Book_Review

Book Review

Advanced Integrated Laboratory

Book Review Grading Rubric

During the AIL laboratory sequence you are required to master the requirement for a book review at least once. The selected chemistry or forensic science book needs to be located at the FSU library. The book needs to be non-fiction, with science content. (Novels with chemistry in them and histories of science are not appropriate.) It is best to bring 3 books to the instructor to ensure that at least one will be approvable. It is helpful to read book reviews (e.g. from Chemical and Engineering News) to see the style.

Mastery of the book review outcomes requires:

instructor approval of the selected book before you start writing the review
submission of the review within the specified deadline
electronic submission
a total score of at least 85 out of 100.
at least 16 points in each of the categories of Format and English

Format (20 points) *Deficiency in 1 category = - 4 points* *Deficiencies in 2 - 3 categories = - 12 points* *Deficiencies in >3 categories = - 20 points* The review includes	Check here if deficient	Points lost
cover page with title
correct and complete bibliographic information in the proper style (Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/) at the top of the first page.
number of pages in the book
price of the book
call number at the FSU Library
list of references for citations
an appropriate length of between 1000 and 1500 words

English (20 points)
Spelling and Grammar (10 points) *Deficiency in 1 category = - 2 points* *Deficiencies in 2 - 3 categories = - 6 points* *Deficiencies in >3 categories = - 10 points*	Check here if deficient	Points lost
proofread for typos by a human being, correct spelling
third-person passive; no pronouns.
constant and logical verb tenses
appropriate punctuation
subject/verb agreement
complete sentences; no run-on sentences
no dangling prepositions; no split infinitives
no awkward sentence construction
stylistic (10 points) *Deficiency in 1 category = - 2 points* *Deficiencies in 2 - 3 categories = - 6 points* *Deficiencies in >3 categories = - 10 points*	Check here if deficient	Points lost
varied sentence structure
paragraphs used appropriately
writing flows logically and smoothly
no unnecessary words (then, next, etc.)

Writing Style (20 points) *Deficiency in 1 category = - 4 points* *Deficiencies in 2 - 3 categories = - 12 points* *Deficiencies in >3 categories = - 20 points*	Check here if deficient	Points lost

Mature position, strong argument
Accurate, complete and comprehensive information
Comments are appropriately illustrated or supported with examples and sample material from the book itself.
Succinct
Logical structure and sequence
Paragraphs are clearly organized and each is devoted to an important point about the book.
Uses direct quotations sparingly

Content (40 points) *Deficiency in 1 category = - 8 points* *Deficiencies in 2 - 3 categories = - 24 points* *Deficiencies in >3 categories = - 40 points*	Check here if deficient	Points lost

The intended purpose of the book and its target audience are noted and used as an important basis for evaluating it.
The book's basic structure (organization, parts, etc.) is clearly described.
Other relevant, important features of the book are intelligently selected and clearly described, especially if they are unusual.
Key features of the book are critically evaluated (not just described; not just praised).
Explains major strengths and limitations of work
Identifies sources of confusion
Explains broad applications of work

Summary
Number of incoming deficiencies
Total points lost
Total points (out of 100)