BOOK REVIEW ACTIVITY

DIRECTIONS

  1. Obtain a student identification card if you do not already have one.
  2. Explore the library in person and online

·         reference librarians

·         newspaper and magazine section, books and computers

  1. Select a book

·         Non-fiction book ONLY

·         Topic of your choice related to

o        your major or career choice OR subject of extreme interest to you

·         No more than 300 pages

  1. Read the entire book.
  2. Type a 5 paragraph essay discussing three benefits OR three lessons you learned from the book.  DO NOT SUMMARIZE THE BOOK.  Focus on how the content and/or author benefited you.           
  3. You must proofread, edit and revise your essay before submitting for a final grade.   USE ACTIVE VERBS.  (See link)

 

Evaluate the text and inform your reader of what you learned or how you benefited from reading the book.  Your introductory paragraph must contain an attention getter, thesis statement and plan of development.  Each body paragraph must contain a clear topic sentence, a minimum of 3 details and 4-6 specific examples.  Assume that I have not read the book; therefore, be very specific as you attempt to support your main idea. 

 

REQUIRED FORMAT

 

·         The final typed essay must be double spaced, 12pt font with 1 inch margins on all sides.

·         You must type a cover sheet with the following information: 

o        Name, date and reference number of the course. 

o        Include the name of the book and its author (s). 

·         Staple the cover sheet to the typed essay.

 

OBJECTIVES

·         Become familiar with library resources

·         Evaluate information and inform the reader

·         Submit a well developed and edited essay in the allotted time.

 

EVALUATION CRITERIA

·         I use the MDC Gordon Rule Writing Rubric to grade your essays.  (See Rubric Sheet)

 

o        4=A

o        3=B

o        2=C

o        1= D

 

 

·        You must develop your essay with specific details and examples and remove significant spelling, grammar and punctuation errors. 

·        Late assignments receive one letter grade lower for each day you fail to submit assignment.    

 

Professor Marlene Cueto (All Rights Reserved 2008)