English Coursework: Tips to Writing a Book Review
Discussing, analyzing and interpreting texts are the focus of any form of English coursework. Writing a book review is the best way of sharing one’s reading experience and interpretation to the book recently read. When we read a book, it is obvious that we would like to analyze and interpret it to reach a better understanding of a written word.
However many students spoil their book reviews and lose their chances of scoring well in an English coursework as they do not realize the main elements of writing a book review assignment. A review is personal in nature and aims to bring to light the reader’s response to the book. It subtly presents the merits and demerits of the book recommending or warning the reader for or against it.
Here are a few tips that will help you write an outstanding book review.
Do not make it a Spoiler: A book review does not reveal the plot of a book. If you provide details of the events and characters, you defeat the aim of writing a review. A good review evaluates a book without revealing the vital elements of the story.
Let it be your personal Record: Make sure you read the book you are reviewing for your English coursework. This is the least you can do. However if you have ample time, you must look for similar works, and explore the oeuvre of the author you are reviewing. This will make your book review personal and remarkable.
Write an analysis rather than a rehash: The best written book reviews provide an insight into the texts key features by bringing to light the essential aspects that make the book worth reading. Choose to write an analysis or interpretation to the novel, and make it personal.
Pay attention to citation and quotations: Use quotations and cite them for reader’s reference in your review. Quotes should affirm your argument in the review. Use proper format when using quotations. Indent the quote half an inch from the text margin if it runs more than a line, without using the quotation marks. If the quotation is a line long, embed it in the text with quotation mark. Mention the page number at the end of the quotation.
Know your audience: The key to successful writing is to have an audience in mind when writing. This helps you make your text specific, targeted and clear. When writing a book review for your English coursework, you have two choices of framing a book review: one where it is resumed that the book has been read by the audience. If you choose to review a book that is part of your curriculum, you rather go for evaluative and analytical book reviews. The other is when you assume that the audience has not read the book, and your review has to convince them or warn them against it. In such cases, bring the key features of the book and present it to the audience.
