Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one.
1In this scholarly review, the editor's annotated edition is described as an ............... achievement in textual analysis.
Wrong!
In a formal critical review, "outstanding" is the appropriate evaluative adjective; "awesome" is much more informal.
2For a serious newspaper review, it is more appropriate to call the final scene ............... than to describe it in chatty terms.
Wrong!
"Deeply affecting" fits a serious newspaper review, while "a real tearjerker" is colloquial and too chatty for that register.
3In an academic journal review, the critic ............... the director deliberately withholds closure.
Wrong!
"Argues that" is suitable in an academic review because it introduces an analytical claim; "reckons" is conversational.
4The biography is elegantly written; ..............., its evidence remains thin in the crucial middle chapters.
Wrong!
"However" provides a formal contrast suitable for a professional review; "but hey" is casual and conversational.
5A magazine review may refer to regular ............... of the series without sounding overly familiar.
Wrong!
"Readers" is neutral and appropriate for a magazine review; "you guys" directly addresses the audience in an informal way.
6In a formal review, the critic might say that the final chapter ............... the novel's careful structure.
Wrong!
"Undermines" is the formal critical verb for weakening an argument; "messes up" is informal.
7The awards-panel report calls the cinematography technically ..............., though not especially inventive.
Wrong!
"Competent" is neutral and formal enough for an awards-panel review; "decent" is more conversational and imprecise.
8In a peer review, a critic might write: 'Although the article is carefully researched, its central argument is ultimately ...............'
Wrong!
"Unpersuasive" is an appropriate formal judgment of an argument; "a bit dodgy" is informal and vague.
9In a formal theatre review, the production is ............... uneven pacing rather than lack of ambition.
Wrong!
"Marred by" is a formal review collocation meaning spoiled by; "let down by" is less formal and more conversational.
10The institutional report concludes that the documentary is ............... for specialist audiences.
Wrong!
"Recommended" fits the measured wording of an institutional report; "a must-see" is promotional and informal.
11A formal exhibition review might say: '..............., the exhibition's restraint is its greatest strength, especially in the final room.'
Wrong!
"In my view" is a standard, suitably formal way to introduce a considered judgment; "If you ask me" is conversational and too casual for a formal review.
12The monograph offers ............... into the composer's late style without overstating its claims.
Wrong!
"Considerable insight" is concise and formal; "loads of interesting stuff" is vague and informal.
Exercise complete
0 out of 12
correct answers
Answers
- In this scholarly review, the editor’s annotated edition is described as an outstanding achievement in textual analysis.
- For a serious newspaper review, it is more appropriate to call the final scene deeply affecting than to describe it in chatty terms.
- In an academic journal review, the critic argues that the director deliberately withholds closure.
- The biography is elegantly written; however, its evidence remains thin in the crucial middle chapters.
- A magazine review may refer to regular readers of the series without sounding overly familiar.
- In a formal review, the critic might say that the final chapter undermines the novel’s careful structure.
- The awards-panel report calls the cinematography technically competent, though not especially inventive.
- In a peer review, a critic might write: ‘Although the article is carefully researched, its central argument is ultimately unpersuasive.’
- In a formal theatre review, the production is marred by uneven pacing rather than lack of ambition.
- The institutional report concludes that the documentary is recommended for specialist audiences.
- A formal exhibition review might say: ‘In my view, the exhibition’s restraint is its greatest strength, especially in the final room.’
- The monograph offers considerable insight into the composer’s late style without overstating its claims.