How to Write a Book Report

Sooner or later, most students will have to write a book report. But writing a book
report isn't always easy. It is best to enjoy the book and not think about the report until
you have finished reading. Now, absorb and think about what it was you read. Get up
from your chair, walk around, then sit down at the table and start to write.

Method 1 of 3: Before You Write

1
Know the requirements of your assignment. Ask questions until you understand it
completely. Can you read any book? Must it be a specific length? A specific genre or
subject? Should you simply summarize the book or should you give your opinion, too?

 Figure out what your teacher is looking for in a book report. How many words should it
be? When is the deadline?
 If you have not yet chosen a book, ask friends if they have any good suggestions. It's a
good idea to check a very quick summary online to make sure it's your type of book. Be
sure to stick to any lists or limits you have been given.

2
Read the book and annotate. Keep a pencil and paper by you as you read, writing
down points and page numbers. Take notes, mark important parts, underline enthralling
lines (if you are allowed). Try to appreciate the book: It will teach you something if you
are open to learning. Keep these things in mind:

 Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them?
Were there good and bad characters?
 Main ideas and themes: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did
you learn that you did not know before?
 Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your
report more enjoyable?[1]
 3
Outline the main ideas and sub-ideas of your book. Do this while the story is still
fresh in your head. It will help you organize your thoughts for your report.

 Who were the main characters? Why did they do what they did? How did they change
throughout the book, if at all? What made you like or dislike them as you read?
 What were the turning points in the story? What big, important events happened in the
story? How did the resolution of the story come about? Was it a satisfying ending?

Method 2 of 3: The Form of Your Report

1
Start with a clear introduction. In the first paragraph, state the title and author of the
book. Your teacher may want the publisher, year of publication, genre, and the number
of pages, too.

 In addition to the basic facts, you should give short summary of what your book report
explores. Touch on very basic plot points of the book and the themes the author used.

 2
Create the body of your paper. For the next few paragraphs, refer to your teacher's
assignment sheet to decide which parts of your outline you want to expand on in the
meat of your report.

 Consider giving your opinion of the book. Was it good? What about the book made it
good or bad, powerful or dull? How does this work compare with others by the same
author or other books in the same genre? You can and should use examples from the
book to back up your claims.
 Dig a little deeper. What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and
how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
 Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they
read it? What would you talk about after you read it?[1]
 Don't try to summarize each chapter or every angle. Choose the ones that are most
significant and interesting to you.[2]
 For non-fiction, provide a general overview of the author's topic, main points, and
argument. What is the thesis? What are the important conclusions? What are the
author's qualifications to write about the subject? Do you agree with the author's
arguments and conclusions? What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it
interesting, moving, dull?[2]

3
Write a conclusion that wraps everything up. Restate your thesis or main idea in
your conclusion. Review the major points and, if appropriate, state your opinion.

 Pull all your thoughts together. Leave the reader with the impression you were left with
and, if the book was good, make them want to read the book for themselves.

Method 3 of 3: The Final Copy

1
Reread your writing and reorganize it if necessary. You should have a clear
introduction, body, and conclusion. Make sure that the paragraphs support your
introduction, especially if you have an opinion or thesis statement there.

 Make sure there are logical transitions between your points. Your paragraphs should
flow into each other, but sentences should flow into each other, too.
 Look over the paper your teacher gave you. Have you met all the requirements and
stipulations? Is it the proper format?

2
 Proofread your work for errors. Spellcheck misses typos all the thyme. Better yet,
give yourself a break and have somebody else proofread your work, too. Sometimes a
new pair of eyes sees different mistakes.

 In addition to having a friend correct your work for spelling, punctuation, and grammar
mistakes, ask them about the content. Does everything make sense? Does it flow? Are
they captivated?

Tips
 Make sure you read the book. Your teacher will know if you haven't.

 An absolutely brilliant idea to get bonus marks is to PEE: point, evidence and
explanation. This helps back up your point, and it helps you to not ramble on, which can
lose you marks.

 One easy way to organize a book report summary is chronologically. Talk about the
events in the order that they occurred in the book or story.

 Refrain from using contractions (i.e 'don't' should be written as 'do not') and too many "I"
statements, as it makes your report sound informal.

 Write your name on it!

 Follow all the instructions of your professor. Fulfilling this point will bring an A+ book
report.

 Ask a teacher for help if you need it.

 Check your facts! When you are writing the report and you write something that you are
not 100% sure about, check the book!

 If you use quotes, be sure that they fit in with what you have written. Also, don't just put
them in; explain what the quote means and why it is important.

 Don't procrastinate! You may run out of time to spend on your report or you may also
completely forget about it!
Show 1 more tip
 Warnings
 Make sure all the information is true.

 Reading the Cliff's Notes or watching the movie can be a good supplement to reading a
book, but they shouldn't take the place of reading it. Teachers can often tell when their
students have not read the book.

 Copying a summary or any other piece of writing without credit is considered plagiarism,
and can lead to serious consequences if caught.