The Review

Reference

Common mistakes

1. It was amazing and awesome. → What is particularly striking is the visual design.
   precise, evaluative vocabulary
2. Retelling the whole story → One or two sentences of description, then evaluation
   a review evaluates
3. Only praise → That said, the game is not without its flaws.
   balance makes you credible
4. No recommendation → I would highly recommend it to anyone who…
   always give a verdict

The Review — Exercises

Review conventions

Circle the correct answer.

1. Which sentence is the best C1 evaluation? (What is particularly striking is the visual design. / It looks really nice. / The graphics are good and nice.)
2. Which phrase introduces a weakness? (That said, / Furthermore, / In addition,)
3. What register suits a C1 review? (semi-formal: engaging and personal / very formal and impersonal / text-message style)
4. How much of the review should retell the plot? (one or two sentences / most of it / all of it)
5. Which is the clearest recommendation? (I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys story-driven games. / Maybe play it, maybe not. / It exists.)
6. The game is not _____ its flaws. (without / with / within)

Complete the review phrase

Write the missing word or words.

1. Having   so much praise for it, I had high expectations.
2. The narrative is another  .
3. The controls can feel slightly   in tight spaces.
4. On  , these are minor criticisms.
5. It is refreshingly   from other games.
6. Players looking for fast action may find it a little too  .

The Review — Answer Key

Review conventions

1. What is particularly striking is the visual design. — Cleft + precise words → What is particularly striking is…
2. That said, — That said — turning to flaws.
3. semi-formal: engaging and personal — Semi-formal — lively but not casual.
4. one or two sentences — A review evaluates — keep description brief.
5. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys story-driven games. — Say who it is for.
6. without — not without its flaws = it has some problems.

Complete the review phrase

1. heard
2. strength
3. clumsy
4. balance
5. different
6. slow