U.S HISTORY BOOK REVIEW

Exemplary

Adequate

Minimal

Attempted

Introduction

Title and author listed. Introduction is attention-getting and provides relevant information. Discusses genre and details

Title and author listed. Includes genre and details

Title and author are not immediately mentioned, but are eventually provided.

Title and author are omitted.

Summary

Summary consists of a discussion of major themes, ideas and characters/personages providing exemplary ideas from the work. It includes very strong opinions and new ideas using your own words. Summary does not give away too much.

Summary consists of a discussion of major themes, ideas and/or characters/personages with some opinions and new ideas from the work. Summary does not give away key events, but may lack details.

Summary consists of a discussion of major themes, ideas or characters/personages. There is little opinion or mention of new ideas. Summary lacks details.

Summary is mostly an outline of the book and does not discuss opinion or new ideas. Summary reveals too much, in general, or entirely lacks an overview.

Critique

Critique consists of thoughts, responses and reaction to the book. The student reviewer reacts to the themes, the author’s aims or intent, the subject of the book, how well it is written and overall success or failure of the book.

Critique consists of thoughts, responses and reaction to the book. The student reviewer may discuss only two aspects, for example, themes and writer’s style. There is not a thorough review of various aspects.

Critique consists of thoughts, responses and reaction to the book. The student may only discuss one aspect of the book, such as themes. This review just states, “Well, I liked it.” Or “Well, I hated it.” It lacks a critical eye

Critique consists of a basic opinion based on personal feeling of “I liked it.” Or “I hated it.” And is not considered a critique because it does not focus on themes, author’s intent, writer’s style, historical relevance, etc.

Organization and Voice

Structure of the paper flows and is easily read because of smooth transitions from paragraph to paragraph. The sequence of topics is in logical order. There is a clear-cut introduction, body and conclusion. Your creative voice is strong.

Structure of the paper flows and is easily read, but 1 or 2 transitions may be faulty or missing.

Structure of the paper flows

Mechanics and Language

Uses complete sentences and a variety of sentence types. Vibrant, effective vocabulary included

Uses complete sentences and a variety of sentence types. Word choice is effective.

There are 1-2 incomplete sentences or fragments. There are also run-on sentences. Basic word choice.

There are more than 2 incomplete sentences or fragments. There are more than 2 run ons. Dull words.

Effectiveness and Conclusion

Includes thorough assessment of the book’s usefulness. Describes the significance of this work to historians. Overall review suggests that one Definitely should or should not read this book

Includes only a basic explanation of the book’s significance and usefulness. Overall review suggests that one should or should not read this book

Includes only one sentence about the greater significance and/or is very superficial. Overall review suggests that one May want to read this book…or not. In short, a recommendation is unclear.

The book’s significance is not addressed in any way. No recommendation given one way or the other.