B2 First review example, marked
The same review written twice: first an answer that would get about 10 out of 20 (just below a pass), then the same answer improved to about 18 out of 20. Every problem and every improvement is marked and explained, criterion by criterion.
The task
You see this announcement in an English-language magazine for young people.
Reviews wanted!
Have you been to a café or restaurant recently that you would recommend to other young people? Write a review telling us about the food, the atmosphere and the prices, and say who you would recommend it to.
Write your review.
Write your review in 140–190 words.
Answer 1
about 10 / 20Review of a restaurant1
Last weekend I went to a restaurant called Bella Napoli with my friends. It is in the centre of the city near to the station2.
The food was very good. I ate a pizza with mushrooms and my friends ate pasta, but they said it was a bit cold. The pizza was very good and the pasta was very good too.3 We waited only ten minutes for the food. For dessert we ate ice cream.
The restaurant is big and there is a lot of people4 at weekends. The waiters were friendly and the service was fast. The music was too loud and we couldn't talk very well.
The prices are not expensive, we paid 12 euros each.5
I recommend this restaurant. It is very good.6
130 words
What goes wrong
- It says what it is, but not which place – and it doesn’t make anyone want to read it.
- “near the station” (no “to”).
- “Very good” twice in one sentence: the reader learns nothing about the food.
- “There are a lot of people.”
- Prices are “low” or “reasonable”, not “not expensive”; and two sentences are joined with a comma.
- The task asks who you would recommend it to, and the review doesn’t say.
The marks
Food, atmosphere and prices are mentioned, but not who the restaurant is for.
It reports what happened instead of helping the reader decide whether to go.
One idea per paragraph, but very little linking between them.
Simple and repetitive (very good ×4) with some errors, but easy to follow.
Answer 2: the same ideas, improved
about 18 / 20Bella Napoli: proper pizza without the big bill1
If you’ve been searching for real Italian pizza that won’t empty your wallet, look no further.2 Bella Napoli, a family-run restaurant a few minutes’ walk from the station, has quickly become my favourite place to eat in town.
The pizzas are the star of the show: thin, crispy and straight out of a wood-fired oven3. I’d particularly recommend the one with wild mushrooms. The pasta is good too, though not quite as impressive.
The atmosphere is lively and friendly, especially at weekends, when the place is packed. The only drawback is the music, which can be a little too loud if you want a quiet chat.4
As for prices, they’re very reasonable5: we paid about twelve euros each, including dessert.
All in all, Bella Napoli is perfect for a fun evening out with friends, but if you’re planning a romantic dinner, you might prefer somewhere calmer.6
154 words
What makes it better
- A title that names the place and hints at the verdict.
- Speaks directly to the target reader – young people on a budget.
- Descriptive language that helps the reader imagine the food.
- A balanced review mentions a weakness too.
- The right collocation for prices.
- A clear recommendation that says who it is – and isn’t – for.
The marks
Food, atmosphere, prices and a clear recommendation, all as the task asks.
Engaging and balanced, written for the magazine’s young readers.
Each paragraph covers one point, ending with a clear verdict.
Precise, descriptive language (the star of the show, packed, the only drawback) with no errors.
What made the difference
- Content: The last paragraph says who the restaurant is for – and who it isn’t for.
- Communicative achievement: It evaluates (the best dish, one drawback) instead of only describing.
- Organisation: A title with a verdict, then food, atmosphere, prices and a conclusion.
- Language: “Very good” is replaced by precise descriptions: thin, crispy, lively, reasonable.
A review always needs an opinion and a recommendation. Ask yourself: after reading this, would someone know whether to go?
Now write your own
Practise with real exam tasks and model answers, and get AI feedback on your review: an estimated mark for each criterion, your mistakes corrected and tips to improve.
More examples
The marks are Levoop’s estimate using the four criteria Cambridge uses for Writing (0–5 each). Only Cambridge English can give an official mark. The texts were written for Levoop.