3. Sections of the book review

Depending on the specific question posed, the structure of an analytical book review may vary. The following is a possible way to organize it.

Title: This may be the set question or the issue for discussion.

Introduction: This provides background information on the book, introduces the question to be addressed in relation to it, and presents your stance in the thesis statement.

Main section: The main section develops the support for your stance in a logical manner. Arguments and evidence from the book itself, as well as research studies, are used to support the stance.

This section can include:

-          Arguments based on parts of the text, including quotes

-          Summary of evidence and arguments by experts from academic sources

-          Discussion of alternative points of view/interpretations

Conclusion: This summarizes the major points presented in the main section in order to reaffirm your stance in answer to the question.

References: This section, entitled “References”, lists the sources used in the proper citation style.

About this website

EWRite is an open access online literacy platform for PolyU community that has two major objectives:

  • to support PolyU students’ literacy development within and across the disciplines
  • to support subject and language teachers to implement system-level measures for integrating literacy-sensitive pedagogies across the university

This platform provides access to generic genre guides representing typical university assignments as well as links to subjects offered by faculties with specific disciplinary genres and relevant support materials.

The materials can be retrieved by students by choosing the genres that interest them on the landing page. Each set of materials includes a genre guide, genre video, and a genre checklist. The genre guide and video are to summarize the genres in two different ways (i.e. textual and dynamic) to fit different learning styles. The genre checklist is for students to self-regulate their writing process. The genre guide and checklist include links to various ELC resources that can provide further explanation to language items (e.g. hedging and academic vocabulary).

The platform also acts as a one-stop-shop for writing resources for students, language teachers and subject leaders. Information about the English Writing Requirement policy can also be found on this platform. There are training materials for new colleagues joining the EWR Liaison Team.