1. The first paragraph should explain the author’s thesis or argument. Another way to think about this first paragraph is to ask why is the author writing? What is the message that he/she is attempting to articulate to the reader? What does he/she hope to get across to the reader?
2. The second, third, and fourth paragraphs should contain a summary of the book. What is its basic story? How is it organized? What do the chapters cover? What evidence/historical information does the author use to support his/her argument?
3. The fifth paragraph should analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the book. Where is the author’s argument compelling? Where does it fall short? What is particularly persuasive? What is missing?
4. The sixth paragraph should place the book within the context of the lecture material discussed in class.
(Not really sure what is supposed to be in the sixth paragraph)
