Our Guide to Writing Book Reviews with Traits
The six areas below are used as a checklist in response to student book reviews. You may use this checklist to help you edit your book review response.
IDEAS and CONTENT
* My book review has a clear purpose and makes a point.
* I choose clear details and examples to help the reader understand my message
* I stick to the main idea. I leave out details that do not matter.
* I am writing about something I know.
ORGANIZATION
* My introduction would make a reader want to keep reading.
* I tell things in an order that makes sense.
* Details in my book review go together.
* My review ends in a good spot. It doesn't stop suddenly or drag on too long.
VOICE
* My writing shows what I really think and feel.
* I like what I've written.
* My writing sounds like me and not like someone else.
* I have thought about my reader. I have tried to make my writing clear to the reader.
WORD CHOICE
* I choose words that will help make my meaning clear.
* My words paint a picture in the reader's mind.
* I have tried to find my own way to say things.
* Sometimes I have tried to say something in a new or different way.
SENTENCE FLUENCY
* My sentences make sense. They are clear.
* Some sentences are longer than others.
* Sentences begin indifferent ways. They do not all begin with the same words.
* My book review would be easy to read out loud.
CONVENTIONS or MECHANICS
* My paragraphs begin in the right spot.
* My punctuation is correct.
* I use capital letters on proper names of people, places, or things.
* My spelling is correct.
* I have proofread my paper