The Outline of Your Report
You have read your book. Your next step will be to organize what you are going to say about it in your report. Writing the basic elements down in an outline format will help you to organize your thoughts.What will you include in the outline? Follow whatever instructions your teacher has given you. If you are on your own, however, the following guidelines should help.
Let's assume for the moment that you've chosen a work of fiction. We'll start with a description of the book. The description should include such elements as:
1. The setting—where does the story take place? Is it a real place or an imaginary one? If the author does not tell you exactly where the story is set, what can you tell about it from the way it is described?
2. The time period—is the story set in the present day or in an earlier time period? Perhaps it is even set in the future! Let your reader know.
3. The main character(s)—who is the story mostly about? Give a brief description. Often, one character can be singled out as the main character, but some books will have more than one.
4. The plot—what happens to the main character? WARNING! Be careful here. Do not fall into the boring trap of reporting every single thing that happens in the story. Pick only the most important events. Here are some hints on how to do that. First, explain the situation of the main character as the story opens. Next, identify the basic plot element of the story--is the main character trying to achieve something or overcome a particular problem? Thirdly, describe a few of the more important things that happen to the main character as he/she works toward that goal or solution. Finally, you might hint at the story's conclusion without completely giving away the ending.
The four points above deal with the report aspect of your work. For the final section of your outline, give your reader a sense of the impression the book made upon you. Ask yourself what the author was trying to achieve and whether or not he achieved it with you. What larger idea does the story illustrate? How does it do that? How did you feel about the author's style of writing, the setting, or the mood of the novel. You do not have to limit yourself to these areas. Pick something which caught your attention, and let your reader know your personal response to whatever it was.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Book Report
Your teacher’s goal is to broaden your understanding of the world and society, and to further enlighten you through the words of an author. But teachers gain a great deal more than that from assigning book reports. Teachers learn from them, too!
Considering this, it’s even more important for you to write a great report. First, include the basics.
Introduction
Write a strong paragraph that states the book’s title (underlined or italicized), genre, author’s name, and publication information. Also give a brief statement about the book’s angle, theme, or message.
Body
Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.
Did you enjoy the book?
Was it well written?
If it was a fictional work, list the characters.
If it was a work of non-fiction, identify the writer’s thesis.
What is the writing style?
Is this book a part of a series?
In the body of your book report, you will write an extended summary of the book, explain the major conflict evident in the plot, while weaving some of Your own observations through your remarks. For example, you could say:
“This book, the third in a series, offers insight to the bizarre childhood of Bethany Robbins, the main character. The author describes how Bethany developed a friendship with a skunk that lived in the woods behind her house. Alfred, the skunk, explains to Bethany the pitfalls of bathing too frequently.”
The list of points should provide enough material for writing several paragraphs as you summarize. As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:
* Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
* Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for non-ficton)?
* What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?
* Would you recommend this book?
Conclusion
Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraph. As always, consult your specific assignment guide. Unless instructed otherwise, your final last sentence should offer a one-sentence summary with your overall opinion, as in the following example.
”The author provided an intriguing and entertaining glimpse into the mind of girl who learned about life through the words, real or imagined, of her wild but wise friends from the forest.”
Considering this, it’s even more important for you to write a great report. First, include the basics.
Introduction
Write a strong paragraph that states the book’s title (underlined or italicized), genre, author’s name, and publication information. Also give a brief statement about the book’s angle, theme, or message.
Body
Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.
Did you enjoy the book?
Was it well written?
If it was a fictional work, list the characters.
If it was a work of non-fiction, identify the writer’s thesis.
What is the writing style?
Is this book a part of a series?
In the body of your book report, you will write an extended summary of the book, explain the major conflict evident in the plot, while weaving some of Your own observations through your remarks. For example, you could say:
“This book, the third in a series, offers insight to the bizarre childhood of Bethany Robbins, the main character. The author describes how Bethany developed a friendship with a skunk that lived in the woods behind her house. Alfred, the skunk, explains to Bethany the pitfalls of bathing too frequently.”
The list of points should provide enough material for writing several paragraphs as you summarize. As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:
* Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
* Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for non-ficton)?
* What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?
* Would you recommend this book?
Conclusion
Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraph. As always, consult your specific assignment guide. Unless instructed otherwise, your final last sentence should offer a one-sentence summary with your overall opinion, as in the following example.
”The author provided an intriguing and entertaining glimpse into the mind of girl who learned about life through the words, real or imagined, of her wild but wise friends from the forest.”
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