There is, of course, a problem with students copying ideas from the internet if they do the reports at home. Writing a report during class time, however, strikes me as too time consuming. A solution to plagiarising other people's work might be guidelines within which the book report has to be written. I have attached a "How to write a book review" sheet, which I give to my students whenever they have to do this task. This format may not put an end to just copying stuff from the net, but whatever is taken from other sources will at least have to be adapted in such a way that it fits the book review model.
Gunther Volk
How to Write a Book Review
What is a Book Review?
• A book review is a description and an evaluation of a book that you have read.
• Book reviews are so helpful because they inform future readers about
books they may be interested in reading. Often, a book review will
influence other readers by telling them a little bit about what the
story is about, as well as if it is worth reading or not!
• The most important thing to remember is that book reviews DO NOT
give away the ending! If it is a good book, the reader will not want
to spend time reading it if he/she already knows the ending.
Four Steps to Follow When Writing a Book Review:
(Note: You do not have to answer every question, these are only
suggestions to guide your writing.)
1. The plot (approx. 100 – 150 words)
• What is the story about?
• Who are the main characters?
• What do the main characters do in the story?
• Do the main characters run into any problems?
• Do the main characters have any adventures?
• Who is your favourite character? Why?
2. Your personal experiences (approx. 100 – 200 words)
• Can you relate to any of the characters in the story?
• Have you ever done some of the things or felt some of the same
things that the characters do?
3. Your opinion (approx. 100 – 200 words)
• Do you like the book?
• What is your favourite part of the book?
• Do you have a least favourite part of the book?
• If you could change something in the book, what would it be?
(Remember not to give away the ending to the story you have read!)
4. Your recommendation (approx. 50 words)
• Would you recommend this book to another person? (Why?)
• What type of person would like this book?
Adapted from: http://www.pwcs.edu/pattie/admin/howtodoabookreview.htm