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How to Write a Book Review Guide

The document provides instructions for writing a book review in 3 paragraphs: [1] The introduction paragraph should state the book's title, author, setting, and provide a one-sentence description of the story. [2] The description paragraph should give a brief one-paragraph synopsis of the plot in the present tense using descriptive language. [3] The opinion paragraph states how the book impacted the reviewer and whether they would recommend it, to whom, and why. The document concludes with an example book review of The Kite Runner as an exemplar of the three-paragraph structure.

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Maxie Weider
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64 views5 pages

How to Write a Book Review Guide

The document provides instructions for writing a book review in 3 paragraphs: [1] The introduction paragraph should state the book's title, author, setting, and provide a one-sentence description of the story. [2] The description paragraph should give a brief one-paragraph synopsis of the plot in the present tense using descriptive language. [3] The opinion paragraph states how the book impacted the reviewer and whether they would recommend it, to whom, and why. The document concludes with an example book review of The Kite Runner as an exemplar of the three-paragraph structure.

Uploaded by

Maxie Weider
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

BOOK REVIEW

Exam Paper
• The review could be for a book, movie, restaurant etc. that
you enjoyed (or didn’t!)
• The exercise is worth 12 marks and you should write 100-
150 words (Core Paper).
• It is worth 16 marks and you should write about 150-200
words for the (Extended Paper) .
• Let’s dive right in. I will be using a book review for
examples. I have included a sample review at the end.
HOW TO WRITE A
BOOK REVIEW
• Introduction: state the book’s title, author’s full name, the setting of
the story, giving a one-line description of what the story is about.
Use adjectives to describe the book such as insightful, beautiful,
controversial etc.
• Brief description: give a one-paragraph synopsis of the plot of the
book, shortly expanding your one-sentence description in the
introduction. Don’t write the whole story, only the beginning! Use
the present tense of verbs and linking words to outline the story
chronologically. Bonus points if you can use words that fit the theme
of the story. If, for example, the book is of the fantasy genre, use
words like magic, summon, fate, spells etc.
• Opinion: this is where you have to write down how the book
impacted you. Was it inspiring? Thought-provoking? Life-changing?
You could praise the book or criticise it, stating why.
• Recommendation: you must state whether you would recommend
this book, to whom and why.
EXAMPLE REVIEW
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini has to be the most devastatingly beautiful book I’ve had the
pleasure of reading. Set in 20th century Afghanistan, it tells the story of how a young boy’s
friendship is tested by war and betrayal.
Amir, the son of a wealthy Afghan, shares a close friendship with their household servant’s son,
Hassan. But a fateful kite-flying competition tethers their bond, and as war forces them to part
ways, the boys’ lives take them on a journey of love and redemption.
The book made me realise how precious yet fragile the relationships we build are; and that we must
always take a chance on our loved ones. It taught me the importance of the people in our lives and
how they shape us to be who we are.
The Kite Runner is a beautifully narrated tale, the writing just as simple as it is heart- breaking, the
characters realistically portrayed. I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy
character-driven stories set in troubled times.
Time Management

• For the core paper 1, spend about 20 minutes in this exercise.


• For the extended paper 2, spend 30 minutes on this exercise. Allot 5
minutes to plan the points you will include in each paragraph. Take 20
minutes to write your review, keeping in mind all the above tips. Use
the final 5 minutes to proofread and make any changes.

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