Academic English I – Book Review/Book Report – Essay Prompt – 1st Tier
Directions: Write a 4-5 page, 5-paragraph (1000-1250+ word) book review (typed and double-spaced) on the novel you have selected to read for “book clubs” (independent reading unit). Please follow the format listed below. You will be graded according to the following categories: content (wealth of information provided), organization (faithfulness to the format outlined below), use of language (word choice/phrasing) and mechanics (grammar/spelling).
Introduction
Paragraph 1 should contain:
– some mention of the book’s title, author, genre and date of publication.
– a general overview of the book’s subject matter and storyline.
– a brief explanation of how or why you were drawn to this book.
– a thesis statement summarizing your conclusion as to whether and why the book succeeds or fails as a work of literature. [Note: You must give reasons explaining the basis for your decision.]
Body of Paper
Paragraph 2 should contain:
– some background information and commentary relating to the author’s life and career.
– interesting facts and/or commentary relating to how or when the author came to write this book.
– interesting facts and/or commentary relating to other books the author is famous for having written.
Paragraph 3 should be sizeable and substantive in length and should contain:
– specific exposition of the novel’s setting, plot, and character (s) including relevant quotations and analysis and commentary.
Paragraph 4 should contain:
– some additional commentary on the author’s narrative voice including point-of-view (POV) and writing style with relevant quotations (samplings of dialogue and description).
Conclusion
Paragraph 5 (your conclusion) should contain:
– an overview of the book’s major strengths and/or weaknesses.
– your final remarks explaining why this book succeeds or fails as a work of literature or qualifies as sort of a “mixed bag” – and whether you would heartily recommend it to others.
– your concluding remarks on how this novel compares with other books you have read. Be sure to include titles and authors of other books you have read!