Writing a book review PLAN Discussion books and

Writing a book review PLAN • Discussion: books and reading habits • Brainstorming activity • Reminder: theoretical background to writing a book review • Reading and the analysis of the sample book review • Vocabulary exercises: using appropriate language in reviews • The writing task: Write a review of your favourite book/ the book which has had a major influence on you • The analysis of students’ reviews • Dictation

Discussion 1. 2. 3. 4. Are you a bookworm? How often do you read? What kind of books do you prefer? Why? Do you have a favourite genre/ book/ writer? What do you expect from a good book?

Writing task: Think of your favourite book/ the book which has had an influence on your life! Answer the questions below and write down the key words only • • • Who wrote it? When? What is the story about? Who are the main characters? Are the characters credible? What did the main characters do in the story? Did the main characters run into any problems? Adventures? Who was your favorite character? Why? Did you like the book? What was your favorite part of the book?

There are two approaches to book reviewing: Ø Descriptive reviews give the essential information about a book. This is done with description and exposition, by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the author, and by quoting striking passages from the text. Ø Critical reviews describe and evaluate the book, in terms of accepted literary and historical standards, and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text.

A book review should consist of • An introductory paragraph (which mentions the title, author/ the type of the book, the setting – when and where, theme, the main characters) • A main body (two-three paragraphs, with a brief summary of the plot and comments on various features– such as the plot, characters, language, story development, etc. ) • A closing paragraph (includes an overall assessment of the work, and/ or a recommendation, usually with justification)

Writing task • Write a book review, using the notes you have made answering the questions relating to your favourite book/ the book which has had an influence on your life! Mind the following: 1. The structure 2. Linking sentences within paragraphs and paragraphing 3. Coherence of the review 4. Accurate and expressive language • The analysis of students’ reviews