Book Critique

PLEASE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS IN THE YELLOW HIGHLIGHTED AREAS.

Book Critique Assignment Instructions

Overview
A book critique is an opportunity for a student to develop critical thinking and writing skills. The purpose of this assignment is to broaden your knowledge and understanding of a topic, and allow you to express it in a fair and academic way. This assignment will allow the student to select any of the five books from the “Required Resources” list on the course syllabus for their critique.
Instructions
After reading the book of your choice in its entirety, begin writing your critique following these instructions:
Your critique must include:
· The book’s bibliographic entry at the top of the first page of text.
· Turabian formatting for “in-text,” parenthetical citations.
· 1,000-1,200 words
· 3 main headings: Summary, Critique, and Evaluation. A description for what is expected in each heading is below.

Summary

Summarize the themes, concepts, and principles of the book. Do not simply restate the contents of each chapter or section. In the first section, students frequently make the mistake of simply restating the contents of the various chapters they have read; this is not the intent of the summary section. Express these items in your own words and support them with parenthetical references to where the material may be found in the text.

Note: This must be accomplished in no more than 250 words.

Critique

Critique what you have read. Most students accomplish the second section well, but remember, the instructions require more than simply, “I liked/disliked this text.” State your position on the text and support it well. If you agreed with the reading, say so, and provide support for your position. If you did not agree with the text, state why you do not agree, and support it equally well. Here is an important aspect to remember: you must not state your position based upon another text. Also, you must not critique an author for not addressing something outside of their intended purpose. (For example, if the book is about evangelism, do not critique them for not writing about systematic theology.) Your critique of a text must stand on the merits of that text alone. Analyze the content using point comparisons, raising questions, and/or criticizing with supportive evidence.

Note: This must be accomplished in no more than 500 words.

Evaluation

Evaluate the book’s value in its larger academic context. Simply state/show if and how the book contributes to their chosen topic. If you decide the text is beneficial, then once again, support your statement in tangible ways, and do the same if you take the reverse position.

Note: This must be accomplished in no more than 250 words.

Your critique should NOT include:
· A bibliography
· Footnotes

Final notes:
This is an academic assignment. Always use spell check and proofread your assignments before submitting.
· Use third person point of view; do not use first person.
· Do not exceed the maximum word count for this assignment.
· A 5-point deduction will be assessed for each 100 words over the maximum number stated.

Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.