This year my students are reading one (or two) books to improve their vocabulary and fluency (listening to the recording of the text is going to be really helpful).
As a task, they have to write a book review and a summary of the plot. Here you will find some tips.
Steps to writing a review:
- make notes about setting, characters, plot/events and reasons why you liked it. You might want to express a personal opinion and give a recommendation.
- In paragraph 1 give the title, describe the setting and the characters. What genre is it? (a comedy, a thriller, a drama, a mystery, a romance, a spy story…)
- What’s the main theme?
- Who’s the main character?
- It tells the story… The story is about…The story begins…The story centres on…
- It’s set in…
- In paragraph 2 summarise the main events (but don’t give too many information)
- In paragraph 3 explain why you liked it and give a personal recommendation. Would you encourage other people to read this book?
- I would definitely/ certainly/strongly recommend this book: the story is …
- From my point of view… What I loved /hated about it was… The best part was…
- The book is amazing/moving/dull/hilarious/gripping/soppy/predictable/dull/ clever
- You should definitely give it a go.
- Proofread before writing: check your spelling and grammar! Use present simple to describe finished actions or events; use the present continuous for actions in progress.
Steps to write a summary:
- introduce the main idea in the first sentence
- include the title, the author and when it was written
- don’t focus on details
English spoken 