BOOK REVIEW
CRITERIA
Fiction/ Story Telling/ writing Criteria
• Style & presentation: punctuation, spelling, grammar, and syntax are standard except as required for literary effect.
• Language: vocabulary is appropriate to the subject, style, and characters. Word choice is precise and evocative.
• Form & structure: sentence length and paragraph breaks enhance the clarity, meaning, and movement of the writing. Plot structure (i.e. beginning, middle, and end) is clear and thoughtful.
• Theme: the story effectively explores or relates to the theme of the contest. • Originality: the idea, perspective, or presentation is unique and fresh.
• Consideration of creative elements: drama, voice, imagery, impact, character development
Non-Fiction (i.e. personal essay, critical essay) Criteria
•
Style & presentation: punctuation, spelling, grammar, and syntax are
standard.
•
Language: vocabulary is appropriate to the subject and style. Word
choice is precise and evocative.
•
Form & structure: sentence length and paragraph breaks enhance the clarity,
meaning, and movement of the writing.
•
Theme: the essay effectively explores or relates to the theme of
the contest.
•
Originality: the idea, perspective, or presentation is unique and
fresh.
•
Organization: there is a clear development of ideas. The writer has shown
a progression of thought in a clear and logical way.
To include in your review:
Ø Purpose: A book review – why read one and why write one? A book review ‘is not a retelling’. Respond.
Ø Author: Who is the author? What else has s/he written? Has this
Author won any awards? What is the author’s typical style?
Ø Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, romance, poetry, youth fiction, etc.? Who is the intended audience for this work? What is the purpose of the work?
Ø Title: Where does the title fit in? How is it applied in the work? Does it adequately encapsulate the message of the text? Is it interesting? Yes, no, why?
Ø Preface/Introduction/Table of Contents: Does the author provide any revealing information about the text in the preface/introduction? Does a “guest author” provide the introduction? What judgments or preconceptions do the author and/or “guest author” provide? How is the book arranged: sections, chapters?
Ø Characters: Are there characters in the work? Who are the principal characters? How do they affect the story? Do you empathize with them?
Ø Themes /Style: What themes stand out? How do they contribute to the work? Are they effective or not? How would you describe this author’s particular style? Is it accessible to all readers or just some?
Ø Argument: How is the work’s argument set up? What support does the author give for her/findings? Does the work fulfill its purpose/support its argument?
Ø Key Ideas: What is the main idea of the work? What makes it good, different, or ground breaking?
Ø Organize: The purpose of the review is to critically evaluate the text, not just inform the readers about it. Leave plenty room for your evaluation by ensuring that your summary is brief. Determine what kind of balance to strike between your summary information and your evaluation.
Ø Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
Ø Conclusion: You may point out ‘shortcomings and failures’, but be ready to understand author’s perspective.
Ø Stick to precise language and a clear style.
Ø Don’t hesitate to challenge a thesis, an approach, a point of view, an assumption,
an argument.
Ø Would you recommend this book to another person?
Ø What type of person would like this book?
Ø Things to Bear in Mind:
· Don't be intimidated by famous authors -- many have written mediocre books.
· Don't review books by people you know, love, or hate.
|
|
Criteria |
|
|
Title |
Relates to the topic
of the book |
Marks |
|
Introduction / Beginning |
Tell the book’s title
and author ; give a very brief
overview of the contents of the book,
tell the author’s purpose for writing
the book; |
10 |
|
Summary/ Body |
Summarize the
main idea that
relates to the
reviewer’s opinion about the book;
gives evidence, details, or examples from the book to support
the main idea |
10 |
|
Evaluation |
Critical analysis of the book;
strengths and weaknesses; use of sources;
methodology; organization;
presentation; and personal
experiences related to the subject; Recommendation of the book
to others |
10 |
|
Conclusion/ Ending |
Reviewer’s opinion
and what the reviewer wants readers to understand or know about the book |
10 |
|
Presentation |
Delivery Style,
Eye Contact, Body language, speech
and Volume. |
10 |
|
|
Total |
50 |
