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Abiator's Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review: Intermediate

Abiator's Book Reviews: How to Write a Book Review: Intermediate

Tips for Intermediate Writers

The main purpose of a book review is not really to say a lot about what happens in the book. The main purpose is to analyse the book and to persuade others to agree with our opinions.

In order to convince others that their review should be supported, reviewers present their opinions in a clear format, often providing evidence and examples to highlight their arguments.

Structuring your review:

Introduction
A general description of the book (be brief!):

title, author

basic content [Tell me more]

genre [Tell me more]

subject [Tell me more]

format [Tell me more]

purpose [Tell me more]

general theme or argument [Tell me more]

Content Analysis
Personal evaluation:
There are a number of issues you could discuss here. This section is where you give your opinions and views on the book. Be sure to back them up with evidence from the book (you can quote from the book) and/or reasons for whatever you say.

Basically, if you liked the book, say why. If you didn't, say why. It's that simple!

Expand on these points:

subject [Tell me more]

main characters [Tell me more]

pictures [Tell me more]

target audience [Tell me more]

theme [Tell me more]

comparisons [Tell me more]

potential [Tell me more]

design [Tell me more]

Conclusion

Your conclusion should also be brief. It should be a single paragraph which summarizes your overall view (re-read your introduction to get an idea of what you should be saying).

Lastly, end with a single sentence which leaves no doubt as to your opinion of the book. You could recommend it or not; give a number rating (e.g. 6 out of 10, etc.).

As a general rule of thumb for my class, most of the review should be devoted to Content Analysis. Most of this should be devoted to your own personal opinions about aspects of the book - giving evidence and reasons to support whatever you say.

There is no right or wrong when giving your opinions: the difference is in the quality of your arguments which are largely determined by the evidence and examples you are able to use to support those arguments.

This looks too hard! Show me how to write a basic review!!

This looks too easy! Show me how to write a more sophisticated book review!!