At one point or another, most students will be required to hand in a book report, which involves the summarization of main ideas in a book into a presentable report. The process requires significant concentration as well as the ability to analyze issues. The following steps will make it easier to go around completing a book report successfully.
Requirements: dictionary and thesaurus, paper, computer, notebooks, printer, highlighter pen, manuals for writing style, index cards.
Instructions
- Begin by reading through the required text while taking down notes. It is possible to use flags to mark the pages that have important information
- All the materials should be close by when beginning to write the book report.
- Determine clearly what is supposed to be learned from the particular book.
- Perusal of notes can now be done to internalize the content and know exactly how much of the notes will be used in the final book report and what is to be excluded.
- In the first paragraph of the book report give a brief on the reason why the author wrote the book and an overview of the plot. This is done in summary form.
- The main ideas are put down and in the case of fiction books, the story and main dramatic points are outlined clearly. A personal outline can be formulated to ensure a strategic flow of points.
- A summary of the books overall significance comes at the end and it outlines what the book has contributed to you as an individual and society as a whole. If it is a fiction book, the summary should include what the story’s aim was and the major issues that the author was able to tackle. If there were any resolutions between characters in the book or concerning certain issues in the book it is important to mention them.
Some tips to consider while writing the book report:
- Try and be descriptive concerning the characters or the main idea contained in the book.
- Insure that it has your first and last name as well as the name and author of the book.
- The instructions given by the instructor should be understood and followed to the letter.
- Any major idea should be use the PEE format meaning point, then evidence and explanation. By following this format points can be backed up better.
The book report should be the original work of the student and not copied from any other source.