writing a review in English as a Second Language (ESL) for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) requires a specific structure and format to effectively communicate your thoughts and opinions. A well-structured
review enables the reader to understand your points clearly and provides guidance on the reviewed item, whether IT‘s a
book, movie, or product. This article will guide you through the essential elements of IGCSE ESL review writing.
Introduction
The introduction serves as an opening to your review and should include general information about the item being reviewed,
such as its title, author/creator, and any relevant background details. IT is crucial to catch the reader’s attention and
provide a brief overview of your overall opinion.
Description
In this section, you need to provide a clear and concise summary of the item. This summary should focus on its main
features and highlight what sets IT apart from others in its category. Use descriptive language and examples to illustrate
your points and aid the reader’s understanding.
Positives and negatives
In the next part of your review, IT is important to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the item. Start by discussing
its positive aspects, providing specific examples to support your claims. Then, move on to its negatives, again using
evidence to back up your statements. This section should present a balanced view to help the reader make an informed
decision.
Personal opinion
The personal opinion section allows you to express your own thoughts and feelings about the item being reviewed. Clearly
state whether you enjoyed or disliked IT, providing reasons and examples to justify your position. However, remember to
remain objective and avoid being excessively biased. Balance your personal opinion with concrete evidence from the previous
sections.
Recommendation
In the recommendation section, provide a suggestion or a final verdict on whether you would recommend the item to others.
Justify your recommendation with evidence and refer back to the positives and negatives discussed earlier. IT helps the
reader to determine whether they should try or purchase the item based on your review.
Conclusion
In conclusion, IGCSE ESL review writing follows a specific structure and format to ensure clarity and consistency. By
incorporating an introduction, description, positives and negatives, personal opinion, and recommendation, you create a
well-rounded review that enables readers to make informed decisions. Remember to provide specific examples and evidence
throughout your review to solidify your arguments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use personal experiences in an IGCSE ESL review?
Yes, you can include personal experiences in your review, as long as they contribute to the overall content and support your claims. However, make sure your review remains objective and doesn’t solely rely on subjective experiences.
2. How long should an IGCSE ESL review be?
The length of an IGCSE ESL review will depend on the specific requirements provided. However, a well-written review should generally be around 400-600 words. Make sure you cover all the essential sections adequately and avoid excess wordiness.
3. Are references necessary in an IGCSE ESL review?
While references are not mandatory in an IGCSE ESL review, they can enhance the credibility of your arguments. If possible, include references to support your statements and provide additional context to the reviewed item.
4. How can I engage the reader in my IGCSE ESL review?
To engage the reader, use descriptive language, provide vivid examples, and share your enthusiasm or critique in a compelling manner. Additionally, structuring your review with clear headings and subheadings makes IT easier for the reader to navigate and grasp the main points.
5. Is IT necessary to include a recommendation in my review?
While including a recommendation is not compulsory, IT is highly recommended as IT helps the reader make a decision. A well-justified recommendation shows that you have thoroughly considered the item and its pros and cons.
