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Sample Book Critique: A Writer Should Get below the Surface

There are many worthy books by more or less famous writers. Usually, they are criticized by experts.

However, students are often asked to write book critiques. Instructors evaluate critical thinking and writing skills. Let us focus our attention on the points sample of book critique contains.

• Sample book critique begins with a title. It should not coincide with the title of the book, although it may contain the title of the book under consideration with proper quotation formatting.

• Introduction of sample book critique usually contains bibliographical data of the work, brief description of work content and your personal attitude towards the book or article.

• Body of sample book critique is the most extensive part. It should include summary of the work and evaluation. These important parts of your work give impression about your familiarity with the book and your ability to evaluate objectively. In the summary of sample book critique you should describe the most significant points of the book. Include only crucial or the most striking moments of the book.

• In the sample of book critique you are asked to present your personal opinion and grounded evaluation of the book. Do not criticize severely or praise without reasons. Consider both positive and negative characteristics of the book. Support your opinion with quotations from the book. Do not refer to works of other critiques instead of expressing your own opinion.

• If you are familiar with other books by this author, mention it in your sample of book critique. Compare the book under consideration with other works. Discuss author’s style and his/her background. It can help to understand the message of his book and analyze content of the book in a sample of book critique.

• The last paragraph of sample book critique is a conclusion. It traditionally summarizes the main points of a sample of book critique and comprises comprehensive evaluation. Include information on the place of the book in the field and author’s merits.