Grading Rubric for Book Reviews
Response Criteria Rating
Exemplary Clarity of thought and shows an understanding of all major concepts.
Good critical analysis or thoughtful questions.
All conclusions supported by examples from the text.
All content requirements of the book review are thoroughly and completely addressed. 100-90
Good Clarity of thought and shows general understanding of major processes
Includes reasonable analysis or questions.
Most conclusions supported by examples from the text.
All content requirements of the book review are addressed. 89-80
Satisfactory Completes the assignment, but explanations may be slightly ambiguous or unclear.
May contain some incomplete, inappropriate, or unclear conclusions in hypothesis, understanding of major concepts, or conclusions.
Some conclusions supported by examples from the text.
Most of the content requirements of the book review are addressed. . 79-70
Unsatisfactory Begins successfully, but omits significant parts or fails to complete analysis.
Conclusions may be incorrect or incomplete in hypothesis, understanding of major concepts, or conclusions.
Few conclusions supported by examples from the text.
Some of the content requirements of the book review are addressed. 69-60
Poor Analysis is unclear.
Major flaws in hypothesis, understanding of major concepts, and conclusions. Restates the question without making an attempt at an analysis.
No conclusions supported by examples from the text.
None of the content requirements of the book review are addressed. 59 and below
Book Reviews
What is a book review?
A book review possesses two important purposes. First, a book review involves critically analyzing a specific text and the arguments or conclusions contained within in it. Second, a book review should make an argument. In other words, it should have a point of view. Instead of simply summarizing the text, a book review allows you to discuss and comment on both the subject of the work itself and the author’s own conclusions. In addition, to agreeing or disagreeing with the information contained within the text, you should also identify the areas that you view either as praiseworthy or problematic in terms of content, conclusions, or organization. Be sure also to specifically describe what impressed you most about the book, whether or not the author made an effective argument, any changes that you think might improve the work, and whether or not the book enhanced your overall understanding of the topic.
Writing a book review
While writing your book review, keep in mind the following questions:
1. What is the main argument of this book? How does it compare or contrast to the information you have learned about the topic?
2. Does the author adequately describe the subject of the book? Does he/she provide a balanced viewpoint?
3. What evidence does the author utilize in support of his/her argument? Do you consider this evidence effective? Why or why not?
4. How has this book helped you understand the subject? Would you recommend this book to others?
Book review requirements
To earn full credit, your book review must be 3-5 pages in length and demonstrate both thoughtfulness and a familiarity with the reading. All material taken from the book itself must be footnoted. Any information taken from other sources and/or directly quoted or paraphrased MUST be footnoted. Formatting of footnotes may be done according to the style to which you are most accustomed (i.e. MLA, Chicago Manual of Style, etc). More information about Chicago Manual of Style is available under Quick Links on Blackboard. All papers are submitted via the Assignment Manager on Blackboard.
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