Features of ARTICLES and REVIEWS

ARTICLES:
Style:
- Informal to neutral
* It depends on what magazine it is for (ex : young people magazine : more informal, business/travel magazine : more neutral)* Avoid the use of formal expressions (ex: Besides, moreover, likewise.. /I would like to give an opposite idea..)


Basic advice
- It should be interesting and catch the reader’s attention.
- Use informal language to involve the reader (ex : Once Carnival starts, the whole town goes crazy!)
- Remember to express your opinion (ex: I love the giant street dolls.)


Structure
1. Heading: think of an interesting title.
2. Introductory paragraph linked to the title: to make the reader interested in the topic, try to use a question.
3. One or two more paragraphs: develop your main points.
4. A final paragraph: summarize the main points and give your concluding opinion or express your feelings.


Useful language:
Involving the reader
1. Are you thinking of (getting married in the near future)?
2. I’m sure you’ll agree (it was a great idea.)


Developing your points
1. Let’s start with (why it is so important to take plenty of exercise).
2. Another advantage (of using a computer is that..)
3.  On top of that,…


Giving your own opinion
1. I think that/ In my opinion (traditional celebrations are very important).
2. It seems to me that (people are much more aware of the importance of a good diet nowadays.)

REVIEWS:


A review should…
- use interesting vocabulary.
- try to catch the reader’s interest.
- be clearly organized.
- use a neutral style, but you have to check who you are writing the review for.


What should you do before you start review writing…
- be sure about what you are reviewing and its purpose
- check who will read it.
- decide what style you will use for your review.
- be careful not to follow a report style.


Useful language
1. Introduction: say what you are reviewing.
- The (film, book…etc) I would like to review is…..
- The last Film I saw / book I read was…….
2. Explain: give details of what you reviewing.
- It’s set in……….
- The story is based on (a book..) …..
- It’s about…..
- There are many memorable characters including ….
- The main theme of the film is…..
- What the film is saying is…..
3. Opinion: give your own opinion of what you are reviewing.
- I would recommend this film to anyone.
- Although I enjoyed it, I would not recommend it for….
- It’s one of the best (shows) I’ve ever seen.
- Although I am not normally keen on (musicals), I am glad that I decided to go.
- The (film) lifts you out of your everyday life.