At first, writing a book report may not be fun, but it actually gives you a chance to really understand the work and the author. Unlike reviews, book reports require you to provide an immediate summary. The first step is to choose a book and read it. Take note of some important details while reading. This will help you create a solid outline that will make the writing process easier.
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Part 1 of 3: Researching and Outlining the Report
Step 1. Adhere to the task requirements
Read the worksheet carefully and record your questions. If you have any questions, raise your hand or talk to the teacher or professor after class. Make sure you know the requested paper length, deadline, and format, such as double spacing.
- For example, you want to know if the teacher or lecturer wants a source reference, such as a book page.
- You also need to ask for comparability summaries and analyzes to be written. Most book reports are direct summaries with only a few opinions. On the other hand, book reviews are more of an opinion.
Step 2. Read the book to the end
This is the most important step. Before thinking about writing a report, read the book first. Find a quiet place where you can concentrate on your book and not be distracted by anything else. Reading in a special place will help you focus and pay attention to the plot or important characters.
- So that attention does not slack, read in long hours with breaks.
- Take sufficient time to read to the end. You will find it difficult to write a report if the book is only skimmed through.
- Don't trust online book summaries. You cannot guarantee that the summary is accurate or faithful to the contents of the book.
Step 3. Take notes of some important things while reading. Have a pencil, highlighter, or notebook ready
If you find a section odd or confusing, please mark it. Also, take notes when the author discusses the main character or plot. Begin to identify evidence and details that you can use in the report by marking or noting citations or examples.
For example, look for sentences that clearly describe the main setting of the book, such as, "The castle is gloomy and made of a very large black stone."
Step 4. Create the outline
An outline is a paragraph-by-paragraph list that will organize your report. Enter the contents of each paragraph and the details. The outline will generally undergo minor changes when the report begins to be written.
- After working on the outline, look again to see if the arrangement makes sense. If one paragraph does not flow to the next, reorder or add/remove the paragraphs. Also, check that the outline includes all the main elements, such as plot, characters, and setting.
- Creating an outline does take time, but it will save time in the correction phase.
- Some people prefer to create characters with pen and paper, while others type them on a computer. Choose whatever method works best for you.
Step 5. Include examples and quotes from the book
When outlining, try to combine general summary points with specific details from the book. This combination shows that you have not only read the book, but also understand it. Vary the examples, and make short quotes.
Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like all the lines of your report are citations, try to reduce them. Include only one citation per paragraph. Excerpts and examples persist, but do not dominate the report
Step 6. Don't try to cover everything
You may not be able to cover the entire book in one report. So, don't let your report fail because you want to cover the book as a whole. Instead, make sure your report covers the most important ideas and makes the reader feel real about the book.
For example, focus on discussing the most important characters that appear most often in the book
Part 2 of 3: Writing Report Content
Step 1. Open with an informative intro paragraph
In the first paragraph, you must enter the author's name and the title of the book. You should also open with a line that will grab the reader's attention, such as a catchy quote from a book. Also, consider including a one-sentence summary of the entire book in the last line of the opening paragraph.
- An example of a summary sentence would be, “This book tells about the main character's adventures to Africa and what he learns on his journey.”
- Don't make the opening too long. The opening paragraph generally ranges from three to ten sentences.
Step 2. Describe the setting of the book
A discussion of the setting is a good start for the content of the report because it opens up other things to be discussed. Try to describe the locations mentioned in the book so the teacher or professor knows what you mean. If the story takes place on a farm, mention it. If the setting of the story is an imaginary or futuristic world, also explain what it is.
Use vivid language and lots of detail. For example, “The ranch is surrounded by a chain of hills.”
Step 3. Enter the general plot summary
Here, you can describe exactly what happened in the book. The plot summary should mention the major events and how they impacted the characters. This part of the report should be exactly the details of the book itself.
For example, if the main character moves to Africa, describe what happened before he moved, the process of moving, and how he adjusted once he arrived at his destination
Step 4. Introduction of the main character
When mentioning each character, make sure you introduce who they are and why they occupy such an important role in the book. You can also dedicate a section of the report to describe the main character by focusing on everything about him, such as his most important appearance and actions.
For example, you might write that the main character in your book is a “middle-aged woman who enjoys luxury, such as designer clothes.” Then, you can relate that picture to the plot by describing how his outlook changes after he begins his journey
Step 5. Pay attention to the main theme or argument in the body paragraph
Look for “big ideas” as you read. In a work of fiction, you should pay attention to the character's actions and whether they follow a certain pattern. In nonfiction, look for the author's thesis statement or argument. What is the writer trying to prove or show?
- For example, “The author argues that travel provides a new perspective. That's why the main character seems happier and more down to earth after visiting new places.”
- For works of fiction, pay attention to whether the author uses stories to convey a moral message. For example, a fictional book about a lowly athlete can encourage readers to take the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
Step 6. Comment on the writing style and nuance
Go through the book section by section and pay attention to elements of writing, such as word choice. Think about whether the book was written formally or informally. See if the author seems to like certain ideas and debates others. To understand the nuances, remember how you felt when you read parts of the book.
For example, a writer who frequently uses slang terms might choose a pop and casual style
Part 3 of 3: Completing the Report
Step 1. Write a concise and concise conclusion
The closing paragraph is a place to conclude all discussions to be presented to the reader. Include a few short sentences that summarize the contents of the book. You can also make a final statement suggesting the book to readers and why.
- Some teachers or lecturers require or suggest to include the title of the book and the author's name in the closing paragraph.
- Don't introduce new thoughts in the last paragraph. The conclusion section is for overview only.
Step 2. Correct the report that has been written
Reread your report at least twice. The purpose of the first reading is to make sure that the structure of the report is good and that each paragraph is clear. The second reading looks for errors and typos, such as missing commas or quotes. Consider reading the report aloud to check for wording irregularities.
- Before submitting the report, make sure that the spelling of the author's name and the name of the character is correct.
- Don't rely on your computer's spell-checking tool to find errors.
Step 3. Have someone else read it
You can ask a family member or friend to help read the report. Tell them you'd love it if they would write a comment or correction at the edge of the page. After that, you can also ask them for advice.
For example, say, “Please read this report and make sure the language is fluent.”
Step 4. Complete the final report
After making all the corrections, print the final report. Read again slowly and carefully. Look for typos or other minor errors. Compare the report with the task guide to make sure you follow all instructions
For example, check again to make sure you're using the correct font, font size, and margins
Tips
- Even if the book report is your own work, don't use "I" too often, as this will sound unrefined.
- It might be tempting to just watch the movie or read an online review instead of having to read the entire book. Resist the urge. The teacher or lecturer will be able to tell the difference.
Warning
- Stealing or using other people's work includes plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure you submit your own work.
- Set aside plenty of time to write reports. Don't wait until the last minute because your work will be rushed.
