P.S. A book review is NOT a simple summary of the book. Book reviews follow a format; so read below for the instructions.
Instructions:
Part I
Who is the author? What do we know about him/her? Is she/he qualified (expert) to write about the topic?
Identify the author’s thesis. A thesis is a statement capable of proof.
Does the author state WHY the writing is important? Does the writing fulfill a “historical gap?”
Does the author state HOW he/she is going to prove the thesis?
Part II
In this part you will give several examples of how the author substantiates his/her thesis.
What proof does he/she put forward?
Choose examples carefully to show how the author validates the thesis. Be specific here.
Part III
In this part you will determine whether you are persuaded by the author’s argument. Using the examples from Part II, you will determine whether they in fact validate the thesis. Use your TEXTBOOK as guide. Does the author’s claims match or follow in line with the textbook. (This will take you some time to flesh out.)
Part IV
In this part you will evaluate sources and footnotes. Are the footnotes accurate and to the point? What sources has the author consulted? Are both sides of the conflict represented to the same degree, or is the author relying too heavily on only one set of sources?
Part V
Conclusion. Does the author prove his/her point? Would you recommend this book for others to read? Why or why not?
MISC.
2-3 pages.
Double Space.
be sure that new paragraphs are indented 5 spaces.
12 pt. Time Roman Font.
1″ Margins
Left Justified (no centering or weird spacing)
Be sure to insert page source citations into the text of your essay. Page numbers will in parenthesis will suffice.
Rubric
Book Review Rubric
Book Review Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Introduction & Conclusion
The intro includes elements from part 1 and a clear point of view from the student. The conclusion includes elements from part 5.
20 pts
Excellent
-includes information about the book’s author -identifies the author’s thesis -describe’s the book’s importance
10 pts
Good
-Includes some information about the book -Contains a basic description of book’s importance
5 pts
Needs Improvement
-lists basic information, but not thorough -basic, but not useful information about the book’s importance
0 pts
Unsatisfactory
-Does not include the book, or an introduction -No statement about the importance of the book
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Summary / Assessment of Author’s Argument
Does the student address the elements in Part 2 and 3? Does the student make claims about the work and show sufficient examples that demonstrate the author’s ability to prove the thesis? Does the student validate the author’s events in the writing with the events presented in the student’s textbook?
10 pts
Excellent
Student addresses: author’s thesis, discusses how the author defends thesis, and discusses wether or not the author proved his/her thesis.
5 pts
Good
Student: partially discusses the elements outlined in the instructions for the section. Notes will be attached.
2.5 pts
Needs Improvement
Student: is vague or unclear with a discussion of the required elements.
0 pts
Needs Improvement
Student does not offer a discussion of the required elements.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Sources
Does the student address the author’s use of sources as outlined in Part 4? Is there a sense of bias within the author’s work?
10 pts
Excellent
Student: throughly discusses all aspects required in this section as per the assignment instructions.
5 pts
Good
Student: partially discusses the required elements.
0 pts
Needs Improvement
Student does not address this required section.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Grammar/spelling/mechanics/style/syntax
10 pts
Excellent
-Student’s work is generally error free with little or no major grammatical, spelling, mechanical (formatting), style, or syntax issues.
5 pts
Good
-Students work has some grammatical, spelling, syntax, or mechanical errors
0 pts
No Marks
-The work is hard to read due to major issues with grammar, spelling, and syntax errors.
10 pts
Total Points: 50
