Excellent

Points: 24-25

Good

Points: 21-23

Fair

Points: 18-20

Poor

Points: < 18

Points for Section

Thesis/Overall Theme

The review effectively and thoroughly identifies and clearly communicates the book’s central thesis (theses) and/or central themes. The review demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the subtleties and assumptions of the argument.

The review identifies and communicates the book’s central thesis (theses) and/or central themes. The review demonstrates a suitable understanding of author’s argument.

The review identifies and communicates the book’s central thesis (theses) and/or central themes but may leave out some essential themes/arguments. The review demonstrates an understanding of author’s argument but it may be limited or not clearly communicated.

The review fails to identify and communicate the book’s central thesis (theses) and/or central themes. The presentation of the author’s themes/arguments may be unclear or limited in scope.

Comments:

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Organization, Development and Support

The review demonstrates exceptional ability to succinctly summarize the development of the book’s argument, evidence and supporting information as well as possible weaknesses and presuppositions. This exposition is organized and presented persuasively, coherently and logically, with one point leading smoothly to the next.

The review demonstrates strong ability to succinctly summarize the development of the book’s argument, evidence and supporting information as well as possible weaknesses and presuppositions. This exposition is organized and presented logically and coherently, within an appropriate plan of organization.

The review demonstrates some ability to summarize the development of the book’s argument, evidence and supporting information but may lack discussion of possible weaknesses and presuppositions. This exposition is organized and presented logically, within an observable plan for organization. There may be some logical fallacies, points left underdeveloped, or some ineffective development.

The review fails to demonstrate an adequate summary of the development of the book’s argument, evidence and supporting information. This exposition or development is presented haphazardly or illogically or ineffectively.

Comments:

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Critical Analysis

The review demonstrates an exceptional ability to provide a strong, balanced critique of the book’s argument, evidence and conclusions. The review effectively points out weaknesses, presuppositions, fallacies, or areas that needed further development.

The review demonstrates a strong ability to provide a strong, balanced critique of the book’s argument, evidence and conclusions. The review points out weaknesses, presuppositions, fallacies, or areas that needed further development.

The review demonstrates a suitable ability to provide a critique of the book’s argument, evidence and conclusions. The review may point out weaknesses, presuppositions, fallacies, or areas that needed further development in the book but the presentation is not as clear or compelling.

The review fails to provide a critique of the book’s argument, evidence and conclusions. Weaknesses, presuppositions, fallacies, or areas that needed further development in the book are not effectively communicated.

Comments:

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Style and Mechanics

The essay is free of errors in the convention of the English language. The essay demonstrates a polished and effective writing style.  The tone and vocabulary are most appropriate for the audience, topic, and purpose.  The essay conveys an effective, distinct author’s voice.

The essay is mostly free of errors in the convention of the English language. The essay demonstrates an effective writing style.  The tone and vocabulary are appropriate for the audience, topic, and purpose.  The essay conveys an effective, author’s voice.

Although the essay may contain some errors in the convention of the English language, it will be free of egregious grammatical errors. The essay demonstrates a suitable writing style. The tone and vocabulary are appropriate for the audience, topic and purpose. The essay gives the reader some sense of the author’s voice.

The essay includes multiple errors in the convention of the English language, and some of these errors are egregious. The essay fails to demonstrate an effective writing style.  The tone and vocabulary are inappropriate for the audience, topic, and purpose.  The essay fails to give the reader some sense of the author’s voice.

Comments:

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Total Points: