Journal of Applied Languages and Linguistics

Book Review Information

ALS House Book Review Guidelines

A full book review for the J-ALL should be between 500-600 words. The review is a critical evaluation of a book or an article, that is, it is a commentary and evaluation of the author’s purpose in writing.

A successful review will contain all or most of the following:

For works on applied linguistics and teaching methodology

A clear summary of the content of the book and the intended readership.
A brief overview of the author’s background, including their motivation for writing.
Identification of the main theoretical trends, questions and arguments raised in the work.
An analysis of the methodological approach taken in the work.
A comparison of the work with others in the field.
The reviewer’s opinion and evaluation of the publication, including identification of where the work is exemplary or deficient in the knowledge or judgments it puts forward.
An explanation of how the publication contributes to the area of research as well as to developments in the field.
Clarity in presentation, organisation and writing style.
For edited books: dominance of themes throughout the specific chapters.

For materials intended for students (e.g., coursebooks, digital materials)

A clear summary of the contents of the materials and their intended readership.
A brief overview of the author’s background, including their motivation for writing.
An analysis of the methodological approach taken in the materials.
An analysis of the clarity of explanations provided to students.
An overview and evaluation of the activities provided - their appropriacy, originality and appeal.
A comparison of the materials with others at the same level and/or for the same target group.
An assessment of the ultimate value and potential use of the materials.