It’s important to discuss common expectations in your review, and whether the chapters in the part of the book meet or do not meet these expectations.
In your review, use the common expectations that your classmates have posted in the second threaded discussion for this week.
You will review one of these three parts. Your reading for week 2 is the first three chapters for your part, and those are probably the chapters you will want to focus on for your review. If you wish, you may decide to focus your review on the last three chapters. In any case, zero in on three chapters in your part of the book, keeping in mind that your review will focus on three major points. So your first decision on your review is to decide which three chapters in your part of the book that you would like to review.
Secondly, compile a list of common expectations. Just as a good action movie has a set of expectations (see the list in Figure 6.1 of the textbook) that determine whether it’s successful or not, a book also has common expectations. Use the postings of your classmates in this week’s threaded discussion topic 2 for this list. You’re looking for features that a reader expects to find in a good nonfiction text. Whether your book chapter meets or exceeds these expectations will determine its success—and your vote. Choose varied, non-repetitive expectations; for example, an expectation of a good action movie is that it has “stunts and chase scenes,” so an expectation like “acrobatic elements in scenes” would be redundant. Limit your list of expectations to three.
Write your summary or description paragraph, which is paragraph 2. Instead of summarizing every facet of the three chapters, pick three major points or aspects. For example, in Chapter 1 of Part I, surprising places where corn exists in a supermarket, the Mayan people, and corn sex are three of the most intriguing aspects in the chapter and would be the subject of a few sentences each. Then write your strengths paragraph, which is paragraph 3, followed by your weaknesses paragraph, which is paragraph 4. (See the explanation below for more information on these paragraphs). The conclusion paragraph ends the review. Be sure to not copy-and-paste the wording directly from the book; that would be plagiarism. Follow the criteria detailed below for summarizing and paraphrasing.
Summarizing and Paraphrasing: Four Criteria
Summarizing: S-S-S-S Paraphrasing: S-S-S-R
Same idea/s: Be accurate with your wording; retain the author’s original meaning. Don’t misrepresent the author when you put ideas in your own words. Same idea/s: Be accurate with your wording; retain the author’s original meaning. Don’t misrepresent the author when you put ideas in your own words.
Synonyms: Substitute the author’s wording with your own wording by using synonyms, which are different words that have similar meanings. Highlight the word and right-click on it; the drop down box will have the word "Synonyms." Click on it, and a short list of words will appear; click on "Thesaurus" if you want more information on any word. Synonyms: Substitute the author’s wording with your own wording by using synonyms, which are different words that have similar meanings. Highlight the word and right-click on it; the drop down box will have the word "Synonyms." Click on it, and a short list of words will appear; click on "Thesaurus" if you want more information on any word.
Shuffle or restructure: Your version of the author’s ideas should not contain the same sentence structure. Instead, ideas should be shuffled around or restructured so that the position of subject and verb is changed, and statistics appear at different parts of the sentence. Also, the number of sentences can easily be changed. Shuffle or restructure: Your version of the author’s ideas should not contain the same sentence structure. Instead, ideas should be shuffled around or restructured so that the position of subject and verb is changed, and statistics appear at different parts of the sentence.
Shorten: Don’t include all aspects of the author’s ideas. Focus on including the major ideas, not minor details. An example is below:
Original: Some people believe that the television or airplane was the most important invention of the last century. Others think that the microwave oven or cell phone should be at the top of the list of what Americans consider as the best invention. They’re all wrong. Most people in the U.S. consider the computer as the most significant thing that someone invented in the 20th century.
Summary: In the previous century, the computer topped the list of what most Americans believe was the best invention. Retain: Keep roughly the same number of words as the original sentence, passage, or paragraph. Unlike summarizing, you’re not just including major ideas; you’re also including specific details. An example is below:
Original: Most people in the U.S. consider the computer as the most significant thing that someone invented in the 20th century.
Paraphrase: For the last 100-year span, a majority of Americans believe that the computer was the most important invention.
Drafting and Revising:
Once you’ve completed the steps above for pre-writing, start a draft of your paper. There are two organizational patterns: describing strengths and weaknesses in the same body paragraphs, or separating the strengths from the weaknesses in separate paragraphs. For shorter reviews like the one you will be doing, the second pattern is easier to follow. The organization is described below. Once you’ve finished your draft, review your paper carefully from the point of view of your prospective reader. Delete obvious phrases such as "in my opinion" or "I think that." Avoid jargon or overly technical information; your reader is unlikely to be an expert in the subject. By the same token, avoid cliches or overly used phrases that have different meanings to every reader.
As with every assignment, run your paper through a spell checker, keeping in mind that not every word is flagged as incorrect, and some errors will not be flagged. Put your paper in the Dropbox at the end of Week 2. It will be graded and returned to you within a few days; be sure to download and read the feedback your instructor has given to you on this paper, because it will help you improve in time for the next paper.
Format of the Review
A five-paragraph format is sufficient for this type of paper.
First Paragraph: Introduction and thesis statement. In this opening paragraph, identify the author of the trade text, Michael Pollan. Also, italicize The Omnivore’s Dilemma; the subtitle is not necessary to include. Also, identify the part of the book (I, II, or III), plus the chapter numbers you will be reviewing. Write out the author’s name the first time it appears in the review; after that, include just his last name, Pollan. One sentence in your introduction can read like this:
In Part I, Chapters 1, 2, and 3 of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan explores the history and sources of corn, a family farm in Iowa, and the economic pressures that influence farming and food policies.
At the end of this paragraph, write a thesis statement that tells the reader your overall impression, plus a preview of the next three paragraphs.
A thesis for a positive review would read like this:
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 are an excellent start to The Omnivore’s Dilemma, in that they set up the re-occurring theme in the book: the conflict between the way farming should be done, and how economic survival dictates how it is actually done; I only wish the chapters never ended.
In the thesis above, the idea Chapters 1, 2, and 3 are an excellent start to The Omnivore’s Dilemma is the overall assessment and a preview of the second paragraph on description. The idea they set up the reoccurring theme in the book: the conflict between the way farming should be done, and how economic survival dictates how it is actually done is a preview of the strengths paragraph, while I only wish the chapters never ended is a preview of the weaknesses paragraph.
A thesis for a negative review would read like this:
Chapters 1, 2, and 3 are a rocky start to The Omnivore’s Dilemma: although throroughly detailed and researched ideas are interwoven in the stories that make up these chapters, major themes appear arbitrarily at different points in a disorganized manner.
In the thesis above, the idea Chapters 1, 2, and 3 are a rocky start to The Omnivore’s Dilemma is the overall assessment and a preview of the second paragraph on description. The idea although throroughly detailed and researched ideas are interwoven in the stories that make up these chapters is a preview of the strengths paragraph, while major themes appear arbitrarily at different points in a disorganized manner is a preview of the weaknesses paragraph.
Second through fourth paragraphs: Description and Review of the three chapters of one part of the book. In the second description paragraph, summarize three important aspects of the chapters. Be sure to summarize or paraphrase instead of copying down ideas word-for-word; see the table above for the four criteria in summarizing or paraphrasing. In Kim Sanders’ review of AC/DC’s album in Chapter 6 of the textbook Writing Today, notice that her second paragraph has a chronological description of some of the album’s songs. She picks out some standout songs, describing each one briefly. Follow this same pattern in your second paragraph: instead of identifying every last aspect or story in the three chapters, focus on identifying three major aspects or stories in the chapter; describing them in a couple of sentences each.
In the third review paragraph, focus on the three chapters’ strengths regarding the common expectations. Earlier in pre-writing, you compiled your list of common expectations, based on the postings from threaded discussion topic 2 for Week 2. Now assess the book chapters regarding these common expectations, using only the ones that meet or exceed these expectations in this third paragraph. In Kim Sanders’ review of the AC/DC album in Writing Today, one of her expectations of a hard rock album was that it must have solid bass and vocals. Songs in the album do show the band’s great bass and vocals, including “War Machine,” and Sanders was clear about this in her review. Similarly, identify the common expectations that fare well with The Omnivore’s Dilemma and write about them in this paragraph.
Make your review clear with details. For example, if one of your common expectations is “writing that appeals to the senses,” identify the exact wording that showcases this common expectation. Of course, enclose the wording in quotation marks, and supply the correct page number as show below: As you’ll learn in Chapter 26 of the textbook, quotations are ideas or entire sentences or paragraphs that are written down word-for-word from a source. The copied wording is enclosed in quotation marks. Quote only when the idea can’t be rewritten in another way, or when the wording of the idea is the subject of your point. On the other hand, you may summarize or paraphrase ideas that aren’t quote-worthy. For example, suppose you are reviewing Chapters 5, 6, and 7 of Part I, and one of your common expectations is “appropriate use of statistics.” Identify the passage in chapter 6 where the average daily consumption of calories is discussed. Below is a sample beginning of paragraph three:
For two out of three common expectations, Chapters 5, 6, and 7 meet or exceed these expectations. The first common expectation is that a nonfiction book must have appropriate use of statistics. If Pollan wants to be convincing regarding the problem of obesity in America,the reader expects that numbers will appear in the chapters to support this idea. Chapter 6 certainly fulfills this expectation, as at several instances in the chapter, statistics are given to prove ideas. When Pollan describes the difference between how much we Americans ate a generation ago and how much we eat today, he backs it up with numbers.. Americans eat about 200 more calories per day nowadays compared to a generation ago; this is a jump of about 10% per day. [paragraph continues.]
It is acceptable here to summarize and not include a page number, even though it would be unacceptable to do so in a research paper; it’s clear that your entire book review is based on the words and ideas from one book, so adding in page numbers isn’t necessary. However, if a quotation is needed, supply the correct page number or numbers in parentheses like this: The wording of some ideas is especially unique, as when the author describes American consumers as a “republic of fat” (p. 100).
If your review of the book chapters are favorable, then this third paragraph will be longer in length than the fourth paragraph. You may have two common expectations that the book chapter meets or exceeds, and several sentences’ worth of explanation of why this is. Conversely, if you have just one common expectation that is met or exceeded, then this third paragraph will be relatively short. Your review should be balanced, and so should your paragraphs; don’t have the entire third paragraph explain strengths with all three common expectations met or exceeded. Aim for at least one expectation that is only partially met; this explanation belongs in the fourth paragraph.
In the fourth paragraph, focus on the three book chapters’ weaknesses regarding the common expectations. If common expectations were not met or were only partially met, the explanations belong in this paragraph. Suppose that one of your common expectations is “problem solving.” The three chapters describe problems such as obesity, but skip over some details and do not provide solutions. Below is a sample beginning of paragraph four:
For one out of three common expectations, Chapters 5, 6, and 7 do not meet this expectation. The only common expectation that is not met is that a nonfiction book must be problem solving; that is, solutions must be discussed to any problems that are presented. In the case of the obesity problem, several causes are listed in Chapter 6, but one major cause, the lack of exercise, is never detailed. Granted, Pollan does list the several causes of the modern epidemic of obesity, but lists lifestyle changes as one cause rather than detailing the real issue with lifestyle changes, which is our lack of exercise..The discussion of America’s obesity problem lasts several pages, but nowhere in this discussion does Pollan fault Americans for their coach-potato, gym-phobic attitudes. Plus, solutions are not addressed, and if you are complaining about a problem but make no attempt to solve it, then you surely are part of the problem. One page of solutions would have greatly helped—and it would be entirely appropriate. The author could have pointed to the prevalence of feel-good TV shows like “The Biggest Loser” as evidence of the success of exercise-intensive, boot-camp approaches to weight loss. [paragraph continues.]
Fifth paragraph: Conclusion including your overall appraisal. In this final paragraph, expand upon the idea hinted at in your thesis—you found the chapters successful or unsuccessful, or somewhere in between, based on how well the chapters measured up to the common expectations. If two of three common expectations were met or exceeded, then the chapters are successful; conversely, if two or three common expectations were not met, then the chapters are unsuccessful. Be clear on your appraisal, but avoid repeating or summarizing information from earlier paragraphs. Instead, add a prediction, reminding the reader of what’s to come in the next chapters, and whether the next chapters contain better or worse writing. Or add a recommendation, especially if your review is negative. Add some pointers that the author might want to consider in his next book.
Criteria for Grading the Review
As noted in the Syllabus, five traits will be used to assess your review: ideas/content, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, and mechanics.
Ideas/Content in the review, include the thesis statement and ideas used to prove the thesis. Details must include the review of the book chapter using three common expectations, and in each supporting paragraph, the writer proves whether the chapter meets or exceeds these expectations.
Organization in the review includes the five-paragraph structure, starting with the first paragraph with introduction and thesis statement; the supporting paragraphs with the description, followed by strengths and weaknesses; and the concluding paragraph with the overall appraisal. Transitions are also helpful in signaling to the reader where the ideas are heading.
Word choice in the review will be precise enough so that the writer draws a vivid picture of the subject in the reader’s mind. Overly technical language and cliches are avoided. Words are used to describe but also to convince the reader of the strengths and weaknesses of the book chapter.
Sentence fluency in a review involves the ease of reading. Sentences should flow smoothly from one to the next without gaps of understanding or clarity. Sentences should not be monotonous; they should include variety in length and structure.
Mechanics in the review are important in that they convey credibility. Ideas that are incomplete or contain missing words detract from the overall strength and convincingness of the paper. Careful proofreading will help you avoid errors in mechanics.
More information can be found in Doc Sharing:
• Checklist for the Review
• Document Format for the Review
Week 2
TCOs 1, 2, and 3
Reviews Writing Today: Chapter 6: Reviews (pages 78-101)
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: First 3 chapters of chosen part (Part 1, 2, or 3
Book Review of The Omnivore’s Dilemma (One of three parts)
Put Your Title Here
This page begins your review. Before you start typing, fix your format. The font should be 12. If you’re using MS Word 2007, go to Paragraph above; the alignment for all text should be left except for the title above, which is centered. Also in Paragraph, go to Line Spacing and click on “double,” and spacing before and after should be 0 pt. In Page Layout, check that the margins are “Normal,” which is 1 inch all around. Then put your introductory sentences here. Be sure you’re giving the background or context in several developed sentences. In this opening paragraph, you must include the author’s first and last name, which is Michael Pollan, and title of the book in italics, which is The Omnivore’s Dilemma. For each subsequent reference to the author, write only the author’s last name. Identify the chapters you will be reviewing as well. Do not attempt to prove the thesis statement in these sentences; don’t have obvious ideas. Prove the thesis below it, not above it. If appropriate, provide a bridge from the introductory sentences to the thesis. Then put your thesis statement here; the thesis must include your overall impression, plus a preview of the next three paragraphs.
The topic sentence for paragraph number two belongs right here; it is the start of the description. Then discuss three aspects or points in the chapters. Identify the first aspect; then describe it in a couple of sentences. Do the same for the other two aspects.
The topic sentence for paragraph number three belongs right here; it expands on the strengths of the chapter. Choose the common expectations that were met or exceeded from your list of three common expectations. Discuss how and why these expectations were met. Summarize or paraphrase sentences or passages that prove the chapter was strong or successful. Use quotations only when the idea can’t be summarize or paraphrased, or when the wording of the idea is the whole point. Provide a page number in parentheses after the quotation. Consider using both Capital Letters and numbers; analyze the ideas.
The topic sentence for paragraph number four belongs right here; it expands on the weaknesses of the chapter. Choose the common expectations that were not met or were only partially met from your list of three common expectations. Discuss how and why these expectations were not met. Summarize or paraphrase sentences or passages that prove the chapter was weak or unsuccessful. Use quotations only when the idea can’t be summarize or paraphrased, or when the wording of the idea is the whole point. Provide a page number in parentheses after the quotation. Consider using both Capital Letters and numbers; analyze the ideas.
Then put your conclusion or final paragraph here. Include your final appraisal of the chapter. Avoid repetition or straight summarizing of earlier information. Instead, include recommendations or predictions. Before you turn in the paper, go to Review above and click on “Spelling & Grammar.” Not every error will be flagged, and some that are flagged as errors are actually correct. So this spell checker is not foolproof. Also, check your word count at the bottom left corner of this page. If you have fewer than 500 words, it’s a red flag that not enough information exists. If you go above the suggested word count, that’s OK—as long as you’re concise, not repeating yourself, and including only relevant information.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]