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EVOLUTION
BOOK REVIEW
Book reviews should be written in an essay style and should be
both descriptive and analytic. It is suggested
that a reasonable length is four or five pages, typed and double spaced.
The descriptive part of the paper should include the name of
the author, title of the book, publisher, place of publication, date
and number of pages. It may include some
information about the author if this is relevant such as his special
interest, experience, occupation etc.
After the introductory
remakes, you should be certain to state clearly the problem with which
the author was concerned. (The purpose of
the book was to ...) Indicate briefly why
the author though it was important to write the book or to do the study.
Why is it important to gain knowledge about
this subject?
When the focus of the book has been clarified, you should comment
on the author’s approach. Indicate how the
author approaches the subject.
In two or three paragraphs you should provide a brief summary
of the book taking care to mention the author’s major findings.
As a result of reading the book what has been learned or how
has our knowledge in this area been increased?
You may indicate what questions the author failed to answer as
well as how adequately he deals with the problems he has raised.
Is the book credible? Did it present the material in an objective
and unbiased manner? You should react critically
to the information presented to you in the book as though the author
and you were having a conversation about a topic of mutual interest.
Your reaction may be as important as what he says. You should comment on the organization and length of the book. Is his style verbose or concise, detached or emotional, personal or impersonal, scholarly or journalistic? In conclusion do you think the book is of current or permanent interest and do you recommend it to others?
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