HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REPORT

(an independent approach)

BY:

Ms ASHFORD

How to Write a Book ReportHome-based ELA Assignment

The CLASSIC FORMAT usually includes:
Introductory paragraph: In the first paragraph, include the author, title, and a one or two-sentence description of the idea of the book (also known as the premise).
Plot summary: Describe the plot in one or two additional paragraphs. Your teacher will be looking for references to the Elements of the Book like character, setting, conflict, etc.
Analysis: This is the meat of your book report and your chance to give your own opinion and review of the book in two or three substantial paragraphs. What makes it believable? Why is it funny? How is it disturbing? What is surprising? And in all cases, how does the author use the elements to achieve these effects? Do you think the author succeeds in what he or she set out to do?
Conclusion: Finish up with short paragraph summarizing your review.
Include one of the following accompanying elements in your book report:
INTERVIEW
Choose one character and write an interview as if he or she were a real person. You come up with the questions AND the answers.

PLAY
Choose a pivotal scene and rewrite it in play format with dialogue between two or more characters and stage directions like setting, characters' movements across the stage, etc.

DIARY
You are a character in the book. Choose a pivotal moment in the plot and come up with what your journal entry would say.

NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
You are a journalist and the plot is a true story. How would you report it in a front-page feature article you are writing for your paper?

POEM
Write a poem that the main character might have written at a specific point in the plot.

COLLAGE
Create a collage of images and pictures that relate to the theme of the book.

COMIC STRIP
Retell the story in the form of a comic strip. Consider the most essential moments that you'll need to include in eight or ten frames.

No matter what book you've chosen, I want you to be aware of these ELEMENTS OF A BOOK as you read. It can be helpful to make point form notes on them as you read.

CHARACTERS: Who are the main characters? How did one character change in the course of the book? What is the most important relationship in the book, and why?

SETTING: What time and place did the author choose to set the book in? How is the choice of setting appropriate?

EXPOSITION: Early in the book, the exposition introduces the setting, important background information, and the main characters. How does the author suggest and reveal this information in the early chapters?

FORESHADOWING: Sometimes the author leaves hints early in the story of what will happen later. Can you find examples of foreshadowing in your book?

CONFLICT: Most books are based around one central conflict or problem. What is the conflict in your book?

CLIMAX AND RESOLUTION: At what point in the book did the action reach a peak? How did the problem get resolved during and after the climax?

STYLE: Did the author use a particular style that captured the essence of the book (for example, humor or unusual expressions)?

FINALLY:
Did you like the book? Would you recommend it to a friend? Why, or why not? How was the book good? Were parts of the book disappointing; tell why? Some books can really get to you and almost be disturbing. Can a disturbing book that doesn't leave the reader feeling good still be a good book?

FORMAT:

Title page: Includes in the middle of the page the title of your chosen novel underlined, the author’s name, a coloured image, and your name and date in the bottom right corner.

Body of work: Following all of the above steps.

First report due:October 31st, 2008

CHECKLIST
Have you:

Followed the steps in the format? Meaning, you have included:

  • Introductory paragraph
  • Plot summary
  • Analysis
  • Conclusion

Included an Accompanying Element (play, diary. comic, etc.)

Remembered to follow the steps for your cover page

Remember that these step by step instructions are here to help you be successful with your writing. In the body of your writing you need to utilize the writing programme.