B1 Upper-Intermediate Writing · Lesson 17

Write a Detailed Review of a Film, Book or Series

Learn to summarise without giving too much away, analyse strengths and weaknesses, and make a clear recommendation.

B1 Upper-IntermediateDetailed review30 min130–140 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.

Write a developed review that introduces the work, gives a brief summary, evaluates several aspects, supports opinions with reasons, and recommends it to a suitable audience.

Model text

The Map Between Us is a drama series about two sisters who return to their coastal hometown after many years apart. The story begins slowly, but the characters become more interesting as old family secrets are revealed. What I liked most was the acting. The two main actors make the sisters’ difficult relationship feel believable, especially during quieter scenes where very little is said directly. The coastal setting is also beautifully filmed and creates a slightly mysterious atmosphere. However, some episodes include too many side stories, and one of them feels unnecessary. The final episode is satisfying without explaining every detail, which I appreciated. I would recommend the series to viewers who enjoy character-based dramas rather than fast action. It requires some patience at the beginning, but the emotional story becomes much stronger as it develops.

How to write

1
Introduce the title, type, and basic context
2
Give a brief spoiler-free summary
3
Discuss two strengths with examples
4
Mention a weakness or limitation
5
Give an overall judgement and recommendation

Useful language

The story is about...What I liked most was...One of its strengths is...However,...Overall,...I would recommend it to...
B1 Upper-Intermediate focus: Develop each main idea with a reason, example, consequence, or reflection. Use a wider range of linkers, but keep the text natural and easy to follow.
Exercises:
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text

Write a Detailed Review of a Film, Book or Series

Read the model text closely. Choose the answer that best explains its grammar, vocabulary, linking, or register.

Analyse how the model uses language to achieve the writing purpose.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Why does the review say “The story begins slowly, but the characters become more interesting…”?
2
What does “What I liked most was the acting” do?
3
Why does the reviewer mention “quieter scenes where very little is said directly”?
4
What does “However” introduce in sentence 6?
5
Why is “which I appreciated” useful after the final-episode comment?
6
What does “rather than fast action” do in the recommendation?
Exercise 2 · Structure & development

Write a Detailed Review of a Film, Book or Series

Use the model text to analyse how its ideas are ordered, connected, developed, and supported.

Analyse the organisation of this specific model text and the function of its details.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Why does the first sentence include genre, main characters, and basic situation?
2
How is the positive point about acting developed?
3
Why is the setting discussed after the acting?
4
What makes the criticism about side stories effective?
5
Why does the final-episode comment appear before the recommendation?
6
Which structure best describes the review?
Exercise 3 · Writing

Write a Detailed Review of a Film, Book or Series

Learn to summarise without giving too much away, analyse strengths and weaknesses, and make a clear recommendation.

Complete the writing task.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 130–140 words and develop your ideas clearly.
Your task

Write a detailed review of a film, book, or series. Give basic information, summarise the idea briefly, discuss strengths and weaknesses, and say who you would recommend it to.

  • Name and identify the film, book, or series.
  • Give a brief summary without unnecessary spoilers.
  • Discuss at least two strengths or positive features.
  • Support an opinion with a reason or example.
  • Mention at least one weakness or limitation.
  • Give an overall evaluation.
  • Recommend it to a specific type of audience.
The story is about...What I liked most was...One of its strengths is...However,...Overall,...I would recommend it to...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 130–140

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
Write about 130–140 words
Identify what you are reviewing
Give several clear opinions
Support opinions with specific features
Include a weakness or contrast
Give a recommendation or best choice
Use several linking expressions
Use at least 8 clear sentences
AI feedback

After the lesson check, get detailed feedback appropriate for this B1 Upper-Intermediate task.