Unit 1 Book Review

Section A Main Functions

1.The following statements are either TRUE or FALSE statements about a book review. Choose the true statements that describe the functions of a book review.

a. A book review should describe what is on the page.

b. A book review should analyze how the book tried to achieve its purposes.

c. A book review should evaluate the book.

d. A book review is a description, critical analysis, and an evaluation on the quality, meaning, and significance of a book.

e. It is a retelling of the book.

f. It is quite similar to a book report or a summary, which simply summarizes the content of a book.

g. It should focus on the book’s purpose, content, and authority.

2.The following statements are possible moves in a book review. Find the irrelevant ones.

a. Identify the author briefly.

b. Summarize the book and relate the author’s main point, or thesis.

c. Describe the author’s viewpoint and purpose for writing.

d. Note any aspects of the author’s background that are important for understanding the book.

e. Note the most important evidence the author presents to support his or her thesis.

f. Evaluate the author’s use of evidence, and describe how he or she deals with counter evidence.

g. Compare this book with other books or articles you have read on the same subject.

h. Conclude with a final evaluation of the book.

i. Discuss who would find this book useful and why.

j. Be positive about the viewpoints.

3.Find out the differences between a book review and a book summary, and put a, b, c, d into Table 1.

a. An analysis of and reaction to the content.

b. Main idea of the content.

c. Both report on and evaluate the book.

d. A report of what is written.