How to Write a Book Review: A Comprehensive Tutorial With Examples
You don’t need to be a literary expert to craft captivating book reviews. With one in every three readers selecting books based on insightful reviews, your opinions can guide fellow bibliophiles toward their next literary adventure.
Learning how to write a book review will not only help you excel at your assigned tasks, but you’ll also contribute valuable insights to the book-loving community and turn your passion into a professional pursuit.
In this comprehensive guide, PaperPerk will walk you through a few simple steps to master the art of writing book reviews so you can confidently embark on this rewarding journey.
What is a Book Review?
A book review is a critical evaluation of a book, offering insights into its content, quality, and impact. It helps readers make informed decisions about whether to read the book.
Writing a book review as an assignment benefits students in multiple ways. Firstly, it teaches them how to write a book review by developing their analytical skills as they evaluate the content, themes, and writing style .
Secondly, it enhances their ability to express opinions and provide constructive criticism. Additionally, book review assignments expose students to various publications and genres, broadening their knowledge.
Furthermore, these tasks foster essential skills for academic success, like critical thinking and the ability to synthesize information. By now, we’re sure you want to learn how to write a book review, so let’s look at the book review template first.
Table of Contents
Book Review Template
How to write a book review- a step by step guide.
Check out these 5 straightforward steps for composing the best book review.
Step 1: Planning Your Book Review – The Art of Getting Started
You’ve decided to take the plunge and share your thoughts on a book that has captivated (or perhaps disappointed) you. Before you start book reviewing, let’s take a step back and plan your approach. Since knowing how to write a book review that’s both informative and engaging is an art in itself.
Choosing Your Literature
First things first, pick the book you want to review. This might seem like a no-brainer, but selecting a book that genuinely interests you will make the review process more enjoyable and your insights more authentic.
Crafting the Master Plan
Next, create an outline that covers all the essential points you want to discuss in your review. This will serve as the roadmap for your writing journey.
The Devil is in the Details
As you read, note any information that stands out, whether it overwhelms, underwhelms, or simply intrigues you. Pay attention to:
- The characters and their development
- The plot and its intricacies
- Any themes, symbols, or motifs you find noteworthy
Remember to reserve a body paragraph for each point you want to discuss.
The Key Questions to Ponder
When planning your book review, consider the following questions:
- What’s the plot (if any)? Understanding the driving force behind the book will help you craft a more effective review.
- Is the plot interesting? Did the book hold your attention and keep you turning the pages?
- Are the writing techniques effective? Does the author’s style captivate you, making you want to read (or reread) the text?
- Are the characters or the information believable? Do the characters/plot/information feel real, and can you relate to them?
- Would you recommend the book to anyone? Consider if the book is worthy of being recommended, whether to impress someone or to support a point in a literature class.
- What could improve? Always keep an eye out for areas that could be improved. Providing constructive criticism can enhance the quality of literature.
Step 2 – Crafting the Perfect Introduction to Write a Book Review
In this second step of “how to write a book review,” we’re focusing on the art of creating a powerful opening that will hook your audience and set the stage for your analysis.
Identify Your Book and Author
Begin by mentioning the book you’ve chosen, including its title and the author’s name. This informs your readers and establishes the subject of your review.
Ponder the Title
Next, discuss the mental images or emotions the book’s title evokes in your mind . This helps your readers understand your initial feelings and expectations before diving into the book.
Judge the Book by Its Cover (Just a Little)
Take a moment to talk about the book’s cover. Did it intrigue you? Did it hint at what to expect from the story or the author’s writing style? Sharing your thoughts on the cover can offer a unique perspective on how the book presents itself to potential readers.
Present Your Thesis
Now it’s time to introduce your thesis. This statement should be a concise and insightful summary of your opinion of the book. For example:
“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is a captivating portrayal of the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, class, and self-discovery with exceptional depth and authenticity.
Ensure that your thesis is relevant to the points or quotes you plan to discuss throughout your review.
Incorporating these elements into your introduction will create a strong foundation for your book review. Your readers will be eager to learn more about your thoughts and insights on the book, setting the stage for a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.
How to Write a Book Review: Step 3 – Building Brilliant Body Paragraphs
You’ve planned your review and written an attention-grabbing introduction. Now it’s time for the main event: crafting the body paragraphs of your book review. In this step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of constructing engaging and insightful body paragraphs that will keep your readers hooked.
Summarize Without Spoilers
Begin by summarizing a specific section of the book, not revealing any major plot twists or spoilers. Your goal is to give your readers a taste of the story without ruining surprises.
Support Your Viewpoint with Quotes
Next, choose three quotes from the book that support your viewpoint or opinion. These quotes should be relevant to the section you’re summarizing and help illustrate your thoughts on the book.
Analyze the Quotes
Write a summary of each quote in your own words, explaining how it made you feel or what it led you to think about the book or the author’s writing. This analysis should provide insight into your perspective and demonstrate your understanding of the text.
Structure Your Body Paragraphs
Dedicate one body paragraph to each quote, ensuring your writing is well-connected, coherent, and easy to understand.
For example:
- In Jane Eyre , Charlotte Brontë writes, “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” This powerful statement highlights Jane’s fierce independence and refusal to be trapped by societal expectations.
- In Normal People , Sally Rooney explores the complexities of love and friendship when she writes, “It was culture as class performance, literature fetishized for its ability to take educated people on false emotional journeys.” This quote reveals the author’s astute observations on the role of culture and class in shaping personal relationships.
- In Wuthering Heights , Emily Brontë captures the tumultuous nature of love with the quote, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” This poignant line emphasizes the deep, unbreakable bond between the story’s central characters.
By following these guidelines, you’ll create body paragraphs that are both captivating and insightful, enhancing your book review and providing your readers with a deeper understanding of the literary work.
How to Write a Book Review: Step 4 – Crafting a Captivating Conclusion
You’ve navigated through planning, introductions, and body paragraphs with finesse. Now it’s time to wrap up your book review with a conclusion that leaves a lasting impression . In this final step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the art of writing a memorable and persuasive conclusion.
Summarize Your Analysis
Begin by summarizing the key points you’ve presented in the body paragraphs. This helps to remind your readers of the insights and arguments you’ve shared throughout your review.
Offer Your Final Conclusion
Next, provide a conclusion that reflects your overall feelings about the book. This is your chance to leave a lasting impression and persuade your readers to consider your perspective.
Address the Book’s Appeal
Now, answer the question: Is this book worth reading? Be clear about who would enjoy the book and who might not. Discuss the taste preferences and circumstances that make the book more appealing to some readers than others.
For example: The Alchemist is a book that can enchant a young teen, but those who are already well-versed in classic literature might find it less engaging.
Be Subtle and Balanced
Avoid simply stating whether you “liked” or “disliked” the book. Instead, use nuanced language to convey your message. Highlight the pros and cons of reading the type of literature you’ve reviewed, offering a balanced perspective.
Bringing It All Together
By following these guidelines, you’ll craft a conclusion that leaves your readers with a clear understanding of your thoughts and opinions on the book. Your review will be a valuable resource for those considering whether to pick up the book, and your witty and insightful analysis will make your review a pleasure to read. So conquer the world of book reviews, one captivating conclusion at a time!
How to Write a Book Review: Step 5 – Rating the Book (Optional)
You’ve masterfully crafted your book review, from the introduction to the conclusion. But wait, there’s one more step you might consider before calling it a day: rating the book. In this optional step of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the benefits and methods of assigning a rating to the book you’ve reviewed.
Why Rate the Book?
Sometimes, when writing a professional book review, it may not be appropriate to state whether you liked or disliked the book. In such cases, assigning a rating can be an effective way to get your message across without explicitly sharing your personal opinion.
How to Rate the Book
There are various rating systems you can use to evaluate the book, such as:
- A star rating (e.g., 1 to 5 stars)
- A numerical score (e.g., 1 to 10)
- A letter grade (e.g., A+ to F)
Choose a rating system that best suits your style and the format of your review. Be consistent in your rating criteria, considering writing quality, character development, plot, and overall enjoyment.
Tips for Rating the Book
Here are some tips for rating the book effectively:
- Be honest: Your rating should reflect your true feelings about the book. Don’t inflate or deflate your rating based on external factors, such as the book’s popularity or the author’s reputation.
- Be fair:Consider the book’s merits and shortcomings when rating. Even if you didn’t enjoy the book, recognize its strengths and acknowledge them in your rating.
- Be clear: Explain the rationale behind your rating so your readers understand the factors that influenced your evaluation.
Wrapping Up
By including a rating in your book review, you provide your readers with an additional insight into your thoughts on the book. While this step is optional, it can be a valuable tool for conveying your message subtly yet effectively. So, rate those books confidently, adding a touch of wit and wisdom to your book reviews.
Additional Tips on How to Write a Book Review: A Guide
In this segment, we’ll explore additional tips on how to write a book review. Get ready to captivate your readers and make your review a memorable one!
Hook ’em with an Intriguing Introduction
Keep your introduction precise and to the point. Readers have the attention span of a goldfish these days, so don’t let them swim away in boredom. Start with a bang and keep them hooked!
Embrace the World of Fiction
When learning how to write a book review, remember that reviewing fiction is often more engaging and effective. If your professor hasn’t assigned you a specific book, dive into the realm of fiction and select a novel that piques your interest.
Opinionated with Gusto
Don’t shy away from adding your own opinion to your review. A good book review always features the writer’s viewpoint and constructive criticism. After all, your readers want to know what you think!
Express Your Love (or Lack Thereof)
If you adored the book, let your readers know! Use phrases like “I’ll definitely return to this book again” to convey your enthusiasm. Conversely, be honest but respectful even if the book wasn’t your cup of tea.
Templates and Examples and Expert Help: Your Trusty Sidekicks
Feeling lost? You can always get help from formats, book review examples or online college paper writing service platforms. These trusty sidekicks will help you navigate the world of book reviews with ease.
Be a Champion for New Writers and Literature
Remember to uplift new writers and pieces of literature. If you want to suggest improvements, do so kindly and constructively. There’s no need to be mean about anyone’s books – we’re all in this literary adventure together!
Criticize with Clarity, Not Cruelty
When adding criticism to your review, be clear but not mean. Remember, there’s a fine line between constructive criticism and cruelty. Tread lightly and keep your reader’s feelings in mind.
Avoid the Comparison Trap
Resist the urge to compare one writer’s book with another. Every book holds its worth, and comparing them will only confuse your reader. Stick to discussing the book at hand, and let it shine in its own light.
Top 7 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Writing a book review can be a delightful and rewarding experience, especially when you balance analysis, wit, and personal insights. However, some common mistakes can kill the brilliance of your review.
In this section of “how to write a book review,” we’ll explore the top 7 blunders writers commit and how to steer clear of them, with a dash of modernist literature examples and tips for students writing book reviews as assignments.
Succumbing to the Lure of Plot Summaries
Mistake: Diving headfirst into a plot summary instead of dissecting the book’s themes, characters, and writing style.
Example: “The Bell Jar chronicles the life of a young woman who experiences a mental breakdown.”
How to Avoid: Delve into the book’s deeper aspects, such as its portrayal of mental health, societal expectations, and the author’s distinctive narrative voice. Offer thoughtful insights and reflections, making your review a treasure trove of analysis.
Unleashing the Spoiler Kraken
Mistake: Spilling major plot twists or the ending without providing a spoiler warning, effectively ruining the reading experience for potential readers.
Example: “In Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a monstrous insect leads to…”
How to Avoid: Tread carefully when discussing significant plot developments, and consider using spoiler warnings. Focus on the impact of these plot points on the overall narrative, character growth, or thematic resonance.
Riding the Personal Bias Express
Mistake: Allowing personal bias to hijack the review without providing sufficient evidence or reasoning to support opinions.
Example: “I detest books about existential crises, so The Sun Also Rises was a snoozefest.”
How to Avoid: While personal opinions are valid, it’s crucial to back them up with specific examples from the book. Discuss aspects like writing style, character development, or pacing to support your evaluation and provide a more balanced perspective.
Wielding the Vague Language Saber
Mistake: Resorting to generic, vague language that fails to capture the nuances of the book and can come across as clichéd.
Example: “This book was mind-blowing. It’s a must-read for everyone.”
How to Avoid: Use precise and descriptive language to express your thoughts. Employ specific examples and quotations to highlight memorable scenes, the author’s unique writing style, or the impact of the book’s themes on readers.
Ignoring the Contextualization Compass
Mistake: Neglecting to provide context about the author, genre, or cultural relevance of the book, leaving readers without a proper frame of reference.
Example: “This book is dull and unoriginal.”
How to Avoid: Offer readers a broader understanding by discussing the author’s background, the genre conventions the book adheres to or subverts, and any societal or historical contexts that inform the narrative. This helps readers appreciate the book’s uniqueness and relevance.
Overindulging in Personal Preferences
Mistake: Letting personal preferences overshadow an objective assessment of the book’s merits.
Example: “I don’t like stream-of-consciousness writing, so this book is automatically bad.”
How to Avoid: Acknowledge personal preferences but strive to evaluate the book objectively. Focus on the book’s strengths and weaknesses, considering how well it achieves its goals within its genre or intended audience.
Forgetting the Target Audience Telescope
Mistake: Failing to mention the book’s target audience or who might enjoy it, leading to confusion for potential readers.
Example: “This book is great for everyone.”
How to Avoid: Contemplate the book’s intended audience, genre, and themes. Mention who might particularly enjoy the book based on these factors, whether it’s fans of a specific genre, readers interested in character-driven stories, or those seeking thought-provoking narratives.
By dodging these common pitfalls, writers can craft insightful, balanced, and engaging book reviews that help readers make informed decisions about their reading choices.
These tips are particularly beneficial for students writing book reviews as assignments, as they ensure a well-rounded and thoughtful analysis.!
Many students requested us to cover how to write a book review. This thorough guide is sure to help you. At Paperperk, professionals are dedicated to helping students find their balance. We understand the importance of good grades, so we offer the finest writing service , ensuring students stay ahead of the curve. So seek expert help because only Paperperk is your perfect solution!
What is the difference between a book review and a report?
Who is the target audience for book reviews and book reports, how do book reviews and reports differ in length and content, can i write professional book reviews, what are the key aspects of writing professional book reviews, how can i enhance my book-reviewing skills to write professional reviews, what should be included in a good book review.
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How to Write a Book Review: Awesome Guide
A book review allows students to illustrate the author's intentions of writing the piece, as well as create a criticism of the book — as a whole. In other words, form an opinion of the author's presented ideas. Check out this guide from EssayPro - book review writing service to learn how to write a book review successfully.
What Is a Book Review?
You may prosper, “what is a book review?”. Book reviews are commonly assigned students to allow them to show a clear understanding of the novel. And to check if the students have actually read the book. The essay format is highly important for your consideration, take a look at the book review format below.
Book reviews are assigned to allow students to present their own opinion regarding the author’s ideas included in the book or passage. They are a form of literary criticism that analyzes the author’s ideas, writing techniques, and quality. A book analysis is entirely opinion-based, in relevance to the book. They are good practice for those who wish to become editors, due to the fact, editing requires a lot of criticism.
Book Review Template
The book review format includes an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Introduction
- Describe the book cover and title.
- Include any subtitles at this stage.
- Include the Author’s Name.
- Write a brief description of the novel.
- Briefly introduce the main points of the body in your book review.
- Avoid mentioning any opinions at this time.
- Use about 3 quotations from the author’s novel.
- Summarize the quotations in your own words.
- Mention your own point-of-view of the quotation.
- Remember to keep every point included in its own paragraph.
- In brief, summarize the quotations.
- In brief, summarize the explanations.
- Finish with a concluding sentence.
- This can include your final opinion of the book.
- Star-Rating (Optional).
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How to Write a Book Review: Step-By-Step
Writing a book review is something that can be done with every novel. Book reviews can apply to all novels, no matter the genre. Some genres may be harder than others. On the other hand, the book review format remains the same. Take a look at these step-by-step instructions from our professional writers to learn how to write a book review in-depth.
Step 1: Planning
Create an essay outline which includes all of the main points you wish to summarise in your book analysis. Include information about the characters, details of the plot, and some other important parts of your chosen novel. Reserve a body paragraph for each point you wish to talk about.
Consider these points before writing:
- What is the plot of the book? Understanding the plot enables you to write an effective review.
- Is the plot gripping? Does the plot make you want to continue reading the novel? Did you enjoy the plot? Does it manage to grab a reader’s attention?
- Are the writing techniques used by the author effective? Does the writer imply factors in-between the lines? What are they?
- Are the characters believable? Are the characters logical? Does the book make the characters are real while reading?
- Would you recommend the book to anyone? The most important thing: would you tell others to read this book? Is it good enough? Is it bad?
- What could be better? Keep in mind the quotes that could have been presented better. Criticize the writer.
Step 2: Introduction
Presumably, you have chosen your book. To begin, mention the book title and author’s name. Talk about the cover of the book. Write a thesis statement regarding the fictitious story or non-fictional novel. Which briefly describes the quoted material in the book review.
Step 3: Body
Choose a specific chapter or scenario to summarise. Include about 3 quotes in the body. Create summaries of each quote in your own words. It is also encouraged to include your own point-of-view and the way you interpret the quote. It is highly important to have one quote per paragraph.
Step 4: Conclusion
Write a summary of the summarised quotations and explanations, included in the body paragraphs. After doing so, finish book analysis with a concluding sentence to show the bigger picture of the book. Think to yourself, “Is it worth reading?”, and answer the question in black and white. However, write in-between the lines. Avoid stating “I like/dislike this book.”
Step 5: Rate the Book (Optional)
After writing a book review, you may want to include a rating. Including a star-rating provides further insight into the quality of the book, to your readers. Book reviews with star-ratings can be more effective, compared to those which don’t. Though, this is entirely optional.
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Writing Tips
Here is the list of tips for the book review:
- A long introduction can certainly lower one’s grade: keep the beginning short. Readers don’t like to read the long introduction for any essay style.
- It is advisable to write book reviews about fiction: it is not a must. Though, reviewing fiction can be far more effective than writing about a piece of nonfiction
- Avoid Comparing: avoid comparing your chosen novel with other books you have previously read. Doing so can be confusing for the reader.
- Opinion Matters: including your own point-of-view is something that is often encouraged when writing book reviews.
- Refer to Templates: a book review template can help a student get a clearer understanding of the required writing style.
- Don’t be Afraid to Criticize: usually, your own opinion isn’t required for academic papers below Ph.D. level. On the other hand, for book reviews, there’s an exception.
- Use Positivity: include a fair amount of positive comments and criticism.
- Review The Chosen Novel: avoid making things up. Review only what is presented in the chosen book.
- Enjoyed the book? If you loved reading the book, state it. Doing so makes your book analysis more personalized.
Writing a book review is something worth thinking about. Professors commonly assign this form of an assignment to students to enable them to express a grasp of a novel. Following the book review format is highly useful for beginners, as well as reading step-by-step instructions. Writing tips is also useful for people who are new to this essay type. If you need a book review or essay, ask our book report writing services ' write paper for me ' and we'll give you a hand asap!
We also recommend that everyone read the article about essay topics . It will help broaden your horizons in writing a book review as well as other papers.
Book Review Examples
Referring to a book review example is highly useful to those who wish to get a clearer understanding of how to review a book. Take a look at our examples written by our professional writers. Click on the button to open the book review examples and feel free to use them as a reference.
Book review
Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’
Kenneth Grahame’s ‘The Wind in the Willows’ is a novel aimed at youngsters. The plot, itself, is not American humor, but that of Great Britain. In terms of sarcasm, and British-related jokes. The novel illustrates a fair mix of the relationships between the human-like animals, and wildlife. The narrative acts as an important milestone in post-Victorian children’s literature.
Book Review
Dr. John’s ‘Pollution’
Dr. John’s ‘Pollution’ consists of 3 major parts. The first part is all about the polluted ocean. The second being about the pollution of the sky. The third part is an in-depth study of how humans can resolve these issues. The book is a piece of non-fiction that focuses on modern-day pollution ordeals faced by both animals and humans on Planet Earth. It also focuses on climate change, being the result of the global pollution ordeal.
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How To Write A Book Review?
What to include in a book review, what is a book review, related articles.
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- Tips on How to Tackle the SPM English Papers 1 &am...
Tips on How to Tackle the SPM English Papers 1 & 2
by StudyMalaysia.com on February 23, 2022 | Top Stories , Learning English in Malaysia
SPM English Papers 1 & 2
In line with the Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah (KSSM), the new SPM format for SPM English is more comprehensive and covers all aspects of English learning. Since the new format is adapted from the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) it is similar to the Cambridge English paper and the grading will also follow the CEFR Measuring system.
The aspirational target for SPM leavers would be level B2 where they are equipped with adequate English for further studies and later on career enhancement.
Basic Users
- level A1 (Elementary/Beginner)
- level A2 (Pre-Intermediate/Elementary)
Independent Users
- level B1 (Intermediate/Pre-Intermediate)
- level B2 (Upper Intermediate/Intermediate)
Proficient Users
- levels C1 and C2 (Advanced)
CEFR Grading for SPM will be only up to B2.
Basically any English test is about understanding what you’re reading. Thus you should take time to comprehend what you’re reading and accomplish the task according to what is asked for.
SPM Paper 1
Paper I tests Reading and Use of English. It consists of 5 parts. The time allocated is 90 minutes. (40 marks)
Part 1: 8 Multiple Choice Questions consisting of short texts from books, magazines, advertisements etc. Candidates will choose the best answer from 3 choices given for each question. (8 marks)
ADVICE: Very quickly read through the question before reading the text given. This gives you an idea of what you will be looking for in the text. After this go through all the three options given before deciding on the answer. Make sure you read all the options as there may be slight differences in the answers given.
Part 2: Cloze Passage. You should try to get all the 10 answers correct. The passage tests you on grammar and vocabulary. There are 4 options given for each blank. (10 marks)
ADVICE: Do not attempt to fill in the gaps on your first reading of the text. First, read through the text quickly to see what it is about and determine the tense or tenses required for the text. Then go to the answers given and determine the right word for each blank.
Part 3: Here you will need to read a longer passage and answer 8 questions related to the text. This is of course a test on reading comprehension. (8 marks)
ADVICE: Take time to read the text carefully before going on to the questions. Some of the questions direct you to specific paragraphs to look for the answers. For other questions, look for key words to enable you to zoom in to the right paragraphs to look for the answers. Once again read through all the options given before deciding on your answer.
Part 4: In this section you are given a longer text from which six sentences have been removed. You have to choose the 6 correct sentences from among 8 choices given to fill in the gaps to form a correctly structured paragraph. (6 marks).
ADVICE: Here is where you have to apply your skills on ‘coherence and cohesion’ to find the correct sentence to fill the blank. Your sentence should blend in smoothly with the sentences before and after the blank.
Part 5: You are given a few paragraphs on a certain topic to read. You are given four statements which describe 4 of the paragraphs given. You have to identify the 4 paragraphs to fit the statements given. For the next 4 questions you are required to find words (one word each from the text) to complete the 4 sentences given. (8 marks)
ADVICE: Read the short texts carefully and determine the main idea in each text. This will help you decide to pick the statement which best describes the text.
SPM Paper 2
This essay and writing paper is worth 60 marks. However, the weightage in the overall SPM English paper is still at 25%. The time allocated for this paper is 90 minutes and the paper has 3 parts.
Part 1 - Students are required to write a short note or email in less than 80 words. (20 marks)
ADVICE: Read the email or short note carefully and underline the tasks given to you so that you will not miss out on any point. For example the task set out may want you to suggest
- a place to visit
- some activities to be done there (give a few - about three)
- things to bring (suggest a few - about three)
As you have only 80 words to juggle with, you must go straight to the point with a little elaboration if necessary.
Part 2 - This is Directed Writing in 125 - 150 words. (20 marks)
ADVICE: In this question, notes will be given to you to guide you on what to write. Whatever it is, the golden rule is to give at least three to four suggestions so that there will be enough subject matter for you to write about. Here you may need to give your opinion or provide proof for your suggestions. Do not write longer than required.
Part 3 - In this section, you are given 3 choices for a descriptive writing
(report/review/article/story). You will need to choose I essay to write in 200 - 250 words. (20 marks)
ADVICE: This essay calls for all your writing skills. Quickly mind-map four to five main points you want to talk about in your essay. For each point briefly jot down elaborations/examples/reasons to expand the point. Then organise your paragraphs with each main point as your topic sentence for each paragraph. Think of a good introduction and conclusion. The introduction and the conclusion should not be too lengthy.
For the writing task, you will be assessed on
task achievement - Have you answered according to what is required by the question?
What are your key points? Do you support your key points with proof or definite opinion?
coherence and cohesion - Are all your paragraphs part of a whole? Does each of the
paragraph have a key point? Do all the sentences in each paragraph talk about the key point? Use cohesive devices like thus, therefore, moreover, furthermore, on the contrary ... etc to help you.
vocabulary - You will need to show you have a wide range of vocabulary at your disposal. A wide vocabulary enables you to write better essays. To acquire a wide vocabulary you need to read books, magazines and newspapers. When you come across any good words or expressions jot them down in your vocabulary book. Learn how to use these words or expressions in the right contexts. Try not to use descriptive words more than twice in the same essay. For example:
Last holiday my whole family went for a very interesting trip to the East Coast. We stayed at an interesting holiday resort. While we were there we joined a lot of interesting activities.
Writing a paragraph like the above will show your limited vocabulary usage.
grammar - Make sure to use the correct tenses throughout your writing. Punctuations
are equally important as a wrong punctuation may contribute to misunderstanding.
5. sentence structures - Your writing should show
- variety in sentence structures ( There should be a combination of simple, compound and complex sentences in your essay. Make sentences of different lengths and with different beginnings.)
- vivid and interesting sentences - Write interesting sentences by adding adjectives to nouns, adverbs to verbs, adjective phrases and clauses. Students should learn how to use synonyms, idioms, figurative language, similes, proverbs etc. Avoid making spelling mistakes.
use of direct speech or quotes - Wherever possible adding a quote or a direct speech can break the monotony in your essay.
Do your best!
After years of studying, your success will be measured by your performance in this coming examination. Best wishes from us at STUDYMALAYSIA!
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