Order Description
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?A book/documentary review is a statement about how well the author achieved their purpose

?It is also about how convincing the author/ filmmakers is/are in making their conclusion (thesis) seem true

?When reviewing works of non-fiction, you should concentrate on the argument presented rather than merely summarizing each of the events, issues, and subjects that they bring up in their writing

?Locate the author’s thesis—their main point or conclusion—this can be found in the PREFACE or INTRODUCTION or the Beginning of a documentary

?Read the book beginning with the Preface of Introduction, and read it carefully. Read the final chapter and the EPILOGUE. Then read the remainder of the chapters.

?Take notes—paying attention to the type of historical sources are they using to tell their story and to make their argument
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Evaluate each chapter of the book or section of the film and think about why the author/filmmakers included the information that they did in each chapter/section. How does each chapter/section form a major portion of the author’s or filmmakers’ overall argument?
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Ask yourself if the author/ filmmakers succeeded in making their thesis seem true—that is if the author/ filmmakers is/are convincing or not

?What kind of portrayal of the past in the author’s or filmmakers’ study is evident in your interpretation of the non-fiction work that you have read? Is the story one with a happy ending or not? Do the characters attain justice or not? What kind of society is the author/ filmmakers essentially describing in their writing and their argument?

Who has agency – that is, who MAKES CHANGE OCCUR in the author’s telling of events?

How applicable is the author’s argument and conclusion (thesis) to present-day issues?