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English Composition

What type of paper have you been asked to write? These are the major types of academic writing you will be likely to come across in your studies at CNC. Each type of writing has different requirements and produces different outcomes.

Review Paper

A book or article review essay is your formal opinion of the text.

After briefly summarizing the text, comment on its strengths and weaknesses.

The review follows a general pattern: 

  • Introduction
  • Summary
  • Critical discussion
  • Conclusion 

Introduction

Follow the standard introduction format: Hook, background thesis statement. 

Finish your introduction with a thesis statement that states the work you are reviewing and your opinion of it. 

For example: 

In his book Innocence Abroad, historian Benjamin Schmidt successfully shows the relevance of Dutch activities in the New World.

Summary

An overview of the most significant points raised by the author

Ask yourself:

  •  What is the main argument of the book?

Critical discussion

An evaluation of the text and how it contributes to your area of study. This is the most important section of your essay. 

Ask yourself:

  • Does the author cover the subject adequately? 
  • Does the author cover all aspects of the subject in a balanced fashion? 
  • What evidence do they use to prove their point? Do you find that evidence convincing?
  • Does any of the author’s information (or conclusions) conflict with other books you’ve read, courses you’ve taken or just previous assumptions you had of the subject?
  • How does the author structure their argument?  Does the argument make sense? Does it persuade you? 

Finally, in addition to analyzing the work, a review often suggests whether or not the audience would appreciate it.

Ask yourself:

  • How has this book helped you understand the subject? 
  • Would you recommend the book to another reader?

Conclusion

Follow the standard conclusion format: Restate the thesis statement, summarize highlights, and finish with a sentence commenting on the overall significance of the work. 

 

Example Book Review

Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers

I’ve heard a lot of great things about Malcolm Gladwell’s writing. Friends and co-workers tell me that his subjects are interesting and his writing style is easy to follow without talking down to the reader. I wasn’t disappointed with Outliers. In it, Gladwell tackles the subject of success – how people obtain it and what contributes to extraordinary success as opposed to everyday success.

The thesis – that our success depends much more on circumstances out of our control than any effort we put forth – isn’t exactly revolutionary. Most of us know it to be true. However, I don’t think I’m lying when I say that most of us also believe that if we just try that much harder and develop our talent that much further, it will be enough to become wildly successful, despite bad or just mediocre beginnings. Not so, says Gladwell.

Most of the evidence Gladwell gives us is anecdotal, which is my favorite kind to read. I can’t really speak to how scientifically valid it is, but it sure makes for engrossing listening. For example, did you know that successful hockey players are almost all born in January, February, or March? Kids born during these months are older than the other kids when they start playing in the youth leagues, which means they’re already better at the game (because they’re bigger). Thus, they get more play time, which means their skill increases at a faster rate, and it compounds as time goes by. Within a few years, they’re much, much better than the kids born just a few months later in the year. Basically, these kids’ birthdates are a huge factor in their success as adults – and it’s nothing they can do anything about.

If anyone could make hockey interesting to a Texan who only grudgingly admits the sport even exists, it’s Gladwell.

(Taken from Stacked Books reviews)