stylish / attractive |
cheap | affordable / reasonably priced |
expensive | overpriced / rather costly |
easy | simple / straightforward / user-friendly |
interesting | entertaining / fascinating / original |
For more help with descriptive language, study:
Giving Positive Opinions
I was really impressed by...
One thing I particularly liked was...
The best thing about it is...
What makes it stand out is...
I found it surprisingly enjoyable.
It offers excellent value for money.
The quality is much better than I expected.
Negative Opinions
Unfortunately, I was disappointed by...
The main problem is that...
I found the website rather confusing.
Some of the clothes seemed overpriced.
The choice was quite limited.
It was not as reliable as I had hoped.
Delivery took longer than expected.
Comparing
Compared with other online shops, it is much cheaper.
The prices are slightly higher than on similar websites.
It offers better quality than many budget shops.
The range is not as wide as some of its competitors.
Although it is not the cheapest option, the quality is excellent.
For more help with comparisons, study:Adjectives - B2Adverbs - B2
Making Recommendations
I would definitely recommend this shop to teenagers and young adults.
I would suggest trying it if you enjoy fashionable clothes.
It is worth checking out if you want affordable casual wear.
I would advise customers to read the size guide carefully.
I would not recommend it to people who have a limited budget.
Overall, I think it is a reliable and convenient option.
For more help with advice, suggestions and recommendations, study:
Related tutorial:Adjectives - B2
Practice 2 - Making Recommendations
Related tutorials:Modals 2 - B2The To Infinitive and -ing - B2
Useful Grammar For Reviews
When writing a review, you often need grammar that helps you describe, explain and recommend clearly.
You may find these grammar tutorials useful:
Adjectives - B2Use this to improve your descriptions and comparisons.
Adverbs - B2Use this to make your opinions more precise: surprisingly good, extremely useful, rather confusing.
Modals 2 - B2Use this for advice, suggestions and recommendations.
The To Infinitive and -ing - B2Use this for patterns like suggest trying, advise customers to check, and worth visiting.
Linking Words 1 - B2Use this for reasons, results and purpose: because, as, since, so, therefore, in order to.
Linking Words 2 - B2Use this for contrast: although, though, even though, despite, in spite of.
Relative Clauses - B2Use this to add detail naturally: It is a website which offers affordable clothes for teenagers.
Model Review
Read the exam task.
You recently saw this notice in a magazine for students of English.
Write a review of a TV series you really enjoy!
Tell us what makes the plot and characters so interesting for you, and whether you would recommend it for viewers of all ages.
Write your review in 140-190 words.
Sample Answer
The series Sandy Bay is about the life of eight friends, four boys and four girls, who are neighbours and spend a lot of time together.
The characters are all very different. For example, Sam is outgoing and full of enthusiasm, while Ralph is very shy. Although they are just ordinary people, they often do crazy, unpredictable things that we would not do in real life, and this is what makes the series so enjoyable. For example, you can never guess who they will fall in love with.
I love this series because it is full of humour and drama. You get to laugh, but there are also some emotional moments. I enjoy following the changes in the characters’ relationships, and I can almost believe they are my own friends.
I would recommend it to people up to the age of 40 because they will probably share many of the characters’ experiences. However, as the humour is mainly aimed at younger viewers, older people might not find it so appealing.
Why Is This A Good Review?
This review works well because it:
introduces the series clearly
describes the characters
gives personal opinions
supports opinions with examples
uses varied adjectives
includes a clear recommendation
explains who may or may not enjoy it
It also avoids spending too much time describing the plot. This is important because a review is not just a summary. You need to evaluate the subject and give your opinion.
Useful tutorials for this model answer:
Important Exam Tips
1. Answer every part of the task
Read the task carefully. If it asks about price, quality and recommendation, you must mention all three.
2. Use interesting adjectives
Avoid repeating basic words like good, bad, nice and interesting.
Instead, try words like:
impressive
disappointing
entertaining
stylish
affordable
reliable
original
confusing
convenient
Study:Adjectives - B2
3. Give reasons for your opinions
Do not just write:
I liked it.
Write:
I liked it because the website was easy to use and the prices were lower than in most high-street shops.
Study:Linking Words 1 - B2
4. Do not only describe
A common mistake is to write too much description and not enough opinion.
A review must include your personal view.
5. Include a recommendation
Most review tasks ask whether you would recommend the subject. Make your answer clear.
For example:
I would definitely recommend this shop to teenagers who want fashionable clothes at reasonable prices.
Study:Modals 2 - B2
Useful Review Checklist
Before you finish, check your answer.
Question | Yes / No |
Have I answered all parts of the task? | |
Have I written 140-190 words? | |
Have I used paragraphs? | |
Have I included opinions and reasons? | |
Have I used interesting adjectives? | |
Have I made a clear recommendation? | |
Have I checked spelling and punctuation? |
Practice 3 - Plan Your Review
Use the task below.
Reviews wanted
We are looking for reviews of online clothes shops.
Write a review of an online clothes shop you have used recently. Explain what kinds of clothes it sells, how the prices compare to other shops and how easy it is to find what you want.
Would you recommend this online shop to other people?
The best reviews will be published in next month’s magazine.
Write your review in 140-190 words.
Before writing, make notes.
Paragraph | Your Notes |
Paragraph 1: What shop are you reviewing? | |
Paragraph 2: What clothes does it sell? | |
Paragraph 3: Prices and website/app experience | |
Paragraph 4: Recommendation |
Practice 4 - Write Your Review
Now write your own review.
Remember:
write 140-190 words
use 4 clear paragraphs
describe the online shop
compare the prices
explain how easy it is to find what you want
say whether you would recommend it
More B2 First Writing Practice
You may also find these writing lessons useful:
Need Feedback On Your Writing?
Writing is one of the hardest parts of the Cambridge B2 First exam because it is difficult to know exactly what you are doing well and what you need to improve.
At Caledonian School of English, you can book a writing correction with a mother tongue teacher and receive clear feedback on your:
content
organisation
grammar
vocabulary
style
exam technique
Want Feedback On Your Writing?
You can practise for free with the self-check activities on this page.
If you would like personal feedback, exam guidance or help preparing for Cambridge B2 First, you can book one of our lesson bundles with a mother tongue teacher.
We are also developing a new B2 Writing Booster area with premium tutorials, downloadable resources and AI-powered writing feedback based on Cambridge B2 First criteria.
For now, you can choose a private lesson plan here:
Final Advice
A strong review is not complicated. You need to be clear, organised and personal.
Describe the subject, give your opinion, support your ideas with examples, and finish with a useful recommendation.
That is the heart of a good B2 review. Keep it clean, keep it natural, and make sure the reader knows exactly what you think.
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