Cambridge English: Advanced

Writing Task (go to Checklist)

Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Review

Question
Your local film group has asked its readers to tell them about a film they have seen with a focus on the following theme:

Write a review for the group about a film you have seen, describing the ways in which the film 'transports the reader to another world' and explain who the film would appeal to. (around 220 - 260 words)

What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.

Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:

• State the title, the director (if you know his/her name) and if possible, the lead actors.
• Think about the aspects of drama that can 'transport the reader'. e.g. an unusual setting, a different time period, the characters' professional and domestic lives, etc.
• Then, select some of the events, and descriptions of setting/characters/social aspects from the film that best show how it successfully creates another world.
• Finally, sum up your recommendation for the film. Why should people see it? Who would enjoy it particularly?
  People who watch films for escapism will enjoy this drama...

Drafting and proofreading your work

You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:

• Have you answered the question fully?
• Is the layout and organisation appropriate for a review of this kind?
• Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
• Is the style appropriate and consistent?
• Will it help the chair of the group to appreciate the importance of the work you have selected?

If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!