A Review of a Film, Book, Restaurant or Hotel B2 Writing Practice Tests Rules & Examples

How to Write a Review of a Film, Book, Restaurant or Hotel

A review is a piece of writing in which you describe and evaluate something you have experienced — such as a film, a book, a restaurant, or a hotel — and give a clear recommendation to your reader. Reviews are extremely common in everyday life: you might read them in magazines, on travel websites, or in newspaper supplements before deciding whether to see a film or book a table at a new restaurant.

In the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) examination, a review task asks you to write between 140 and 190 words. The key to a successful review is to inform, evaluate, and entertain your reader at the same time. Unlike a formal report or essay, a review allows you to use a semi-formal, engaging style — vivid descriptive language, personal opinions, and a clear concluding recommendation are all expected and rewarded.

Real-life examples of reviews include:

• A film review published in an entertainment magazine
• A hotel review posted on a travel website
• A restaurant review written for a local newspaper food supplement
• A book review submitted to a school or university literary journal

Essential Writing Rules and Structure

1. The Four-Paragraph Review Structure

A well-organised B2 review follows a clear four-paragraph structure. Each paragraph has a specific purpose, and together they create a coherent, satisfying piece of writing.

2. Register and Tone

A review is written in a semi-formal register. This means you should:

• Use descriptive and evaluative vocabulary (outstanding, mediocre, atmospheric, compelling)
• Avoid very informal language or slang (amazing is acceptable; wicked or mega good are not)
• Keep contractions to a minimum, though occasional use is acceptable in a semi-formal review (it's is fine; gonna is not)
• Write from a first-person perspective using I and we where appropriate

3. Opening Hook Techniques

Your first sentence should immediately engage your reader. At B2 level, you are expected to avoid dull, predictable openings. Consider using one of the following techniques:

• A rhetorical question: Have you ever searched for the perfect Italian dining experience in the heart of the city?
• A bold evaluative statement: Rarely does a debut novel manage to be both deeply moving and utterly gripping — yet Sarah Novak's first book achieves precisely that.
• A vivid description: From the moment you step through its oak-panelled doors, the Grand Harlow Hotel exudes an air of quiet, understated elegance.

4. Tense Consistency

Reviews are typically written in the present tense to give readers a sense that the subject still exists and can be visited or experienced. However, when describing your own visit or specific past experience, you may shift to the past simple. It is essential that you do not mix tenses randomly — any shift must be deliberate and logical.

• The restaurant offers an extensive menu of Mediterranean dishes. (present — describing the restaurant generally)
• When I visited last October, the service was exceptionally attentive. (past — describing your specific experience)

5. Descriptive and Evaluative Language

At B2 level, examiners expect a range of vocabulary that goes beyond basic adjectives. Replace weak, overused words with more precise and impactful alternatives:

Useful Linking Words (Connectors)

Reviews at B2 level must demonstrate a range of linking devices to connect ideas smoothly and show the relationship between points. The table below presents the most useful connectors for a review, grouped by function.

Model Writing Sample: A Review of a Restaurant

Annotated Model Text — "La Piazza: An Unforgettable Taste of Italy"

The following model text is written to Cambridge B2 First (FCE) standard: semi-formal register, four clear paragraphs, approximately 170 words, with varied vocabulary and linking devices.

— INTRODUCTION (Hook + Subject) —

Have you ever searched for an authentic Italian dining experience without having to leave the city? If so, La Piazza, located in the heart of Manchester's Northern Quarter, may well be exactly what you are looking for.

— DESCRIPTION (Key Features) —

The restaurant itself is intimate and warmly decorated, with exposed brick walls and soft candlelight creating a genuinely Mediterranean atmosphere. The menu is extensive, offering a wide range of freshly prepared pasta dishes, stone-baked pizzas, and an impressive selection of Italian wines.

— EVALUATION (Strengths and Weaknesses) —

The food was, without exception, outstanding — particularly the handmade tagliatelle with truffle cream sauce. The staff were attentive without being intrusive. However, the tables are positioned rather closely together, which somewhat limits privacy during busier evenings.

— RECOMMENDATION (Concluding Verdict) —

Nevertheless, these are minor concerns. Taking everything into account, La Piazza delivers a memorable dining experience at a very reasonable price. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates genuine Italian cuisine.

(Word count: 172 words)

Structure Breakdown

Model Writing Sample: A Review of a Film

Model Text — "Arrival: A Film That Demands Your Full Attention"

— INTRODUCTION —

Seldom does a science-fiction film manage to be simultaneously thought-provoking, emotionally resonant, and visually spectacular. Denis Villeneuve's Arrival, released in 2016, is a remarkable exception.

— DESCRIPTION —

The film follows Dr Louise Banks, a linguist played compellingly by Amy Adams, who is recruited by the government to communicate with alien visitors. The narrative unfolds slowly and deliberately, prioritising character development and philosophical depth over action sequences.

— EVALUATION —

The cinematography is breathtaking, and the original score by Jóhann Jóhannsson contributes enormously to the film's haunting atmosphere. Furthermore, the screenplay is exceptionally well-crafted, building towards a genuinely surprising and deeply moving conclusion. Whereas some viewers may find the pacing overly slow in places, those willing to engage fully will be richly rewarded.

— RECOMMENDATION —

On the whole, Arrival is an outstanding piece of cinema that challenges and moves its audience in equal measure. I would strongly recommend it to anyone who appreciates intelligent, ambitious filmmaking.

(Word count: 168 words)

Key Phrases and Sentence Starters

Introducing the Subject

• ... is located in the heart of ...
• ... is a recently released / newly opened / critically acclaimed ...
• Have you ever wondered where to find...?
• Rarely does one encounter a [film/book/restaurant] that truly lives up to its reputation.
• From the moment I [walked in / began reading / started watching], it was clear that ...

Describing Key Features

• The [atmosphere / décor / plot / setting] is best described as ...
• What immediately strikes the visitor is ...
• The menu / storyline / facilities offer(s) a wide range of ...
• Particular mention must be made of ...
• The [rooms / chapters / performances / dishes] are ...

Evaluating — Positive Points

• Without doubt, the highlight of the [film / meal / stay] was ...
• Especially impressive was / were ...
• The [staff / cast / author] deserve considerable credit for ...
• Not only was [X] exceptional, but [Y] also exceeded all expectations.
• What sets this [film / restaurant / hotel] apart is ...

Evaluating — Negative Points and Concessions

• Despite its many strengths, the [book / hotel / film] is not without its weaknesses.
• The one area in which [X] falls short is ...
• However, it must be said that ...
• Whereas [positive aspect], the [negative aspect] was rather disappointing.
• The only significant drawback was ...
• In spite of [weakness], the overall experience remained positive.

Concluding and Recommending

• Taking everything into account, I would [strongly / wholeheartedly] recommend ...
• On the whole, this is a [film / restaurant / hotel / book] that ...
• Whether you are [a first-time visitor / an avid reader / a film enthusiast], you are unlikely to be disappointed.
• I would [not] hesitate to recommend [X] to anyone who ...
• All things considered, [X] represents excellent value and a genuinely rewarding experience.

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1 — Comma Splice (Joining Two Main Clauses with Only a Comma)

❌ The food was excellent, the service was very slow.
✅ The food was excellent; however, the service was very slow.
Two independent clauses cannot be joined by a comma alone. Use a semicolon plus a connector (however, nevertheless, moreover), or start a new sentence.

Mistake 2 — Confusing 'Despite' and 'In Spite Of'

❌ Despite of the high prices, the experience was worth it.
✅ Despite the high prices, the experience was worth it.
Despite is never followed by of. Use despite + noun/gerund OR in spite of + noun/gerund. Both expressions are interchangeable in meaning, but despite of does not exist in standard English.

Mistake 3 — Missing Comma After a Sentence Adverb

❌ Nevertheless the plot was engaging and kept me reading.
✅ Nevertheless, the plot was engaging and kept me reading.
Sentence adverbs and discourse markers (However, Furthermore, Consequently, Nevertheless, Moreover) must always be followed by a comma when they appear at the start of a sentence.

Mistake 4 — Using Informal Register in a Semi-Formal Review

❌ The hotel was mega nice and the rooms were dead comfy — we totally loved it!
✅ The hotel was exceptionally welcoming, and the rooms were both spacious and comfortable. The overall experience was thoroughly enjoyable.
Reviews require a semi-formal register. Avoid slang (mega, dead, totally, wicked), exclamation marks used excessively, and overly casual phrasing. Aim for descriptive precision and controlled enthusiasm.

Mistake 5 — Vague, Unsupported Evaluation

❌ The film was really good. I liked it a lot. The story was interesting.
✅ The film was genuinely compelling, thanks largely to its intricate screenplay and the nuanced performance delivered by the lead actress.
Always support your evaluation with a specific reason or example. Unexplained adjectives (good, nice, interesting) do not demonstrate B2-level writing ability. Ask yourself: why was it good? What specifically made it interesting?

Writing Checklist and Practice Task

B2 Review Writing Checklist

Before you submit your review, check each of the following points carefully:

• ☐ Word count: Is your review between 140 and 190 words?
• ☐ Title: Have you included an engaging, descriptive title for your review?
• ☐ Introduction: Does your opening paragraph contain a hook (rhetorical question, bold statement, or vivid description) and clearly introduce the subject?
• ☐ Description: Have you described the key features (atmosphere, food, plot, facilities, etc.) using specific, vivid vocabulary?
• ☐ Evaluation: Have you assessed both strengths and at least one weakness with clear reasons and examples?
• ☐ Recommendation: Does your final paragraph give a clear, direct recommendation and specify who would enjoy this film, book, restaurant, or hotel?
• ☐ Register: Is your writing consistently semi-formal throughout — no slang, no excessive exclamation marks?
• ☐ Vocabulary: Have you replaced weak adjectives (good, nice, bad) with more precise, descriptive alternatives?
• ☐ Linking devices: Have you used at least three different discourse markers or connectors from the table above?
• ☐ Punctuation: Have you correctly punctuated sentence adverbs with a comma (However, / Furthermore, / Nevertheless,)?
• ☐ Tense consistency: Are your tenses consistent and logical throughout (present for general description, past simple for your specific visit)?
• ☐ Spelling: Have you used British English spelling throughout (colour, favourite, organise, neighbourhood)?

Practice Writing Task

Read the exam-style writing task below and write your review following the four-paragraph structure and checklist above.

You recently visited a hotel while on holiday and have decided to write a review for a travel website. In your review, you should:

• describe the hotel's location, atmosphere, and facilities
• evaluate what you enjoyed most and what you felt could be improved
• give a clear recommendation and state who the hotel would be most suitable for

Write your review in 140–190 words.

Remember to:

• Give your review an engaging title
• Use a semi-formal register throughout
• Include at least three linking devices from the connector table
• Support every evaluative point with a specific reason or detail
• End with a clear and direct recommendation

Now test your writing mechanics and sentence skills in the exercises below.