Book Report Rubric
Include this rubric with your report
Typed: 2+ pages, double spaced, 12 font, Arial or Times New Roman
!
4
3
2
0
Ideas
The idea/writing is
clear, focused and easy
to follow.
The idea/writing is
somewhat hard to
follow.
The idea/writing is
difficult to identify.
Writing is confused
and the idea not
present.
Details &
Content
Details are sufficient.
Some details provided.
Inadequate amount
of details.
Little to no details
Organization/
Structure
Sentences and
paragraphs are clear
and well structured.
Structure may be
present, but order and
writing are unclear.
Lacking sufficient
structure or
transitions in
sentences and/or
paragraphs.
Lacks structure and
transitions.
Introduction &
Closure
Introduction/closure
grabs and draws
audience in.
Introduction/closure is
present but lacking
structure.
Voice
(how does it
sound)
Shows awareness of
audience. Voice is
appropriate for style of
project. Shows effort.
Voice is present, but
word choice and use is
inappropriate.
Voice lacks
awareness of
audience.
No evidence that
care was taken to
write the report.
Word choice
Accurate, specific,
powerful words are
used.
Adequate use of word
choice.
Inadequate use of
word choice.
Little attempt to
choose words
wisely.
There are no spelling
errors.
There is one spelling
error.
There are two to
three spelling errors.
Four or more
errors.
Analysis
Shows a clear
understanding of the
writer’s POV and a
comparative look at the
topics.
Shows an
understanding of the
writer’s POV and a
comparative look at the
topics.
Shows limited
understanding of the
writer’s POV and no
comparative look at
other topics.
No understanding
of the writer’s POV
and no comparative
look at the other
topics,
Title Page
Includes Title, Author,
Student name and date
of report.
Title page is missing
one element.
Title page is missing
more than one
element.
No Title Page
Includes a full book
review and
recommendations with
little evidence
Includes a partial
book review with no
recommendations
No book review
included
Spelling
Review
Finished
Product
Includes a full book
review and
recommendations for or
against the book with
evidence.
Report is 2+ pages and
typed w/ double space
or 3+ pages and
neatly written in pen.
Either the
introduction or
closure is not
evident.
Report is not a
“finished” product.
Total
/50
Book Report
Book reports and book reviews are similar. Book reports tend to be a little
more descriptive (What is this book about?) and book reviews are usually
more persuasive (Why a reader should or shouldn't read this book). Both
offer a combination of summary and commentary.
They are a way to think more deeply about a book you've read and to
demonstrate your understanding.
Introduction
Here you want to provide basic information about the book, and a sense of
what your report will be about. You should include:
1. Title (underlined)/Author
2. Publication Information: Publisher, year, number of pages
3. Genre
4. A brief (1-2 sentences) introduction to the book and the
report/review.
Body
There are two main sections for this part. The first is an explanation of
what the book is about. The second is your opinions about the book and
how successful it is. (Don’t use I to express your opinions.)
For non-fiction:
Provide a general overview of the author's topic, main points,
and argument. What is the thesis? What are the important
conclusions?
Don't try to summarize each chapter or every angle. Pick one
angle or argument and follow it throughout the course of the
book.
Example Don’t: Chapter one mentions abortion and how it is
wrong and chapter two says that a bunch of abortions are
preformed each year illegally.
(I WANT MORE SUBSTANCE)
Analysis and Evaluation
In this section you analyze or critique the book. You can write about your
own opinions; just be sure that you explain and support them with
examples. (Don’t use I to express your opinion) Some questions you might
want to consider:

Did the author achieve his or her purpose?

Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, and beautiful?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?

For non-fiction, what are the author's qualifications to write
about the subject? Do you agree with the author's arguments
and conclusions?

What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it
interesting, moving, or dull?

Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
Conclusion
Briefly conclude by pulling your thoughts together. You may want to say
what impression the book left you with, or emphasize what you want your
reader to know about it.