Reference no: EM133758001

Assignment: Learning and Development- The Connection in Adulthood

1. Critique:

A chapter/book critique is a to-the-point summary/evaluation of the article involved.

Documentation: When you refer to any of the author's points in either the Content Summary or Evaluation, paraphrase, but do not quote. Then, document by putting the page number of the comment to which you are referring (p. 70, for example).

2. The chapter/book critique is to include (i) author information, (ii) content summary, and (iii) an evaluation, (iv) the biographical entry.

I. Author Information

The purpose of this section is to identify the author (translator or editor) of the book/chapter. If available, present the author's background, academic training, and practical experience. You can help a reader understand a book by describing the author

II. Content Summary

This section should be no more than two pages in length. The first sentence should be as comprehensive and inclusive as possible. Summarize the chapter in one sentence. The remainder of the summary will then be an elaboration of this sentence, sharing your understanding of what the chapter is.

Be sure the summary covers the entire chapter. Do not be so detailed about the first part of the chapter that you do not adequately deal with the subsequent sections. To avoid this problem, organize the summary carefully and logically. Also, do not get bogged down in specifics. The task is to summarize the ent ire book, not to focus on selected details.

III. Evaluation

The evaluation is the most crucial part of the critique. This is not a summary of the chapter/book content but a critical evaluation of what the author has to say. React to the chapter both positively and negatively. Because books, like people, are different, one cannot impose predetermined critical questions on the chapter/book.

You have already stated in your Content Summary the author's major theme or thesis and his purpose for writing the chapter/book. The following questions are guidelines to help you develop this section of the chapter/book critique:

1. Does the author achieve his intended purpose?

2. Is the main theme convincing?

3. What presuppositions (i.e. with what ideas does he approach the subject) or basic assumptions does the author reveal in the work? Are they legitimate and valid?

4. Are his arguments logical, well supported, or convincing?

5. What evidence does the author provide to sustain his main theme?

6. What are his conclusions?

7. What is unique, significant, or interesting about the chapter?

8. What does the author in the chapter/book teach us?

9. What is good about the chapter/book?

10. What is bad about the chapter/book?

11. Who should read the chapter/book?

12. How can a person implement these concepts in ministry (teaching, etc.)?

13. How does this chapter/book contribute to your understanding of the subject covered?

14. Avoid generalities such as "Every person (teacher, student, etc.) should read this book/chapter;" or "this is a (good, bad) book/chapter." Do not assume anything. Write as though the reader knows nothing about the author, the author's point of view, or the chapter's contents. Explain and critique the chapter to the best of your ability from your perspective.