Structure and recommendation

Describe and evaluate

• Start by saying what you are reviewing.
• In the middle, describe it and evaluate it — the good points and the weak points.
• Write for a general reader.

A film can have a brilliant soundtrack and a confusing ending; say both.

Support your opinion

• Give reasons for what you think.
• Use examples from your experience.
• Balance description with opinion.

A review describes and judges, then ends with clear advice

End with a recommendation

• Finish with a clear recommendation.
• Do you advise the reader to try it or not?
• Make your advice clear.

Verdicts that stick

• Weak: "So all in all it was quite good and I liked it." — says nothing.
• Strong: "Despite the slow start, this is the best £5 you'll spend this month — take a friend."
• The strong verdict weighs good against bad (despite), then gives an action (take a friend).
• One rule: the verdict must match your middle — praise the food all review, then never end with "avoid it".