1. Paragraph*I. Explain the author’s thesis—the main point or points that he/she is trying to make in the book.
(This is not a description or summary of the book; it is an explanation of the author’s purpose, the central
idea or ideas around which the book is organized). Also include a brief discussion of the scope of the book-
-the subject of the book and the time or geographical that it covers (i.e. what the book is about). Like the
thesis, this should take no more than a sentence or two.
2. Next 3-4 paragraphs. Give a broad, general summary of the book. You cannot in 3-4 paragraphs
summarize the entire book, but you can give an example of the author’s arguments that capture the flavor
of the book.
3. Next paragraph. Discuss the sources upon which the author bases his book. What research materials did
he use?
4. Last paragraph. Assess the book. Do not tell me whether or not you liked it or found it interesting but tell
me how successful the author was in achieving his objectives (thesis) and convincing you of f the validity
of his arguments; also cite the strengths and weaknesses of the book (if they exist).
* A paragraph should be 1/2 to 3/4 pages in length. Do not write paragraphs that are too short or too long!1. Paragraph*I. Explain the author’s thesis—the main point or points that he/she is trying to make in the book.
(This is not a description or summary of the book; it is an explanation of the author’s purpose, the central
idea or ideas around which the book is organized). Also include a brief discussion of the scope of the book-
-the subject of the book and the time or geographical that it covers (i.e. what the book is about). Like the
thesis, this should take no more than a sentence or two.
2. Next 3-4 paragraphs. Give a broad, general summary of the book. You cannot in 3-4 paragraphs
summarize the entire book, but you can give an example of the author’s arguments that capture the flavor
of the book.
3. Next paragraph. Discuss the sources upon which the author bases his book. What research materials did
he use?
4. Last paragraph. Assess the book. Do not tell me whether or not you liked it or found it interesting but tell
me how successful the author was in achieving his objectives (thesis) and convincing you of f the validity
of his arguments; also cite the strengths and weaknesses of the book (if they exist).
* A paragraph should be 1/2 to 3/4 pages in length. Do not write paragraphs that are too short or too long!1. Paragraph*I. Explain the author’s thesis—the main point or points that he/she is trying to make in the book.
(This is not a description or summary of the book; it is an explanation of the author’s purpose, the central
idea or ideas around which the book is organized). Also include a brief discussion of the scope of the book-
-the subject of the book and the time or geographical that it covers (i.e. what the book is about). Like the
thesis, this should take no more than a sentence or two.
2. Next 3-4 paragraphs. Give a broad, general summary of the book. You cannot in 3-4 paragraphs
summarize the entire book, but you can give an example of the author’s arguments that capture the flavor
of the book.
3. Next paragraph. Discuss the sources upon which the author bases his book. What research materials did
he use?
4. Last paragraph. Assess the book. Do not tell me whether or not you liked it or found it interesting but tell
me how successful the author was in achieving his objectives (thesis) and convincing you of f the validity
of his arguments; also cite the strengths and weaknesses of the book (if they exist).
* A paragraph should be 1/2 to 3/4 pages in length. Do not write paragraphs that are too short or too long!