Writing a Review for B2 First (FCE)

Writing a review for B2 First can be enjoyable, but many students are not sure how to organise their ideas or give a clear recommendation. In this lesson, you will learn how to write a review for B2 First with a clear structure, useful phrases, vocabulary, model answers and exam tips.

Writing a review for B2 First is not just about describing something. It is also about giving your opinion and helping the reader decide whether something is worth trying. You may be asked to review a film, book, restaurant, café, hotel, app, website, event or place. A good review should be clear, organised and interesting to read.

---

What is a Review in B2 First?

A review is a piece of writing in which you describe something and give your opinion about it.

You may need to write about a book, a film, a café or restaurant, a concert, a museum, a website or app, a holiday destination or an event

The main purpose of a review is to help the reader decide whether they should read, watch, visit, buy or try something.

For example, if you review a film, the reader wants to know:

• What is the film about?
• What is good about it?
• Are there any weak points?
• Who would enjoy it?
• Do you recommend it?

That balance — description + opinion + recommendation — is what makes a strong review.

---

What Does the Examiner Want?

In a B2 First review, the examiner wants to see that you can:

• answer all parts of the task
• organise your ideas clearly
• describe something effectively
• give opinions with reasons
• use suitable vocabulary
• write in an appropriate style
• make a clear recommendation

It is not enough to write:

• The film was good.

You need to explain why.

• The film was gripping because the plot was full of unexpected twists.

Structure of a B2 First Review

A B2 First review should usually have four paragraphs.

1. Title

Start with a short, interesting title. Your title should catch the reader’s attention and show your general opinion.

For example A Café I Would Visit Again instead of My Review.

2. Introduction

In the introduction, say what you are reviewing and give a general impression.

Keep it short and clear.

Useful phrases:

• I recently watched / read / visited / tried…
• The film / book / café I would like to review is…
• Last weekend, I had the chance to visit…

3. Main Paragraph One: Description

In the first main paragraph, describe the thing you are reviewing.

Depending on the task, you can mention:

• the story or plot
• the main characters
• the location
• the atmosphere
• the service
• the design
• the food
• the music
• the most important features

4. Main Paragraph Two: Opinion

In the second main paragraph, give your opinion. Say what you liked or disliked and explain why.

A strong review usually includes both positive comments and one small criticism.

Useful phrases:

• The best thing about it was…
• I was particularly impressed by…
• One small weakness was…

5. Conclusion and Recommendation

End your review with a clear recommendation.

Say who would enjoy it and why.

Useful phrases:

• In conclusion, this is a great choice for…
• If you enjoy…, you will probably like…
• Although it is not perfect, it is definitely worth trying.

---

What Style Should You Use?

A B2 First review should be semi-formal. This means your writing can be friendly and personal, but it should not sound like a text message to a friend.

You can use:

• contractions: it’s, didn’t, I’d
• interesting adjectives: gripping, enjoyable, disappointing
• some natural phrases: worth watching, easy to use, full of surprises

Avoid slang or very casual language:

• It was mega cool.
• The food was rubbish.
• I loved it loads.

Better:

• It was extremely enjoyable.
• The food was disappointing.
• I really enjoyed it because the atmosphere was so relaxed.

Useful Recommendation Phrases

• It is definitely worth watching.
• It is well worth a visit.
• I would strongly recommend it.
• I would recommend it to anyone interested in…
• It would be ideal for students who…
• It may not appeal to everyone, but…
• I would probably not recommend it to…

Useful Linking Words for Reviews

Use linking words to connect your ideas clearly.

To add ideas

• also
• as well as this
• another positive point is
• in addition

To contrast ideas

• however
• although
• despite this
• on the other hand

To give reasons

• because
• as
• since
• the reason I liked it was

To conclude

• overall
• in conclusion
• to sum up
• all in all

Examples:

• The plot is quite simple. However, the characters are very likeable.
• Although the café is rather small, the atmosphere is warm and relaxing.
• Overall, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical dramas.

Model Review 1: Book Review

Exam Task

You see this announcement in an English-language magazine.

Book Reviews Wanted!

Have you read a book in which a character does something surprising? Write a review of the book. Say what happened and whether you would recommend it to other readers.

Write your review in 140–190 words.

A Decision That Changes Everything

I recently read The Midnight Choice, a novel about a quiet teenager called Daniel who always does what his family expects. At the beginning of the story, he seems ordinary and rather shy, but one surprising decision changes everything.

Daniel is offered a place at a famous university, but instead of accepting it, he decides to spend a year volunteering in a remote village. His parents are shocked, and even his best friend thinks he is making a mistake. However, as the story develops, we understand that Daniel wants to discover who he really is, not just follow other people’s plans.

What I enjoyed most was the way the author showed Daniel’s personal growth. The story is moving and realistic, although the middle chapters are a little slow.

Overall, I would recommend this book to teenagers who enjoy thoughtful stories about choices, courage and becoming independent.

Model Review 2: Café Review

Exam Task

You see this announcement in a local English-language magazine.

Café Reviews Wanted!

Write a review of a café in your town. Describe the atmosphere and the food or drinks. Say who you would recommend it to.

Write your review in 140–190 words.

A Calm Place to Study

Last weekend, I visited Green Corner Café, a small café near the town library. I had heard that it was a good place to study, so I decided to try it before my afternoon lesson.

The first thing I noticed was the relaxed atmosphere. The café is bright and comfortable, with large windows, wooden tables and plenty of plants. There is quiet music in the background, but it is not too loud, which makes it perfect for reading or doing homework.

The food and drinks were also impressive. I ordered a cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake, and both were fresh and tasty. The staff were polite and served me quickly, although the prices were slightly higher than I expected.

Overall, I would recommend Green Corner Café to students who need a peaceful place to work. It is friendly, comfortable and definitely worth a visit.

Model Review 3: Film Review

Exam Task

You see this announcement on an English-language website.

Film Reviews Wanted!

Have you watched an interesting film recently? Write a review of the film. Say what the film is about, what you liked or disliked about it, and whether you would recommend it.

Write your review in 140–190 words.

A Thriller Worth Watching

The film I would like to review is Midnight Escape, a mystery thriller set in an empty city at night. It tells the story of four friends who discover a locked building and decide to find out what is inside.

The plot is easy to follow, but it has enough surprises to keep the audience interested. The best thing about the film is its atmosphere. Dark streets, strange noises and clever lighting create a strong feeling of danger. The acting is also convincing, especially the lead actor, who shows fear and courage very naturally.

However, the film is not perfect. A few scenes are predictable, and one of the characters is not developed very well. Despite this, the story remains exciting until the end.

Overall, I would recommend Midnight Escape to anyone who enjoys suspenseful films. It is entertaining, gripping and ideal for a weekend evening.

Why Are These Good B2 First Reviews?

These model answers are effective because they:

• answer the task fully
• have a clear title
• use paragraphs
• include description and opinion
• give reasons for opinions
• use suitable B2 vocabulary
• mention a small weakness
• end with a recommendation

They are also written in a clear semi-formal style, which is exactly what B2 First students need.

Common Mistakes in B2 First Reviews

1. Only describing, not evaluating

Not so good:

• The restaurant is in the town centre. It has tables and chairs. It serves pizza and pasta.

Better:

• The restaurant is in the town centre and has a warm, friendly atmosphere. The menu is not very large, but the pasta is fresh and full of flavour.

2. Forgetting the recommendation

A review should usually answer the question: Should the reader try it?

3. Using weak adjectives

Avoid repeating:

• good
• bad
• nice
• interesting

Better words:

• enjoyable
• impressive
• gripping
• relaxing
• disappointing
• predictable
• comfortable
• memorable

4. Writing too much plot summary

This is especially common in book and film reviews.

Not so good:

• First, the boy leaves home. Then he meets a girl. Then they go to London. Then they argue. Then…

Better:

• Without giving too much away, the story follows a young man who leaves home and discovers that independence is more difficult than he expected.

5. Using language that is too informal

Avoid:

• The app was super cool and really awesome.

Better:

• The app was easy to use and particularly helpful for practising vocabulary.

Simple B2 First Review Plan

Before you start writing, spend two or three minutes planning.

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• What are you reviewing?
• What is your general opinion?

Paragraph 2: Description

• What are the main features?
• What should the reader know?

Paragraph 3: Opinion

• What did you like?
• Was there anything you disliked?

Paragraph 4: Recommendation

• Who would enjoy it?
• Would you recommend it?

This simple plan will help you avoid repetition and keep your review focused.

---

Prepare for the Complete B2 First Writing Paper

Reviews are only one of the text types you may need for B2 First Writing.

If you want more complete preparation, my B2 First Writing Bundle brings together three books with explanations, model answers and practical writing activities:

• Mastering Writing Skills for B2 First
• B2 First Writing Practice Workbook
• Writing for B2 First for Schools

Use them to practise the different writing tasks, improve your organisation and vocabulary, and become more confident before the exam.

Final Advice for B2 Students

A strong review for B2 First is not about using the most difficult vocabulary possible. It is about being clear, organised and helpful to the reader.

Remember this formula:

describe + evaluate + recommend

Instead of writing:

• The film was good.

Write:

• The film was gripping and well acted, although the ending was a little predictable. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystery stories.

That is the kind of answer that sounds natural, confident and ready for B2 First.

Related posts:

• How to Write a Book Review
• How to Write a Film Review for B2 First 
• How to Write an Article for B2 First (FCE) 
• How to Write an Essay for B2 First (FCE) 
• 26 Adjectives to Describe a Film 
• Expressing Opinions and Arguments in English