what is plot in a book report

How to Write a Book Report (Guide, Examples & Templates)

Don’t let a book report intimidate you. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to write a book report that not only meets your teacher’s expectations but also reflects your unique perspective.

Get ready to ace your assignment.

What Is a Book Report?

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Table of Contents

A book report is a summary and analysis of a book that you have read. It provides a detailed account of the book’s content, its main themes, characters, and plot, as well as your personal reflections on the book.

Book reports are typically assigned to help students practice their reading comprehension and writing skills.

A book report differs from a book review.

While a book review focuses on the reader’s opinions and is often found in newspapers or magazines, a book report is more structured and provides a straightforward summary and analysis of the text.

It helps teachers gauge students’ understanding and interpretation of the book.

Types of Book Reports

Understanding the different types of book reports is essential as each has a unique focus and structure.

Here, we break down the main types:

Summary Book Report

A summary book report focuses on providing a concise summary of the book’s main points. It covers the key elements such as the plot, characters, and main themes without going into too much detail.

Key Elements:

Overview of the main plot points.
Brief descriptions of main characters.
Discussion of the central themes.

Character Analysis Book Report

This type of book report delves into the analysis of one or more characters from the book. It examines their traits, motivations, and development throughout the story.

Detailed analysis of main characters.
Exploration of character motivations and actions.
Discussion of character development.

Theme Analysis Book Report

A theme analysis book report focuses on the central themes of the book.

It explores how the author conveys these themes and how they are developed throughout the narrative.

Identification of major themes.
Analysis of how these themes are portrayed.
Examples from the text to support the analysis.

Comparative Book Report

A comparative book report compares two or more books, examining their similarities and differences. This type of report often requires a deeper level of analysis and critical thinking.

Comparison of plot elements.
Analysis of character similarities and differences.
Examination of themes across the books.

What Should Go Into a Book Report?

When writing a book report, it’s important to include several key elements to ensure it is comprehensive and informative.

Each element serves a specific purpose in providing a thorough analysis of the book.

Title and Author : Start with the book’s title and the author’s name. This sets the stage for your report and provides the necessary context for the reader.
Plot Summary : Provide a brief summary of the book’s plot. Focus on the main events and avoid excessive details or spoilers.
Characters : Describe the main characters and their roles in the story. Discuss their personalities, motivations, and development.
Themes : Discuss the main themes and messages of the book. Explain how these themes are conveyed and their significance.
Personal Reflection : Share your thoughts and opinions about the book. Discuss how it affected you, what you liked or disliked, and any lessons you learned.
Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions and the book’s impact on you. Provide a final recommendation and discuss whether you would suggest this book to others.

Book Report Outline

Creating an outline before writing your book report can help organize your thoughts and ensure you cover all necessary points.

Here’s a detailed outline to follow:

Title and Author
Publication Date
Brief introduction to the book’s context or background
Brief overview of the main events
Major turning points
Resolution of the story
Main characters and their descriptions
Character development and growth
Important relationships between characters
Central themes
How they are portrayed
Examples from the text to support your analysis
Your opinion on the book
How it affected you
Any connections you made with the book
Overall impressions
Recommendation
Final thoughts on the book’s impact

Next, we’ll go over how to write a book report in detail (covering all the steps). Then, I’ll give you a few templates and share a few full examples.

How to Write a Book Report

Writing a book report involves several steps that ensure a thorough analysis and clear presentation of your thoughts.

Below, we provide a step-by-step guide with detailed explanations for each step.

Step 1: Read the Book

Reading the book thoroughly is the first and most crucial step.

As you read, take notes on the main plot points, character developments, and significant quotes.

Highlight sections that you find particularly important or that you might want to reference in your report. This will make it easier to recall details when you start writing.

Step 2: Understand the Assignment

Make sure you understand the specific requirements of your book report assignment.

Different teachers may have different expectations regarding the length and content of the report.

Pay attention to the required length, format, and specific points that need to be covered. Understanding these requirements will help you tailor your report to meet the expectations.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Use the book report outline provided above to organize your thoughts and structure your report.

This will help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all necessary points

An outline serves as a roadmap for your report.

In addition to the outline above, I’ve also added a few templates later in this article that you can use.

Step 4: Write the Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your report. Begin with the book’s title, author, and genre.

Provide some background information about the book, such as its publication date and any relevant historical context.

This could be information about the author’s inspiration, the historical period in which the book was written, or its reception at the time of publication.

Step 5: Summarize the Plot

Write a brief summary of the book’s plot. Focus on the main events and turning points, but avoid giving away any spoilers.

The plot summary should be concise yet comprehensive.

It’s a balancing act, for sure, but you’ll get better with a little practice.

Reading the examples in this guide will help you understand the balance you need.

Step 6: Analyze the Characters

Character analysis involves examining the traits, motivations, and growth of the main characters.

Describe the main characters and their roles in the story. Discuss how they develop throughout the book and what their actions reveal about them.

Discuss how they interact with one another and how they change over the course of the story.

Highlight any significant relationships or conflicts that contribute to their development.

Step 7: Discuss the Themes

Themes are the underlying messages or central ideas in the book.

Identify the central themes of the book and explain how they are portrayed.

Use specific examples and quotes from the text to illustrate your points. Explain why these themes are important and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the book.

Step 8: Reflect on the Book

Share your personal thoughts and opinions about the book. Discuss how it affected you and what you learned from it.

Talk about what you liked or disliked, any emotions it evoked, and any lessons you took away.

This section is an opportunity to connect your personal experiences with the content of the book.

Step 9: Write the Conclusion

The conclusion wraps up your report. Summarize your overall impressions of the book.

Provide a final recommendation and discuss whether you would suggest this book to others. This helps readers understand the impact of the book and its relevance.

Step 10: Proofread and Edit

Review your book report for any grammatical errors or typos. Make sure your writing is clear and concise.

Check for grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, and clarity.

Ensure that your writing flows smoothly and that your points are clearly communicated.

Before we go into the book report templates, check out this video on how to write a book report:

Book Report Templates

As promised, here are the book report templates you can use as your outline and inspiration.

Template 1: Summary Book Report

Title : Author : Genre : Publication Date :

Plot Summary : (Brief overview of the main events)

Characters : (Descriptions of the main characters)

Themes : (Discussion of the central themes)

Personal Reflection : (Your opinion and how the book affected you)

Conclusion : (Overall impressions and recommendation)

Template 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Character Analysis : (Detailed analysis of one or more characters)

Template 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Theme Analysis : (Detailed analysis of the central themes)

Book Report Examples

Let’s go over some examples to show you exactly how to write a book report.

Keep in mind that I purposely made these examples shorter than you’ll probably want to write to save time and space in this blog post.

Example 1: Summary Book Report

Title : To Kill a Mockingbird Author : Harper Lee Genre : Fiction Publication Date : 1960

Plot Summary : The story is set in the 1930s in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. It follows Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. The book explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy.

Characters :

Scout Finch : The narrator and protagonist.
Atticus Finch : Scout’s father, a lawyer, and moral backbone of the story.
Jem Finch : Scout’s older brother.
Tom Robinson : The black man accused of rape.
Racial Injustice : The unfair treatment of black people in the legal system.
Moral Growth : The development of Scout and Jem’s understanding of right and wrong.
Empathy : Understanding others’ perspectives.

Personal Reflection : To Kill a Mockingbird deeply moved me. The themes of racial injustice and moral growth are still relevant today. The characters are well-developed, and the story is powerful and thought-provoking.

Conclusion : Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a must-read. It offers valuable lessons on empathy and justice. I highly recommend it.

Example 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Title : Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Author : J.K. Rowling Genre : Fantasy Publication Date : 1997

Plot Summary : Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard on his 11th birthday. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, makes friends, and uncovers the truth about his parents’ deaths. He confronts the dark wizard Voldemort.

Character Analysis :

Harry Potter : An orphaned boy who learns he is a wizard. Brave, loyal, and determined.
Hermione Granger : Harry’s intelligent and resourceful friend. Known for her knowledge and quick thinking.
Ron Weasley : Harry’s loyal and humorous friend. Comes from a large, loving family.
Friendship : The bond between Harry, Hermione, and Ron.
Courage : Harry’s bravery in the face of danger.
Identity : Harry discovering who he is and his place in the wizarding world.

Personal Reflection : Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is an enchanting and exciting read. The characters are relatable and well-developed. The themes of friendship and courage resonate deeply.

Conclusion : This book is a fantastic start to the Harry Potter series. It’s engaging and full of wonder. Highly recommended for all ages.

Example 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Title : The Great Gatsby Author : F. Scott Fitzgerald Genre : Fiction Publication Date : 1925

Plot Summary : Set in the 1920s, the novel follows Nick Carraway as he observes the life of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream leads to his tragic downfall.

Jay Gatsby : Wealthy and mysterious protagonist.
Nick Carraway : The narrator and Gatsby’s neighbor.
Daisy Buchanan : Gatsby’s love interest.
Tom Buchanan : Daisy’s wealthy and arrogant husband.

Theme Analysis :

The American Dream : The novel critiques the idea of the American Dream, showing its corruption and unattainability.
Class and Society : Explores the differences and conflicts between social classes.
Love and Obsession : Gatsby’s love for Daisy borders on obsession, leading to his demise.

Personal Reflection : The Great Gatsby is a poignant exploration of the American Dream and its flaws. The characters are complex, and the themes are timeless and thought-provoking.

Conclusion : This classic novel is a critical examination of society and ambition. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in American literature.

How to Write a Book Report for Different Grades

Book reports vary in complexity depending on the grade level.

Younger students focus on basic comprehension, while older students are expected to provide deeper analysis and critical thinking. Here’s a guide for writing book reports tailored to different grade levels.

Third-grade book reports should be simple and focus on the basics.

Encourage students to summarize the plot and discuss their favorite parts of the book.

For third graders, a book report helps develop reading comprehension and writing skills. Reports should include the title, author, and a brief summary.

Title and Author : Clearly state the title and the author’s name.
Plot Summary : Provide a simple summary of the book’s plot.
Favorite Characters : Describe one or two characters they liked.
Personal Opinion : Share what they liked best about the book.

Title : Charlotte’s Web Author : E.B. White

Plot Summary : This is a story about a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a spider named Charlotte. Charlotte helps save Wilbur from being slaughtered by writing words in her web.

Favorite Characters : Wilbur is kind and brave. Charlotte is smart and caring.

Personal Opinion : I liked the book because it shows the importance of friendship.

Fifth-grade book reports should be more detailed. Students should discuss characters, plot, and themes in more depth.

Fifth-grade book reports aim to build analytical skills.

They should include a summary, character analysis, and personal reflections.

Title and Author : Include the book’s title and the author’s name.
Plot Summary : Provide a detailed summary of the book.
Character Analysis : Discuss the main characters and their roles.
Themes : Identify and explain the main themes.
Personal Reflection : Share personal thoughts and opinions about the book.

Title : The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Author : C.S. Lewis

Plot Summary : Four siblings discover a magical land called Narnia inside a wardrobe. They join forces with Aslan, a great lion, to defeat the White Witch and bring peace to Narnia.

Peter : The oldest, brave and protective.
Susan : Practical and nurturing.
Edmund : Initially betrays his siblings but redeems himself.
Lucy : Curious and kind-hearted.
Good vs. Evil : The battle between Aslan and the White Witch.
Redemption : Edmund’s journey from betrayal to heroism.

Personal Reflection : I enjoyed the book’s magical elements and the message of bravery and redemption.

Eighth graders should write more complex book reports, including detailed analyses of themes and characters, as well as personal reflections.

Eighth-grade book reports help students develop critical thinking.

They should provide a comprehensive analysis of the book’s elements.

Plot Summary : Provide a detailed summary with major plot points.
Character Analysis : Discuss the main and secondary characters, their development, and relationships.
Theme Analysis : Identify and explore the main themes with examples from the text.
Personal Reflection : Share personal thoughts, connections, and lessons learned.
Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions and provide a final recommendation.

Title : The Outsiders Author : S.E. Hinton

Plot Summary : The novel follows the lives of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, in a small American town. It focuses on Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with class conflict, violence, and identity.

Ponyboy Curtis : The sensitive and thoughtful protagonist.
Johnny Cade : Ponyboy’s best friend, whose tragic fate impacts everyone.
Dallas Winston : A hardened Greaser with a soft spot for Johnny.
Cherry Valance : A Soc girl who befriends Ponyboy and shows him the common humanity between their groups.
Class Conflict : The tension between the Greasers and the Socs.
Violence and Its Consequences : The impact of violence on individuals and communities.
Identity and Belonging : Ponyboy’s journey to understand himself and where he fits in.

Personal Reflection : The book’s portrayal of class conflict and the search for identity resonated with me. It made me think about how we often judge others based on superficial differences instead of our shared humanity.

Conclusion : The Outsiders is a powerful novel that highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. I highly recommend it for its compelling story and thought-provoking themes.

High School

High school book reports should demonstrate a deeper understanding of the book.

They should include a detailed analysis of themes, characters, and plot, as well as personal reflections and critical evaluations.

Ultimately, high school book reports prepare students for more advanced literary analysis.

Plot Summary : Provide a detailed summary with key plot points and resolution.
Character Analysis : Discuss the main and secondary characters, their development, motivations, and relationships.
Theme Analysis : Identify and explore the main themes with textual evidence and examples.
Symbolism and Motifs : Analyze significant symbols and recurring motifs in the book.
Personal Reflection : Share personal insights, connections, and critical evaluations.
Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions, provide a final recommendation, and discuss the book’s broader impact.

Title : 1984 Author : George Orwell

Plot Summary : Set in a dystopian future, 1984 follows Winston Smith, a member of the oppressive Party, as he navigates a world of constant surveillance and propaganda. Winston’s growing disillusionment leads him to rebel against the Party, but he ultimately faces severe consequences.

Winston Smith : The protagonist who struggles with his sense of individuality in a totalitarian society.
Julia : Winston’s love interest who shares his disdain for the Party.
O’Brien : A high-ranking Party member who deceives Winston.
Totalitarianism and Oppression : The dangers of absolute power and the loss of individual freedom.
Surveillance and Privacy : The impact of constant surveillance on personal freedom.
Truth and Reality : The manipulation of truth and reality by those in power.

Symbolism and Motifs :

Big Brother : Represents the Party’s control and surveillance.
The Glass Paperweight : Symbolizes Winston’s desire to connect with the past.
Room 101 : Represents the ultimate torture and manipulation of individuals.

Personal Reflection : 1984 is a chilling depiction of a dystopian society. It made me reflect on the importance of individual freedoms and the dangers of unchecked power.

Conclusion : Orwell’s 1984 is a timeless warning about the perils of totalitarianism. Its themes are still relevant today, making it a must-read for understanding the value of freedom and truth.

University-level book reports should be highly analytical and include extensive critical evaluations.

They should also incorporate scholarly sources and references.

At this level, book reports should be at their most sophisticated and in-depth.

Plot Summary : Provide a comprehensive summary with detailed plot points and resolution.
Character Analysis : Discuss the main and secondary characters, their development, motivations, relationships, and conflicts.
Theme Analysis : Identify and explore the main themes with detailed textual evidence and scholarly analysis.
Symbolism and Motifs : Examine significant symbols, recurring motifs, and their meanings.
Literary Devices : Analyze the author’s use of literary devices such as metaphor, irony, and foreshadowing.
Personal Reflection and Critical Evaluation : Share personal insights, connections, critical evaluations, and discuss the book’s broader impact.
Conclusion : Summarize your overall impressions, provide a final recommendation, and discuss the book’s significance in literature.

Title : Beloved Author : Toni Morrison

Plot Summary : Set after the American Civil War, Beloved tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter. The novel explores Sethe’s struggles with her past and the impact of slavery on her identity and relationships.

Sethe : The protagonist, whose traumatic past influences her present.
Denver : Sethe’s daughter, who seeks to understand her mother’s pain.
Beloved : The ghost of Sethe’s dead daughter, embodying the haunting legacy of slavery.
Paul D : A former slave who helps Sethe confront her past.
Slavery and Its Aftermath : The lasting impact of slavery on individuals and families.
Motherhood and Sacrifice : The complexities of maternal love and sacrifice.
Memory and Trauma : The struggle to confront and reconcile with traumatic memories.
The Color Red : Symbolizes both life and death, pain and passion.
The Tree on Sethe’s Back : Represents the scars of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Ghost : Embodies the haunting presence of the past.

Literary Devices :

Non-linear Narrative : Represents the scattered pieces of memory and trauma.
Imagery : Vivid descriptions that evoke the emotional and physical landscapes of the characters.
Symbolism : Deepens the themes and emotional impact of the story.

Personal Reflection and Critical Evaluation : Beloved is a profound exploration of the legacy of slavery. Its complex characters and themes offer deep insights into the human condition. The novel’s non-linear narrative and rich symbolism challenge readers to engage with the text on multiple levels.

Conclusion : Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a masterpiece of American literature. Its exploration of trauma, memory, and resilience is both powerful and moving. Highly recommended for its literary merit and historical significance.

Final Thoughts: How to Write a Book Report

Congratulations! You’ve learned how to craft an engaging and insightful book report.

Keep honing these skills, and you’ll find that analyzing and discussing books will enhance your appreciation for literature and improve your overall writing ability.

How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

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How to write a book report (+ book report example)

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report?

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Close up shot of student writing a book report in class. Book report example.

Types of book reports

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
What positive characteristics does the character possess?
Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

Explain exactly what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

Close up shot of male student writing a book report in journal. Book report example.

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall, To Kill a Mockingbird is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always include the following elements in any book report:

The type of book report you are writing
The book's title
The author of the book
The time when the story takes place
The location where the story takes place
The names and a brief description of each of the characters you will be discussing
Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
A thesis statement
The point of view of the narrator
Summary of the book
The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
The writing styles of the author
A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget!

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

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Have a book report submission deadline and want to know how to write one? We’re here to help! Book reports are vital in academics, helping students sharpen their understanding and critical thinking, while for authors, they offer a deep dive into a text’s composition and stylistic elements.

In this article, we will understand how to write a good book report. It’s a skill that not only helps you get more out of what you’re reading but also lets you create a report that truly reflects how good the book is. Let’s get started!

Ace your assignment with a perfect book report! Learn more

Firstly, let us understand what is a book report.

What is a book report?

A book report is an in-depth analysis, an objective summary of a book’s main content and arguments. Book reports discuss a book’s content, structure, and themes. Far from just a recap of the plot outline , a book report examines the details of a book’s narrative, offering insights into the characters, themes of the story , and the author’s writing style.

Note: A book report is usually assigned to students from secondary schools to colleges. As per book report format, book reports are typically 500–1000 words long.

Elements of a book report

A proper book report outline consists of the following elements:

Introduction: Think about how to start a book report with an engaging opening. Mention the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief plot summary. State your main theme or viewpoint.
Content summary: Give a clear, summary of the plot. Highlight key events and turning points. Avoid spoilers.
Analysis and perspective: Examine the key characters, their traits, motivations, development, and plot roles. Explore major themes, symbols, and motifs, and their narrative effect. Review the author’s style and perspective, and their impact on the story.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points. Restate your overall impression of the book and possibly suggest who might enjoy it or what kind of readers would benefit from it.
Citations and references (if necessary): If you have used external sources or have been influenced by other analyses, make sure to cite these references properly to avoid plagiarism.

By following this book report outline, your book report will be comprehensive, informative, and engaging.

How to write a book report

Before learning how to do a book report, it is important to remember that following a book report format is essential.

Here’s how to write a book report:

Read the book carefully: Start by reading the book thoroughly. Take notes on key points, characters, themes, and any passages that stand out.
Create an Outline: Organize your thoughts and notes into an outline. This will be your roadmap and will help keep your writing focused.
Write the introduction: Begin with an engaging introduction that provides basic information about the book, including the title, author, and a brief synopsis.
Develop the body: You can follow your outline or a book report template to write the body of your report. Discuss each element (plot, characters, themes, etc.) in separate paragraphs or sections.
Conclude your report: Summarize your main points and offer your final thoughts and evaluation of the book.
Review and revise: Finally, review and proofread your report for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Make sure to correct any grammatical mistakes and ensure your report flows logically.

Taking a look at a few examples of book reports will help you understand how to do a book report easily. So let’s explore some book report examples next.

Book report examples

Starting with book report examples, let’s look at a book report example on The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.

Introduction: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a powerful and poignant diary that gives an intimate glimpse into the life of a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust.

Summary: The diary chronicles Anne Frank’s life from 1942 to 1944, during which she and her family hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam. The entries detail her daily life in the secret annex, her thoughts, fears, and hopes for a better future.

Analysis and themes: Anne’s diary is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Themes of hope, the cruelty of war, the innocence of youth, and the power of writing shine through her words.

Conclusion: Diary of a Young Girl is more than just a diary; it’s a moving narrative that brings to light the horrors of war and the timeless strength of hope and human dignity. Anne Frank’s voice continues to resonate with readers around the world, making this book a must-read for understanding history and humanity.

Now let’s look at a fiction book report example on Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Introduction: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is a thrilling fantasy novel that introduces us to a world where Greek gods and mythology come to life in the modern era.

Summary: The story follows Percy Jackson, a young boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a dangerous adventure across America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.

Analysis and themes: Riordan’s novel is rich in Greek mythology and cleverly intertwined with modern-day settings and issues. Themes of identity, friendship, and bravery are prominent as Percy navigates the challenges of being a demigod. The book also explores the concept of good vs. evil and the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is an engaging and imaginative novel that offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology. It’s a captivating read for young adults, effectively combining action, humor, and life lessons, making it a standout in the genre of fantasy fiction.

Book report template

You can easily write a book report using our free book report template.

It’s clear that writing a book report is more than a mere academic exercise; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of literature and gain insights.

By using the provided template and examples as starting points, you’re well on your way to writing insightful and compelling book reports. Also, to make your book report perfect, we are always here to help you with our expert editing and proofreading services !

For more useful tips and resources, keep reading:

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a book report be, what should a book report include, how to conclude a book report, how to write an introduction for a book report, what is the purpose of a book report.

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How To Write A Book Report (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re a student who needs to write a book report, you may be wondering where to start.

Writing a book report may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.

As someone who has mastered the art of writing a book report, I’m here to provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you write a precise book report.

In this article, I will cover everything from what a book report is to the steps you need to follow to write a successful report.

So, let’s get started!

What is a Book Report?

A book report summarizes and analyzes a book’s content, providing an overview of the plot, characters, themes, and your evaluation.

Additionally, a book report often explores the main characters, their motivations, and their roles in the story. It delves into the book’s themes, messages, and the author’s writing style, discussing how these elements contribute to the book’s overall impact.

A book report may also contain the writer’s evaluation and opinion, reflecting their thoughts on the book’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance.

It is an excellent way to showcase your understanding of the book and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. Book reports are commonly assigned in schools and serve as a valuable exercise in literary analysis.

What are the various forms of a Book Report?

There are several different forms of book reports, and the type you choose will depend on the guidelines provided by your instructor. Some common forms of book reports include:

Plot Summary Book Report:

This type of book report focuses primarily on summarizing the book’s plot. It should provide a concise story overview, including the main events, conflicts, and resolution. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on the plot and whether it effectively conveyed the intended message.

Character Analysis Book Report

In this form of book report, the emphasis is on analyzing the characters in the book. You should delve into the main characters’ personalities, motivations, and development and their impact on the story.

Additionally, you can include examples from the book to support your analysis and provide insight into the character’s actions and decisions.

Theme-Based Book Report

Theme-based book report explores the themes and messages conveyed in the book. It requires a deeper analysis of the underlying ideas and concepts explored by the author.

To write this type of report, you should identify the major themes in the book and discuss how they are developed throughout the story. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on the themes and what they mean to you.

Comparative Book Report

A comparative book report compares and contrasts two or more books with similar themes or subject matter. It requires a careful analysis of how the books relate to each other and what sets them apart.

In this type of report, you should focus on the similarities and differences between the books and how they address the themes or subject matter. You can also include your thoughts and opinions on which book effectively conveyed the intended message.

How to Write a Book Report: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have an overall idea about the different forms of a book report, let’s explore how to write a book report precisely.

1. Choose the Book

The first step is to select a book on which you want to write a report. It’s important to choose a book that is appropriate for the assignment’s requirements and aligns with your interests or the subject matter.

2. Read the Book Thoroughly

Before you start writing, read the book attentively. Take notes on important plot points, characters, themes, and any significant details that stand out to you. It’s essential to thoroughly understand the book’s content before attempting to analyze and interpret it.

3. Introduction

Begin your book report with an engaging introduction. Include the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief overview of what the book is about. This is your chance to hook the reader’s interest and set the tone for your report.

You can also provide some background information on the author or the book’s historical context if it’s relevant.

4. Summary of the Plot

Provide a concise summary of the book’s plot, covering the main events and the central conflict. Be careful not to give away major spoilers; the purpose is to give an overview without revealing too much.

You can also highlight any important subplots or secondary characters that contribute to the story.

5. Character Analysis

Now you can discuss the main characters in the book, their personalities, motivations, and how they contribute to the story’s development. Use specific examples and quotes from the text to support your analysis.

You can also compare and contrast different characters or explore their relationships with one another.

6. Setting and Context

Explain the setting and context of the story. Describe the time and place in which the events occur, and discuss how these elements influence the plot and characters.

You can also analyze the significance of the setting and how it relates to the themes of the book.

7. Themes and Messages

Explore the central themes and messages conveyed by the author. Discuss the author’s intentions and how these themes are developed throughout the book. Analyze their significance in the overall narrative and how they relate to the characters and the setting.

8. Writing Style and Techniques

Evaluate the author’s writing style and the literary techniques used in the book. Consider elements such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and imagery.

Discuss how these techniques enhance the story’s impact and contribute to the book’s overall meaning.

9. Comparisons (Optional)

You can compare the book with other works by the same author or books of a similar genre if applicable. Analyze similarities and differences, and offer insights into the author’s recurring themes or writing style.

This can help you provide a broader context for the book and deepen your analysis.

10. Personal Opinion

Sharing a personal opinion of the book will be ideal. You can talk about what it is that you liked or disliked about the book and point out your reasons.

Support your opinions with text evidence, such as specific scenes or character developments. Your opinion is an essential part of the book report, demonstrating your engagement with the material and your critical thinking skills.

11. Conclusion

Summarize the key points of your book report and restate your overall impression of the book. Provide a thoughtful closing statement that leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

You can also offer some final thoughts on the book’s significance or its relevance to contemporary issues.

12. Proofreading and Editing

After writing the report, carefully proofread and edit your work to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Make sure that the report flow is logical and coherent. You can always use Grammarly to check for the proof-reading purpose.

Unsure if Grammarly Premium suits your needs? Then you are at luck, Grammarly provides its users with a 7-day free trial .

13. Citation (if necessary)

If required, include a bibliography or works cited page to give credit to the sources you used while writing the report. This is important to avoid plagiarism and to demonstrate your research skills. Here I have mentioned the best plagiarism checker in the market.

14. Finalize and Submit

Once thoroughly reviewing and editing your book report, finalize it and submit it according to your instructor’s guidelines. Congratulations, you have successfully written a comprehensive and insightful book report!

Conclusion: How To Write A Book Report

Writing an effective book report requires closely reading the book, developing a thesis, organizing your thoughts, and drafting an analysis of the key elements of the text.

Be sure to include relevant details from the work to support your central ideas.

Carefully proofread your report and make any necessary revisions to create a polished final product. With proper planning and an organized approach, any student can master the art of writing engaging and insightful book reports.

I hope this step-by-step guide provided tips to help you successfully draft your next book review assignment.

The format of a book report typically includes an introduction, a summary of the plot, a character analysis, themes and messages, an evaluation/opinion, and a conclusion.

The length of a book report can vary depending on the assignment’s requirements, but typically it ranges from 500 to 2000 words.

Including quotes from the book can enhance your report, especially when providing evidence to support your analysis and opinions.

While it’s possible to write a book report without reading the entire book, it is strongly recommended to read the complete book to provide a comprehensive and accurate analysis.

Yes, using first-person pronouns is acceptable in a book report as it allows you to express your personal opinions and thoughts about the book.

About The Author

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What is Plot? An Author's Guide to Storytelling

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About Martin Cavannagh

Head of Content at Reedsy, Martin has spent over eight years helping writers turn their ambitions into reality. As a voice in the indie publishing space, he has written for a number of outlets and spoken at conferences, including the 2024 Writers Summit at the London Book Fair.

So, what is a plot in fiction? Let's check your understanding with a pop quiz: which of the following is the best example of a plot?

a. A boy finds a new family in a traveling circus run by orphans. b. An immigrant comes to the United States to start a new life. c. A king dies and then the queen dies out of grief. d. A high school girl discovers love from an unexpected source: a centuries-old vampire.

If you picked c, you’re right.

But what about a, b, and d? Well, strictly speaking, those are a mix of themes and premises, but the confusion is entirely understandable. Storytelling theory is packed with confusingly similar terms — and as you get further into the nuts and bolts of writing narrative, it helps to know the difference.

This post is here to help make sure that you don’t lose the plot when you’re writing your own story. But before we get that far, let’s first define plot.

What is plot?

Plot is the sequence of connected events that make up a narrative in a novel. Generally, a plot in fiction builds up to a climax and ends in a resolution at the finish of the story.

Of course, plot is one of storytelling’s major pillars. Some will say that if characters are the who and theme is the why , then the plot is the what of the story.

It is not a series of random incidents . There usually must be a cause-and-effect relationship between the events and the plot points. The king died and then the queen died , for instance, is not a plot, as E.M. Forster notes. But the king died and then the queen died out of grief is one because it reveals a causality in the sequence of scenes.

Plot is an incredibly complex thing. It is a key element of establishing your book in the literary community and into the hearts of readers. We as humans have become increasingly story aware—especially within the internet age, where countless stories are only a click away—and readers come to a story with high expectations, both on the conscious and subconscious level. — Chersti Nieveen , editor of multiple NYT bestsellers

So what is a plot diagram?

Structuring a story is a bit like a puzzle: it’s easy to jumble up all the moving pieces if you keep them all in a list (or, god forbid, in your head). That’s why many authors find it useful to turn to a plot diagram to visualize the structure and track every major “beat” in a story.

Now that you’re all caught up, it’s time to dive into some of the most popular plots in the history of literature. As you go through these plot examples, see if you can use the plot diagram to understand where each falls in the context of its plot structure.

What are some typical examples of plot?

Since the dawn of time, there have been millions of unique stories by writers, bards, and raconteurs. But can all of them be grouped into just a few master plots? According to journalist Christopher Booker, they can. We’ve taken a leaf from his book to show you some popular examples of plot.

Overcoming the Monster

A protagonist must defeat a threat to society. Sound familiar? If that rings a bell to you, that’s because this plot type is old as time: you can trace it all the way back to Beowulf (who needed to destroy Grendel) and Theseus (who needed to kill the Minotaur). That said, it doesn’t need to be an otherworldly monster. The “monster” could be, for instance, the villain in James Bond, or the big bad weasel in Redwall .

Further examples of this plot type: Jurassic Park , Little Red Riding Hood , King Kong , Frankenstein , Hunger Games

Rags to Riches

Someone poor becomes someone rich or successful. You might’ve encountered this (generally) feel-good story in such classics as My Fair Lady and Aladdin . It gives readers a chance to participate in a universally beloved pastime: rooting for the underdog.

Further examples of this plot type: Great Expectations , Cinderella , Slumdog Millionaire , Jane Eyre

The protagonist and friends go out in search of something . It could be a MacGuffin (such as Indiana Jones searching for the Crystal Skull), which is by far one of the most famous variations. Or it could be a fellow fish, such as in Finding Nemo! No matter what, the object at the end of the journey is the Holy Grail of this plot type, so to speak.

Further examples of this plot type: The Lord of the Rings , Le Morte d’Arthur , Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Voyage and Return

The protagonist and friends go out on a journey — with a return ticket. This differs from the Quest in that there’s no ultimate item to find. Instead, they’re simply on an adventure.

Let’s take Chronicles of Narnia as an example. When the Pevensie siblings walk through the wardrobe, they’re thrust unexpectedly into the magical world of Narnia. It’s up to them to navigate this new reality before they can return a bit older (and a bit wiser).

Further examples of this plot type: Alice in Wonderland , The Wizard of Oz , Star Trek, Where the Wild Things Are , The Odyssey

Is that. . . the smell of redemption in the air? That’s the gist of this plot type, in which “rebirth” is metaphorical for somebody coming good in the end. You’ll commonly find themes of new beginnings and renewal — The Grinch Who Stole Christmas is a great example.

Further examples of this plot type: A Christmas Carol , The Secret Garden

There are infinite variations

As you might be able to tell, there’s no definitive way to categorize plots in fiction. This is just one sample. Author John Gardner once said that there are only two stories in the world: a man goes on a journey, and a stranger comes to town. Meanwhile, writer Ronald Tobias came up with 20 total master plots while French author Georges Polti topped that with 36 dramatic situations that can be found in fiction.

That said, it goes without saying that there are infinite ways to actually write a plot. Slumdog Millionaire and Jane Eyre might both, for instance, involve rags-to-riches stories. However, no one would take one look at them and shout, “Twinsies!” That’s because the uniqueness of the story largely depends on how you plot the book.

Tips from Our Editors: How to plot a book

Since you now know what a plot is (and what forms it can take), let’s visit a few of our top editors for some practical advice on plot writing.

Ask "and so...?"

Plotting a book invariably brings up the controversial topic of outlining. Should you properly outline a book or not? It depends on whether you’re a plotter or a pantser — each will approach writing differently.

That said, Randall Klein , a former editor at Penguin Random House, recommends all writers to try and have a rough sketch of the “big picture” before they start writing. This means “getting the big moments down on paper,” he says. This will help you make sure that the “and so” thread is prevalent between each your big events.

“Does your narrative drag in between the action set pieces? Is there a build-up missing here and there? It's easier to tell when you've outlined the main discoveries that the reader (and the character) will make.”

If you're interested in learning more about the outlining phase, you can read this post that's all about how to outline a novel.

Make the stakes high enough

A story needs stakes to get a reader invested. If Frodo needed to drop off the Ring at Mount Doom because he just didn’t like rings — and not because the fate of Middle Earth was hanging in balance — we wouldn’t exactly be gripping the edges of our seats, would we?

That’s why you need to “make the reader worry,” says Hannah Sheppard , an editor and literary agent. “Make them care whether the protagonist succeeds. To ensure that happens, the stakes must be significant. Why should the protagonist care beyond generally being a decent person?” Take that as a reminder that character and plot are inextricably connected — which leads us to our next point.

Know what your character wants and why

As Ray Bradbury famously once said, “Plot is no more than footprints left in the snow after your characters have run by on their way to incredible destinations.” So if you want to get your characters sprinting , you first need to understand them inside and out.

That means knowing why they want something, advises editor Fiona McLaren : “Before you put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, find out why the character is going to go after their goal — not just on a superficial level, but down to their core beliefs. The deeper you dig, the more you develop your character’s motivations in life.” For a cheat sheet, we have a character template here you can download for free.

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Remember that Goal + Flaw + Stakes = Compelling Narrative

Don’t forget about your character’s flaw, says editor Katie McCoach . “The flaw of a character must be the thing about them that needs to change in order to reach their goal at the end of the book, or another way of viewing it is to ask: what is their fear that keeps them from reaching their goals?” This should feed into the conflict of the story, which will be instrumental in guiding the structure.

Don't plot in a vacuum

Ever watch a movie or read a book where you shook your head because the characters were acting “out-of-character”? That author probably fell into one of the biggest temptations of plotting: letting the plot drive the characters. Avoid that, warns Aja Pollock , a former editor at Simon & Schuster:

“A lot of authors get the outline in their minds, but when the desires of their characters don't align with where the plot is going, rather than adjusting the plot or rethinking the characters, they shoehorn their characters into situations that don't make sense.”

In other words, even plot turns and twists need to make sense first and foremost. Forcing the plot along will result in characters who behave falsely in readers' eyes — which will make the whole story seem hollow.

Toshi says:

19/11/2019 – 02:24

The article was okay. And, I'm a supporter. Thanks

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How to write a book report: 9 simple steps.

January 8, 2024

Book Report

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When writing a book report, you want to do more than just list the characters’ names, describe the plot, and summarize the action. You want to give a thoughtful analysis of each of these aspects and provide a context for your ideas by explaining how your experience reading the book affected your reaction to it.

But what if you’ve never written a book report before? What if you’ve only read one or two and gotten an F on them? How can you write a great book report?

That’s why we put together this guide: by following our 9 simple steps, you’ll be able to learn how to write a book report that will wow both your teacher and yourself!

To learn how to write a report, you must first pick up a book.

When choosing a book, many options are available, especially from American book writers . Look for authors who have made significant contributions to literature and have a writing style that resonates with you.

Consider the genre and subject matter that you find intriguing. Whether it’s a classic novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction work, or a contemporary bestseller, ensure it fits your assignment or personal reading goals.

An important aspect to consider is your comprehension level. It’s essential to choose a book that you can understand and engage with fully. If the language or complexity of the book is too challenging, it might hinder your enjoyment and comprehension. To avoid this, you can read reviews or sample chapters to understand the writing style and difficulty level.

Additionally, think about how the chosen book aligns with your interests. Reading something that genuinely captivates you will make the journey more enjoyable. It will also encourage you to delve deeper, analyze different aspects, and gain a more profound understanding of the book’s themes and messages.

When reading the book, it’s crucial to approach it with careful attention and focus. As you delve into the pages, make note of the essential elements, such as the plot, characters, and themes. Doing this step will help you learn how to write a book report.

Take time to understand the details of the story and how they interconnect. Pay attention to any notable quotes or passages that resonate with you.

It’s also important to consider the author’s writing style and the book’s overall tone. Some authors have a poetic or descriptive style, while others may have a more straightforward and concise approach. Understanding the writing style can enhance your appreciation for the book and help you analyze how effectively the author communicates their ideas.

Experienced book publishers play a vital role in the selection and publication of books. They have a keen eye for quality writing and can identify books that have the potential to engage readers. Taking note of the experiences and recommendations of trusted publishers can be a helpful guide in selecting well-crafted and engaging books.

As you read, take notes in the margins and use a highlighter to mark important passages. This will help you to remember what you found interesting or relevant.

It’s also helpful to write down any questions while reading. These can be used as prompts for an introductory paragraph or section of your report.

When writing a report, it’s important to be concise. You don’t want to just list the facts and figures–you want your reader to understand what they mean and how they relate to one another.

This is where your notes will come in handy. You can use them to ensure that the information you include is relevant, clear, and concise. You might start by briefly outlining what you want to include in each section of your report.

Understanding the guidelines and expectations of a book report assignment is crucial in learning how to write a book report and create insightful analysis.

For an academic task or personal project, familiarizing yourself with the specific requirements set by your instructor or the parameters of your project is essential. Pay attention to details such as the desired report length, formatting guidelines, and the depth of analysis expected.

In addition to adhering to assignment guidelines, employing a structured approach enhances the quality of your book report. Creating an outline delineating sections like introduction, summary, analysis, and conclusion helps organize your thoughts and ensures a coherent presentation of your ideas.

As you’re reading, it’s easy to get lost in the details of a book and forget its overall structure. Before writing it out, you must think about how your paper will be organized.

Your outline should include:

A summary of what happened in each chapter (or section). This is especially helpful if there are many characters or locations in your story; having this information written down will help keep them straight as you write about them later.
A list of important facts from each section/chapter that support your thesis statement (the main idea behind your essay). For example, if my thesis is “This book was very confusing,” then I would want examples from throughout the book where things were confusing to use as evidence when defending this point later in my essay.

In this step, you will write a draft of your book report. You may want to use some sticky notes or index cards to help organize your thoughts. But try not to get too caught up in formatting at this point. The most important thing is that you’ve got all the information on paper, making it easy for others to read and understand.

If possible, get feedback from someone else who has also read the book. Perhaps another student who took this class with you or even one of their parents! Ask them if they agree with how much detail went into each section of your report. Also, ask them if there were any areas where more explanation would benefit readers.

Once you have finished reading the book, it’s time to dive into a deeper analysis and evaluation. Start by identifying the book’s strengths and weaknesses. Consider aspects such as character development, writing style, themes, and the overall message conveyed by the author.

This evaluation will help you understand the book better and allow you to form your own opinions and interpretations.

For instance, if you read one of the best psychological horror books , analyze how effectively the author builds suspense and delivers psychological chills. Explore how the characters are developed and whether their psychological struggles are portrayed convincingly. Evaluate the writing style and how it adds to the atmosphere of fear and unease.

Be sure to offer personal insights and opinions. Discuss what resonated with you, what surprised you, or what you found particularly effective. Share any connections you drew between the book and your own experiences or beliefs.

Concluding a book report requires a thoughtful reflection on the main points discussed throughout the report. There is a simple way to learn how to wrap a book ; Consider it a way to encapsulate your thoughts and impressions after engaging with the book.

Start by summarizing the main points you raised throughout the report. Highlight key elements such as the plot, characters, themes, and writing style that stood out to you. This summary allows the reader to recollect the important aspects of the book you discussed.

Next, reflect on the book’s impact and relevance. Did the book leave a lasting impression on you? Did it challenge your perspectives or offer new insights? Consider how the book fits into the larger literary landscape.

Lastly, share your recommendation. Would you recommend this book to others? Explain your reasoning behind your recommendation. Discuss who might enjoy the book and why it could benefit different readers.

By concluding thoughtfully, you provide a satisfying end to your book report while leaving the reader with a clear understanding of your thoughts and recommendations. Remember to combine your main points and insights to create a cohesive and impactful ending.

Sharing your insights on a book report can be as rewarding as the reading process itself. After completing the analysis and crafting a comprehensive report, the final step is crucial—submitting or sharing your work. This step aligns with the purpose of your assignment, whether it’s for academic evaluation or sharing valuable perspectives.

When submitting your book report, ensure adherence to any specific guidelines your instructor or institution provides. Format the document according to the required structure, including title pages, citations (if applicable), and additional components.

On the other hand, if you’re sharing your thoughts and recommendations informally, consider the audience. Whether it’s peers, friends, or fellow book enthusiasts, engagingly conveys your key takeaways. Highlight the aspects that resonated with you, discuss the character’s themes, and provide insightful critiques.

Remember, the essence of sharing your book report lies in enthusiasm and confidence. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your analytical skills and understanding of the book, inspiring others to explore the same literary journey. Ultimately, enjoy the process and be proud of the effort you’ve dedicated to the report!

Writing a book report is a great way to get your name and show off your writing skills. It’s also a great way to improve your reading comprehension skills, as you must read the book closely and analyze it to write a good report.

If you’re ready to get started with your book report, use these 9 steps as a guide!

By following these nine steps and considering the additional tips, you’ll be able to craft a comprehensive and insightful book report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

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How to Write a Book Report

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We explain the pre-writing steps to writing a book report

Writing a book report can be a difficult task that requires you to deal with a large amount of information in a relatively small space. But don't be discouraged—in this article we outline how to prepare for your book report and in our later article we discuss how to write report on a book .

Tips for taking notes

Before you can sit down to write a book report, you must first read the required novel. As you read, remember to take notes on each chapter of the book. Simply reading the book and then writing your book report will likely result in a poorly organized assignment and a lot of flipping pages back and forth to find information. College book reports or essays are different from high school literary assignments in the sense that while you will be summarizing the text to some extent, you'll also be required to deal with the book on a meaningful level (i.e., interpret or extract meaning from the events of the story). For this reason, noting the following important elements in each chapter (as you read and before you begin to write) is highly important:

Main characters and their actions

While you don't need to write down every single thing that a character does, it's important to notice patterns of behavior across the entire arc of the story. Let's say you note that, in Chapter 1, the main character robs a convenience store because the owner fired him. Later, in Chapter 7, the same character slashes the tires of his neighbor's car because she parked in his parking space. While you wouldn't necessarily have to mention these two specific details in the book report, your careful examination of this character's actions allows you to call him "vindictive" in your report and have the proof to back it up.

The setting

Just as with noting the main characters and their actions, taking notice of settings will allow you to uncover patterns throughout the story. Perhaps you note that Chapters 1 through 3 take place in Brooklyn, and then in Chapter 4, a new character that lives in Tempe is introduced. As the story progresses, the character from Brooklyn makes his way to Columbus, Des Moines, and finally to Salem. Likewise, the character in Tempe travels to Santa Fe, Salt Lake City, and Boise before reaching Salem and reuniting with our first character. In your report, it's probably unnecessary to mention all of these cities. However, your examination of patterns throughout the plot of the story could lead you to report that two characters, one from New York City and the other from Tempe, reunite in Salem.

This one is quite simple. You should be writing down at least one noteworthy event from each chapter of the book.

Symbols and symbolism

Symbols are tricky. It can be said that symbols/symbolism are what ultimately allow readers to make meaning from a story that spans hundreds of pages. For example, in Dylan Thomas's "Do not go gentle into that good night," references to the "close of day" and "night" are generally deemed, by scholars, to be symbolic representations of death. Another example that everyone is familiar with is a red rose, which generally symbolizes love. Noting symbols in stories takes some practice, but this is what will ultimately make your book report stand out. If a symbol repeats throughout a story, it's likely not accidental; the author wants the readers to extract some sort of meaning from this symbol. If you can do this, you will likely receive a better grade than those who ignore this admittedly difficult point. If you think you've come upon a symbolic element in a story, we recommend asking yourself the following questions: How does this symbol relate to the actions of the characters and the events in the story? Does this symbol help explain an aspect of a character's personality or an event in the story? If so, how is this accomplished? Do any events in the story mirror real-life events? Do any characters mirror real-life people who are in the public eye? If so, what is the author trying to say by doing this? Finally, remember that symbols are useless unless related to the events and characters. Symbols should be considered tools that help you better understand the meaning behind a story.

If you've taken notes correctly, your book should be a little worse for wear when you're done reading it: you should have made notes in it, stuck tabs on noteworthy passages, and/or dog-eared important pages. The book is now yours ; you've connected with its contents in a meaningful way and are ready to start organizing your thoughts.

Organize your information into headings

Once you've finished reading the novel, look through your notes and, on a blank piece of paper, write down what you feel are the ten most important elements in the book, in no particular order. Next, take another page and write "Main Characters/Actions," "Setting," "Events," and "Symbols" as headings. Look at your first list and categorize each of your ten elements. This way, you can clearly see if you're ignoring one of the headings. For example, if you notice that you don't have anything under the "Symbols" heading, you'll need to look at your notes and include one or two elements there.

From note-taking to connection-making

Learning how to take good notes, while reading, is an important skill that every student should master. Granted, note-taking will slow your reading process down in the beginning (where you could once speed-read through a 350-page novel in one sitting, it may now take you three or four nights), but ultimately, this will be time well spent. This way, when it comes time to write your book report, you'll be armed with informative ideas and well thought-out interpretations. And remember, if you need a second opinion on your notes, be sure to send your document over to our essay editing services .

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How to write a book report

A book report is one of the first types of essays you probably learned to write in elementary school. But no matter how many book reports you turn in over the course of your student life, they can still inspire some anxiety and some confusion about the best way to write a book report, especially as you reach the high school and college level.

The good news is that the basics you learned in the early grades will serve you in good stead, since the book report format remains mostly the same. The very same structure and tools you used to dissect Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge will work just as well for Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale . What changes is the depth and breadth of your analysis as a high school and college student.

So, If you are wondering how to start a book report for a college class assignment, here are some of the key pieces of information you need to know.

What is a book report?

Let’s start off with some definitions. In the most general terms, a book report is a summary of a written text, often a fiction novel, but can also include other genres such as memoir and creative non-fiction. It includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc.

While the analysis should be reasoned and objective, it should also include your opinion and assessment of the impact and overall success of the author’s choices on the final work.

Book reports usually fall into one of the following types:

Plot summary

This type of book report isn’t just a re-telling of the story, it’s a comment on your overall impression of the plot — whether you thought it was engaging or maudlin or vapid, for example — backed up by direct quotes from the text to support your opinion.

Example of a plot summary thesis statement: The plot of Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” offers a poignant portrait of how depression robs a person of all motivation and momentum in life.

Character analysis

A character analysis zeroes in on a particular character (their characterization and actions) and their impact on the unfolding of the plot and its eventual outcome.

Example of a character analysis thesis statement: In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character of Phoebe, Holden’s bright and precocious younger sister, is a catalyst for rekindling his hope in humanity and reconsidering the choices he’s made in his life.

Theme analysis

A theme analysis looks at the overarching concepts, or themes, that run through a book and that give the text meaning and direction. Themes tend to be broad in nature, such as love, the importance of family, the impact of childhood, etc.

Example of a theme analysis thesis statement: Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen , explores the theme of death and how everyone sooner or later has to come to terms with the mortality of the people they love as well as their own.

How to start a book report

The very first step in writing a stellar book report that earns a top grade is actually reading the book. This may seem obvious, but many students make the assignment much harder on themselves by not putting in the time up front to do a thorough and complete reading of the book they’re going to be writing their report on. So resist the urge to skim the text or to rely on the Cliff’s notes version. A nuanced analysis requires a deep grasp of the text, and there is no substitute for focused, firsthand reading.

It’s a lot easier to stick with a book that you enjoy reading! If you have the chance to choose the book you’ll be writing a report on, take some time to select a book that appeals to you, considering the genre, time period, writing style, and plot.

It can be helpful to start thinking about your book report while you are still making your way through your initial reading of the text. Mark down passages that provide key turning points in the action, descriptive passages that establish time and place, and any other passages that stand out to you in terms of their word choice and use of language. This makes it much easier to go back later and start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your argument and analysis.

Once you finish reading the book from cover to cover, you’ll likely find that your mind is swirling with thoughts, impressions, and burgeoning analyses. At this stage, trying to distill all of these half-formed thoughts into one cohesive report may seem like a daunting task. One way to make this task more approachable is to start by collecting and listing the objective facts about the book. The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

The book’s title and author
The historical context of the book (when it was written)
The time(s) during which the story is set
The location(s) where the story takes place
A summary of the main characters and action of the story
Quotes from the book that will function as evidence to support your analysis

With all of the basics in hand, you can start to write your book report in earnest. Just like most other essay types, a well-written book report follows a basic structure that makes it easy for your reader to follow your thoughts and make sense of your argument.

A typical book report will open with an introduction that briefly summarizes the book and culminates with a thesis statement that advances an opinion or viewpoint about it. This is followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed points to flesh out and support that opinion in greater detail, including direct quotes from the text as supporting evidence. The report finishes with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with an understanding of the book, its aims, and whether or not you feel the book (and its author) was successful in doing what it set out to do. Ideally, the conclusion will also make a statement about how the book fits into the larger literary world.

A book report template you can use for any book report

If you find yourself stuck on how to start a book report, here’s a handy book report template you can use to get things off the ground. Simply use this structure and start filling it in with the specifics of the book you are writing your report on. Feel free to expand upon this book report template, adding more sections as appropriate.

Introduction

Write three to five sentences introducing the book and author as well as important contextual information about the book, such as the publication year and the overall critical reception at the time. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Include at least three body paragraphs that offer detailed information and analysis to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain one idea, backed up with direct quotes from the text alongside your critical analysis.

Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis and summarize the evidence you’ve presented in support of it. Relate your findings to a larger context about the book’s place within both the literary world and the world at large.

Frequently Asked Questions about book reports

A book report follows the format of most papers you write - it will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Depending on the type of book report, you will fill these parts with the required information.

These are the basic parts that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

The historical context of the book and time(s) during which the story is set

The book report is, among other things, also a summary of the plot, main characters, and ideas and arguments of the author. Your book report should help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not.

How many pages a book report should have depends on your assignment. It can be a half page, but it can also have many pages. Make sure to carefully read through your assignment and ask your professor if you are unsure .

A book report is a summary of a written text. A good book report includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc. A good book report helps the reader decide whether they want to read the book or not.

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How to Write a Book Report Quickly and Effectively

A book report is a detailed summary and analysis of a book's content that provides a comprehensive overview of the book's themes, characters, plot, and key ideas.

It typically includes a brief introduction to the book and its author, a summary of the main narrative or arguments, an examination of the primary characters or figures, and a discussion of the book's themes and messages.

To further answer the question of what is a book report, it’s necessary to add that it often includes the reviewer's personal reflections on the book, including their evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses and its overall impact.

This type of report helps readers understand the book's essence and significance without reading it. Follow these steps to write clear and insightful book reports:

Grab the essentials: Title, author, and a sprinkle of genre.
Hook 'em: Briefly introduce the story and its main conflict.
Plot points, not spoilers: Summarize key events without revealing the ending.
Meet the crew: Introduce the main characters and their roles.
Dig deeper: Analyze themes, writing style, or the author's message.
Wrap it up: Briefly summarize your main points and leave a lasting impression.

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What Is the Purpose of a Book Report

The purpose of a book report is to provide a structured way for readers to convey their understanding and analysis of a book. It aims to demonstrate the reader's comprehension of the book's content, including its themes, characters, plot, and key ideas.

Additionally, a book report helps develop critical thinking and writing skills, as it requires the reader to summarize the book concisely and thoughtfully evaluate its strengths and weaknesses.

Book Report Length

For elementary and middle school students, a book report might be around 1-2 pages long, focusing on a brief summary and basic analysis. For high school students, a book report typically ranges from 3-5 pages, providing a more in-depth analysis of the themes, characters, and plot.

As a college-level book report writer , aim for longer documents, potentially 5-10 pages, as it often requires a more comprehensive critique and evaluation of the book, incorporating critical thinking and thoroughly examining the author's purpose, style, and broader impact.

How to Write a Book Report (Steps + Examples)

A book report is a structured way of summarizing and analyzing a book's content. It helps readers understand the key elements of a book, such as its themes, characters, and plot, while also offering a personal evaluation of the work.

Below is a table outlining the typical format of a book report, detailing each section and its purpose:

Section 📚	Description 📝
📖Title and Author	Provide the book's title and the author's name.
📝Introduction	Briefly introduce the book, including the genre and any relevant background information.
🔍Summary	Summarize the main plot points or arguments, avoiding spoilers for key twists or the ending.
👤Characters	Describe the main characters, including their roles and development throughout the book.
🎭Themes	Discuss the central themes or messages of the book and how they are conveyed.
🖋️Analysis	Analyze the author's writing style, use of literary devices, and effectiveness in conveying the story or argument.
💭Personal Evaluation	Offer a personal reflection on the book, including what you liked or disliked and why.
🏁Conclusion	Summarize your overall thoughts on the book and its impact.

How to Start a Book Report

A book report captures the reader's interest while providing essential background information about the book. Here are the key steps to effectively begin a book report:

Title and Author

Example: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.

Basic Information

Mention the genre, publication date, and any relevant historical or cultural context.
Example: "Published in 1960, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a classic American novel set in the racially charged atmosphere of the 1930s Deep South."
Start with an intriguing fact, a quote from the book, or a thought-provoking question.
Example: "What drives a young girl to confront the harsh realities of prejudice and injustice in her small town?"

Brief Summary of the Book

Provide a concise overview of the book's plot without revealing any spoilers.
Example: "The novel follows Scout Finch, a young girl in Maycomb, Alabama, as her father, Atticus Finch, a principled lawyer, defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman."

Thesis Statement

Outline the main points you will cover in your report, such as themes, character analysis, and personal evaluation.
Example: "This report will explore the themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and compassion as depicted through Scout's perspective and Atticus's unwavering integrity."

Learn more: How to start a report .

Step 1 – Gather Your Clues

Every good detective needs their tools. Before you begin writing a book report, gather the book's title, author, and genre. This information provides the foundation for your report and helps establish context for your reader.

For example, if you're reporting on Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird," you'd identify it as a historical fiction novel.

Step 2 – Hook 'Em From the Start

Imagine yourself as a storyteller. Grab your reader's attention with a captivating book report introduction that depicts the story and its central conflict. Briefly introduce the main character and the world they inhabit.

For instance: "In Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' Scout Finch, a curious young girl living in the segregated South, witnesses racial injustice firsthand as her lawyer father defends a wrongly accused Black man. This sets the stage for a powerful exploration of prejudice and the fight for justice."

Step 3 – Plot Parade Through a Book Report Outline

Now that you've reeled your reader in, it's time to unveil the story's key events featured in the outline that we showed you earlier. Summarize the main plot points without revealing the ending. Focus on turning points and how they impact the characters' development.

Here's an example: "Scout, along with her brother Jem, become fascinated by the trial and grapple with complex issues of prejudice as they navigate a world riddled with racial tension. Their experiences force them to confront their own biases and learn valuable lessons about empathy and the importance of standing up for what's right."

Step 4 – Character Crew: Meet the Key Players

Just like a play, a book relies on its characters to drive the story forward. All book reports must introduce the main characters and their significance to the plot. Briefly describe their personalities, motivations, and how they contribute to the main conflict.

For example: "Scout Finch, the narrator, is a tomboyish and inquisitive girl who observes the world with a child's innocence. Atticus Finch, her wise father, embodies integrity and fights for justice despite facing prejudice in the community."

Step 5 – Dig Deeper (Optional)

Learning how to how to write a good book report up to par implies adding an extra layer of analysis, explore the book's themes, writing style, or the author's message.

Here's an example: "The novel explores themes of racial injustice, courage, and the importance of empathy. Lee's evocative writing style transports readers to the heart of the Deep South and allows them to experience the story through Scout's innocent eyes."

Step 6 – Quotes & Evidence: Prove Your Point

We’ve almost done learning how to do a book report, so stay tuned! Support your analysis with impactful quotes from the book. These quotes can strengthen your arguments and provide depth to your report.

For example: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it,'" (Lee, Chapter 3). This quote from "To Kill a Mockingbird" highlights the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.

Step 7 – Wrap it Up: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Conclude your report by summarizing your main points and providing a lasting impression. Briefly restate the book's significance and its impact on you as a reader.

Here's an example: "'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a timeless coming-of-age story that celebrates compassion and challenges social injustices. Scout's journey reminds us of the power of innocence and the importance of fighting for what's right, even in the face of adversity."

Tips for Writing a Book Report

Writing a book report might seem like a chore, but with the right approach, they can be a breeze! Here are some handy tips to transform your report-writing experience:

Be a Note Ninja: Annotate the book as you read! Underline key moments, jot down character traits, and highlight quotes that resonate with you. These notes will be gold when crafting your report.
Outline Like a Pro: Before diving into writing, create a simple outline. List sections like Introduction, Plot Summary, Characters, and Analysis (optional). This roadmap keeps your report organized and focused.
Show, Don't Tell: Instead of simply summarizing plot points, use vivid descriptions to bring the story alive. Imagine you're describing the book to a friend who hasn't read it yet.
Think Beyond the Surface: Go deeper than just plot and characters. Consider the author's writing style, the book's historical context, or any symbolism you encountered.
Vary Your Vocabulary: Spice up your writing! Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for common words and avoid repetition.
Proofread Like a Hawk: Don't underestimate the power of proofreading! Catch typos, grammatical errors, and clunky sentences before submitting your report.
Get all the Help You Need. Expert report writing services offer timely help to students who are struggling with this type of assignment.

Book Report Template

📖Title	[Book Title]
👨‍💼Author	[Author's Name]
📚Genre	[Genre (e.g. Fiction, Non-Fiction, Mystery, etc.)]

Section 📚	Description 📝
📝Introduction	Briefly introduce the title, author, and genre. Hook the reader with a captivating sentence about the story.
📖Plot Summary	Briefly summarize the main events, focusing on turning points and character development. Avoid revealing the ending!
👥Characters	Introduce the main characters and their importance to the plot. Briefly describe their personalities, motivations, and how they contribute to the conflict.
🔍Analysis (Optional)	Explore themes, writing style, or author's message. Use quotes from the book to support your points.
🏁Conclusion	Briefly summarize your main points about the book. Leave a lasting impression by sharing your thoughts and feelings about the story.
⭐Optional	Include a rating (e.g., out of 5 stars). Briefly mention the ideal reader for this book.

Book Report Example

Here’s a great example of a book report for your inspiration:

“As the threat of Nazi persecution intensifies, Annemarie's family decides to help their Jewish friends, the Rosens, escape to Sweden. Annemarie's brave and resourceful uncle Henrik devises a daring plan to smuggle the Rosens across the sea. Annemarie plays a crucial role in the operation, memorizing escape routes, delivering messages, and facing her fears.”

Writing a book report greatly benefits students, enhancing their comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical skills. Students deepen their understanding of the material by summarizing the book’s content and delving into its themes, characters, and narrative structure.

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Book Reports - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University. (n.d.). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/book_reports.html
Writing Book Reports - TIP Sheet - Butte College. (n.d.). Copyright Butte College, All Rights Reserved. https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/book_reports.html ‍
How to write a book review and a book report · Help & how-to · Concordia University Library. (2022, December 14). https://library.concordia.ca/help/writing/book-report.php

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How To Write a Good Book Report in Seven Steps

Are you having trouble writing your book report? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you seven easy steps that’ll help you write the perfect book report.

Need helping writing a book report? LanguageTool can help.

Quick Summary on How To Write a Book Report

As you read the book, highlight and take notes.
Reread the instructions of the assignment.
Organize your notes and create an outline.
Write a compelling introduction.
Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.
Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.
Edit and proofread.

What Is a Book Report?

A book report is an essay in which students explain and support their thoughts and views on a story, novel, or any other literary work.

There are several different types of book reports. Regardless of which type you’re writing, teachers and professors usually assign book reports as a way to ensure that their students have thoroughly understood the book. Below, we’ll go over how to write a good book report in seven easy steps.

How To Write a Book Report

1. as you read the book, highlight and take notes..

The first step of writing a good book report is to read the book, of course. However, it’s important to highlight and takes notes while reading it. Highlight anything that stands out to you or that evokes certain emotions. Write notes on patterns, themes, and characters. If you’re writing a book report on a nonfiction book, write notes on the major points of the book and what you think about them.

2. Revisit and reread the instructions of the assignment.

Once you’re done reading and taking notes, reread the instructions of the assignment. Find what it is you’re supposed to write about. Is it a character analysis? A plot summary? An exploration of themes and patterns, or something else? It’s also essential to follow the formatting guidelines, so make sure to use the correct font and spacing. If you have any questions, reach out to your teacher or professor.

3. Organize your notes and create an outline.

Gather your notes and arrange them into categories. Once you’ve completed this, write an outline and organize the categories to become the paragraphs of your book report. Jot down bullet points on what each paragraph will include and what part of the book can support it. As you start writing the book report, remain flexible. You don’t have to follow the outline exactly. You may realize that a few edits create a better flow.

4. Write a compelling introduction.

The introduction should be informative and catchy. You may want to start with a quote, climactic scene, or an unusual observation you had while reading the book. Towards the end of the introduction, you should write a one or two-sentence summary about the book, and then the last sentence should explain what exactly you’ll be writing about in the rest of the report.

Book Report Elements

Keep in mind that all book reports should contain:

The name and author of the book.
A thesis statement.
If you're writing about a fiction book, mention the setting, time period, and characters.
If you’re writing about a nonfiction book, mention the author’s main point in writing the book.
Evidence to support your arguments.

5. Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs are where you can include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence that bring your book report together.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a character analysis. You believe that the character that everyone sees as the protagonist is actually the antagonist. You should write why you believe that and include specific scenarios that help prove your point.

Or if you’re writing about a non-fiction book, you could use the body paragraphs to write about why you agree or disagree with the author. Similarly, you’d have to use examples and evidence to support your argument.

It’s a good idea to start off with your most compelling, evidence-backed point. Leave the weakest arguments for the middle, and end with another strong point. Lastly, whether you’re writing about fiction or non-fiction, commenting on writing style and tone is recommended (especially if it’s explicitly requested in the instructions).

6. Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.

The conclusion is just as important as the introduction, so make sure to set aside enough time to write one (students tend to rush through this part). Use the concluding paragraph to pull all your arguments together. Reiterate again what the main point was about, and then briefly summarize the main idea of your book report.

7. Edit and proofread.

Now that you’ve completed the first draft of your book report, it’s time to reread and make edits if needed. Are there any paragraphs you can move around that’ll improve the rhythm of your writing? Do you have enough evidence to back up your claims? Is your introduction captivating and descriptive?

While you’re rereading the book report, you should also be looking for typos and spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. If you want an extra set of eyes to look for all types of errors, you should use LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker. Not only will this advanced editor correct mistakes, but it supports more than twenty languages—meaning your book report will be perfect regardless of which language you’re writing it in.

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Literary Terms

Plot Definition

What is plot? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a play, novel, film, epic, or other narrative literary work. More than simply an account of what happened, plot reveals the cause-and-effect relationships between the events that occur.

Some additional key details about plot:

The plot of a story explains not just what happens, but how and why the major events of the story take place.
Plot is a key element of novels, plays, most works of nonfiction, and many (though not all) poems.
Since ancient times, writers have worked to create theories that can help categorize different types of plot structures.

Plot Pronounciation

Here's how to pronounce plot: plaht

The Difference Between Plot and Story

Perhaps the best way to say what a plot is would be to compare it to a story. The two terms are closely related to one another, and as a result, many people often use the terms interchangeably—but they're actually different. A story is a series of events; it tells us what happened . A plot, on the other hand, tells us how the events are connected to one another and why the story unfolded in the way that it did. In Aspects of the Novel, E.M. Forster uses the following examples to distinguish between story and plot:

“The king died, and then the queen died” is a story. “The king died, and then the queen died of grief” is a plot. The time-sequence is preserved, but the sense of causality overshadows it. Or again: “The queen died, no one knew why, until it was discovered that it was through grief at the death of the king.” This is a plot with a mystery in it.

Therefore, when examining a plot, it's helpful to look for events that change the direction of the story and consider how one event leads to another.

The Structure of a Plot

For nearly as long as there have been narratives with plots, there have been people who have tried to analyze and describe the structure of plots. Below we describe two of the most well-known attempts to articulate the general structure of plot.

Freytag's Pyramid

One of the first and most influential people to create a framework for analyzing plots was 19th-century German writer Gustav Freytag, who argued that all plots can be broken down into five stages: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and dénouement. Freytag originally developed this theory as a way of describing the plots of plays at a time when most plays were divided into five acts, but his five-layered "pyramid" can also be used to analyze the plots of other kinds of stories, including novels, short stories, films, and television shows.

Exposition is the first section of the plot. During the exposition, the audience is introduced to key background information, including characters and their relationships to one another, the setting (or time and place) of events, and any other relevant ideas, details, or historical context. In a five-act play, the exposition typically occurs in the first act.
The rising action begins with the "inciting incident" or "complication"—an event that creates a problem or conflict for the characters, setting in motion a series of increasingly significant events. Some critics describe the rising action as the most important part of the plot because the climax and outcome of the story would not take place if the events of the rising action did not occur. In a five-act play, the rising action usually takes place over the course of act two and perhaps part of act three.
The climax of a plot is the story's central turning point, which the exposition and the rising action have all been leading up to. The climax is the moment with the greatest tension or conflict. Though the climax is also sometimes called the crisis , it is not necessarily a negative event. In a tragedy , the climax will result in an unhappy ending; but in a comedy , the climax usually makes it clear that the story will have a happy ending. In a five-act play, the climax usually takes place at the end of the third act.
Whereas the rising action is the series of events leading up to the climax, the falling action is the series of events that follow the climax, ending with the resolution, an event that indicates that the story is reaching its end. In a five-act play, the falling action usually takes place over the course of the fourth act, ending with the resolution.
Dénouement is a French word meaning "outcome." In literary theory, it refers to the part of the plot which ties up loose ends and reveals the final consequences of the events of the story. During the dénouement, the author resolves any final or outstanding questions about the characters’ fates, and may even reveal a little bit about the characters’ futures after the resolution of the story. In a five-act play, the dénouement takes place in the fifth act.

While Freytag's pyramid is very handy, not every work of literature fits neatly into its structure. In fact, many modernist and post-modern writers intentionally subvert the standard narrative and plot structure that Freytag's pyramid represents.

Booker's "Meta-Plot"

In his 2004 book The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, Christopher Booker outlines an overarching "meta-plot" which he argues can be used to describe the plot structure of almost every story. Like Freytag's pyramid, Booker's meta-plot has five stages:

The anticipation stage , in which the hero prepares to embark on adventure;
The dream stage , in which the hero overcomes a series of minor challenges and gains a sense of confidence and invincibility;
The frustration stage , in which the hero confronts the villain of the story;
The nightmare stage , in which the hero fears they will be unable to overcome their enemy;
The resolution , in which the hero finally triumphs.

Of course, like Freytag's Pyramid, Booker's meta-plot isn't actually a fool-proof way of describing the structure of every plot, but rather an attempt to describe structural elements that many (if not most) plots have in common.

Types of Plot

In addition to analyzing the general structure of plots, many scholars and critics have attempted to describe the different types of plot that serve as the basis of most narratives.

Booker's Seven Basic Plots

Within the overarching structure of Booker's "meta-plot" (as described above), Booker argues that plot types can be further subdivided into the following seven categories. Booker himself borrows most of these definitions of plot types from much earlier writers, such as Aristotle. Here's a closer look at each of the seven types:

Comedy: In a comedy , characters face a series of increasingly absurd challenges, conflicts, and misunderstandings, culminating in a moment of revelation, when the confusion of the early part of the plot is resolved and the story ends happily. In romantic comedies, the early conflicts in the plot act as obstacles to a happy romantic relationship, but the conflicts are resolved and the plot ends with an orderly conclusion (and often a wedding). A Midsummer Night's Dream , When Harry Met Sally, and Pride and Prejudice are all examples of comedies.
Tragedy: The plot of a tragedy follows a tragic hero —a likable, well-respected, morally upstanding character who has a tragic flaw or who makes some sort of fatal mistake (both flaw and/or mistake are known as hamartia ). When the tragic hero becomes aware of his mistake (this realization is called anagnorisis ), his happy life is destroyed. This reversal of fate (known as peripeteia ) leads to the plot's tragic ending and, frequently, the hero's death. Booker's tragic plot is based on Aristotle's theory of tragedy, which in turn was based on patterns in classical drama and epic poetry. Antigone , Hamlet , and The Great Gatsby are all examples of tragedies.
Rebirth: In stories with a rebirth plot, one character is literally or metaphorically imprisoned by a dark force, enchantment, and/or character flaw. Through an act of love, another character helps the imprisoned character overcome the dark force, enchantment, or character flaw. Many stories of rebirth allude to Jesus Christ or other religious figures who sacrificed themselves for others and were resurrected. Beauty and the Beast , The Snow Queen , and A Christmas Carol are all examples of stories with rebirth plots.
Overcoming the Monster: The hero sets out to fight an evil force and thereby protect their loved ones or their society. The "monster" could be literal or metaphorical: in ancient Greek mythology, Perseus battles the monster Medusa, but in the television show Good Girls Revolt , a group of women files a lawsuit in order to fight discriminatory policies in their workplace. Both examples follow the "Overcoming the Monster" plot, as does the epic poem Beowulf .
Rags-to-Riches : In a rags-to-riches plot, a disadvantaged person comes very close to gaining success and wealth, but then appears to lose everything, before they finally achieve the happy life they have always deserved. Cinderella and Oliver Twist are classic rags-to-riches stories; movies with rags-to-riches plots include Slumdog Millionaire and Joy .
The Quest: In a quest story, a hero sets out to accomplish a specific task, aided by a group of friends. Often, though not always, the hero is looking for an object endowed with supernatural powers. Along the way, the hero and their friends face challenges together, but the hero must complete the final stage of the quest alone. The Celtic myth of "The Fisher-King and the Holy Grail" is one of the oldest quest stories; Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a satire that follows the same plot structure; while Heart of Darkness plays with the model of a quest but has the quest end not with the discovery of a treasure or enlightenment but rather with emptiness and disillusionment.
Voyage and Return: The hero goes on a literal journey to an unfamiliar place where they overcome a series of challenges, then return home with wisdom and experience that help them live a happier life. The Odyssey , Alice's Adventures in Wonderland , Chronicles of Narnia, and Eat, Pray, Love all follow the voyage and return plot.

As you can probably see, there's lots of room for these categories to overlap. This is one of the problems with trying to create any sort of categorization scheme for plots such as this—an issue we'll cover in greater detail below.

The Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey is an attempt to describe a narrative archetype , or a common plot type that has specific details and structure (also known as a monomyth ). The Hero's Journey plot follows a protagonist's journey from the known to the unknown, and back to the known world again. The journey can be a literal one, as in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or a purely metaphorical one. Regardless, the protagonist is a changed person by the end of the story. The Hero's Journey structure was first popularized by Joseph Campbell's 1949 book The Hero With a Thousand Faces. Later, theorists David Adams Leeming, Phil Cousineau, and Christopher Vogler all developed their own versions of the Hero's Journey structure. Each of these theorists divides The Hero's Journey into slightly different stages (Campbell identifies 17 stages, whereas Vogler finds 12 stages and Leeming and Cousineau use just 8). Below, we'll take a closer look at the 12 stages that Vogler outlines in his analysis of this plot type:

The Ordinary World: When the story begins, the hero is a seemingly ordinary person living an ordinary life. This section of the story often includes expository details about the story's setting and the hero's background and personality.
The Call to Adventure: Soon, the hero's ordinary life is interrupted when someone or something gives them an opportunity to go on a quest. Often, the hero is asked to find something or someone, or to defeat a powerful enemy. The call to adventure sometimes, but not always, involves a supernatural event. (In Star Wars: A New Hope , the call to adventure occurs when Luke sees the message from Leia to Obi-Wan Kenobi.)
The Refusal of the Call: Some heroes are initially reluctant to embark on their journey and instead attempt to continue living their ordinary life. When this refusal takes place, it is followed by another event that prompts the hero to accept the call to adventure (Luke's aunt and uncle getting killed in Star Wars ).
Meeting the Mentor: The hero meets a mentor: a wiser, more experienced person who gives them advice and guidance. The mentor trains and protects the hero until the hero is ready to embark on the next phase of the journey. (Obi-Wan Kenobi is Luke's mentor in Star Wars .)
Crossing the Threshold: The hero "crosses the threshold" when they have left the familiar, ordinary world behind. Some heroes are eager to enter a new and unfamiliar world, while others may be uncertain if they are making the right choice, but in either case, once the hero crosses the threshold, there is no way to turn back. (Luke about to enter Mos Eisley, or of Frodo leaving the Shire in Lord of the Rings .)
Tests, Allies, and Enemies: As the hero continues on their journey, they face a series of increasingly difficult "tests" or challenges. Along the way, they acquire friends who help them overcome these challenges, and enemies who attempt to thwart their quest. The hero may defeat some enemies during this phase or find ways to keep them temporarily at bay. These challenges help the reader develop a better a sense of the hero's strengths and weaknesses, and they help the hero become wiser and more experienced. This phase is part of the rising action .
Approach to the Innermost Cave: At this stage, the hero prepares to face the greatest challenge of the journey, which lies within the "innermost cave." In some stories, the hero must literally enter an isolated and dangerous place and do battle with an evil force; in others, the hero must confront a fear or face an internal conflict; or, the hero may do both. You can think of the approach to the innermost cave as a second threshold—a moment when the hero faces their doubts and fears and decides to continue on the quest. (Think of Frodo entering Mordor, or Harry Potter entering the Forbidden Forest with the Deathly Hallows, ready to confront Lord Voldemort.)
The Ordeal: The ordeal is the greatest challenge that the hero faces. It may take the form of a battle or physically dangerous task, or it may represent a moral or personal crisis that threatens to destroy the hero. Earlier (in the "Tests, Allies, and Enemies" phase), the hero might have overcome challenges with the help of friends, but the hero must face the ordeal alone. The outcome of the ordeal often determines the fate of the hero's loved ones, society, or the world itself. In many stories, the ordeal involves a literal or metaphorical resurrection, in which the hero dies or has a near-death experience, and is reborn with new knowledge or abilities. This constitutes the climax of the story.
Reward: After surviving the ordeal, the hero receives a reward of some kind. Depending on the story, it may come in the form of new wisdom and personal strengths, the love of a romantic interest, a supernatural power, or a physical prize. The hero takes the reward or rewards with them as they return to the ordinary world.
The Road Back: The hero begins to make their way home, either by retracing their steps or with the aid of supernatural powers. They may face a few minor challenges or setbacks along the way. This phase is part of the falling action .
The Resurrection: The hero faces one final challenge in which they must use all of the powers and knowledge that they have gained throughout their journey. When the hero triumphs, their rebirth is completed and their new identity is affirmed. This phase is not present in all versions of the hero's journey.
Return with the Elixir: The hero reenters the ordinary world, where they find that they have changed (and perhaps their home has changed too). Among the things they bring with them when they return is an "elixir," or something that will transform their ordinary life for the better. The elixir could be a literal potion or gift, or it may take the form of the hero's newfound perspective on life: the hero now possesses love, forgiveness, knowledge, or another quality that will help them build a better life.

Other Genre-Specific Plots

Apart from the plot types described above (the "Hero's Journey" and Booker's seven basic plots), there are a couple common plot types worth mentioning. When a story uses one of the following plots, it usually means that it belongs to a specific genre of literature—so these plot structures can be thought of as being specific to their respective genres.

Mystery : A story that centers around the solving of a baffling crime—especially a murder. The plot structure of a mystery can often be described using Freytag's pyramid (i.e., it has exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement), but the plots of mysteries also tend to follow other, more genre-specific conventions, such as the gradual discovery of clues culminating in the revelation of the culprit's identity as well as their motive. In a typical story (i.e., a non-mystery) key characters and their motives are usually revealed before the central conflict arises, not after.
Bindungsroman : A story that shows a young protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood (or immaturity to maturity), with a focus on the trials and misfortunes that affect the character's growth. The term "coming-of-age novel" is sometimes used interchangeably with Bildungsroman. This is not necessarily incorrect—in most cases the terms can be used interchangeably—but Bildungsroman carries the connotation of a specific and well-defined literary tradition, which tends to follow certain genre-specific conventions (for example, the main character often gets sent away from home, falls in love, and squanders their fortune). The climax of the Bildungsroman typically coincides with the protagonist reaching maturity.

Other Attempts to Classify Types of Plots

In addition to Freytag, Booker, and Campbell, many other theorists and literary critics have created systems classifying different kinds of plot structures. Among the best known are:

William Foster-Harris, who outlined three archetypal plot structures in The Basic Patterns of Plot
Ronald R. Tobias, who wrote a book claiming there are 20 Master Plots
Georges Polti, who argued there are in fact Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations
Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch, who in the early twentieth century outlined seven types of plot

And then there are the more atypical approaches to classifying the different types of plots:

In 1965, the University of Chicago rejected Kurt Vonnegut's college thesis, which claimed that folktales and fairy tales shared common structures, or "shapes," including "man in a hole," "boy gets girl" and "Cinderella." He went on to write Slaughterhouse-Five , a novel which subverts traditional narrative structures, and later developed a lecture based on his failed thesis .
Two recent studies, led by University of Nebraska professor Matthew Jockers and researchers at the University of Adelaide and the University of Vermont respectively, have used machine learning to analyze the plot structures and emotional ups-and-downs of stories. Both projects concluded that there are six types of stories.

Criticism of Efforts to Categorize Plot Types

Some critics argue that though archetypal plot structures can be useful tools for both writers and readers, we shouldn't rely on them too heavily when analyzing a work of literature. One such skeptic is New York Times book critic Michiko Kakutani, who in a 2005 review described Christopher Booker's Seven Basic Plots as "sometimes absorbing and often blockheaded." Kakutani writes that while Booker finds interesting ways to categorize stories by plot type, he is too fixated on finding stories that fit these plot types perfectly. As a result, Booker tends to idealize overly simplistic stories (and Hollywood films in particular), instead of analyzing more complex stories that may not fit the conventions of his seven plot types. Kakutani argues that, as a result of this approach, Booker undervalues modern and contemporary writers who structure their plots in different and innovative ways.

Kakutani's argument is a reminder that while some great works of literature may follow archetypal plot structures, they may also have unconventional plot structures that defy categorization. Authors who use nonlinear structures or multiple narrators often intentionally create stories that do not perfectly fit any of the "plot types" discussed above. William Faulker's The Sound and the Fury and Jennifer Egan's A Visit From the Goon Squad are both examples of this kind of work. Even William Shakespeare, who wrote many of his plays following the traditional structures for tragedies and comedies, authored several "problem plays," which many scholars struggle to categorize as strictly tragedy or comedy: All's Well That Ends Well , Measure for Measure , Troilus and Cressida, The Winter's Tale , Timon of Athens, and The Merchant of Venice are all examples of "problem plays."

Plot Examples

The following examples are representative of some of the most common types of plot.

The "Hero's Journey" Plot in The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The plot of The Hobbit closely follows the structure of a typical hero's journey.

The Ordinary World: At the beginning of The Hobbit , the story's hero, Bilbo Baggins, is living a comfortable life alongside his fellow hobbits in the Shire. (Hobbits are short, human-like creatures predisposed to peaceful, domestic routines.)
The Call to Adventure: The wizard Gandalf arrives in the Shire with a band of 13 dwarves and asks Bilbo to go with them to Lonely Mountain in order to reclaim the dwarves' treasure, which has been stolen by the dragon Smaug.
The Refusal of the Call: At first, Bilbo refuses to join Gandalf and the dwarves, explaining that it isn't in a hobbit's nature to go on adventures.
Meeting the Mentor: Gandalf, who serves as Bilbo's mentor throughout The Hobbit, persuades Bilbo to join the dwarves on their journey.
Cross the Threshold: Gandalf takes Bilbo to meet the dwarves at the Green Dragon Inn in Bywater, and the group leaves the Shire together.
Tests, Allies, and Enemies: Bilbo faces many challenges and trials on the way to the Lonely Mountain. Early in the trip, they are kidnapped by trolls and are rescued by Gandalf. Bilbo takes an elvish dagger from the trolls' supply of weapons that he uses throughout the rest of the journey. Soon Bilbo and the dwarves are captured by goblins, but they are rescued by Gandalf who also kills the Great Goblin. Later, Bilbo finds a magical ring (which becomes the focus of the Lord of the Rings books), and when the dwarves are captured later in the journey (once by giant spiders and once by elves), Bilbo uses the ring and the dagger to rescue them. Finally, Bilbo and the dwarves arrive at Lake Town, near the Lonely Mountain.
Approach to the Innermost Cave: Bilbo and the dwarves makes his way from Lake Town to the Lonely Mountain, where the dragon Smaug is guarding the dwarves' treasure. Bilbo alone is brave enough to enter the Smaug's lair. Bilbo steals a cup from Smaug, and also learns that Smaug has a weak spot in his scaly armor. Enraged at Bilbo's theft, Smaug flies to Lake-Town and devastates it, but is killed by a human archer who learns of Smaug's weak spot from a bird that overheard Bilbo speaking of it.
The Ordeal: After Smaug's death, elves and humans march to the Lonely Mountain to claim what they believe is their portion of the treasure (as Smaug plundered from them, too). The dwarves refuse to share the treasure and a battle seems evident, but Bilbo steals the most beautiful gem from the treasure and gives it to the humans and elves. The greedy dwarves banish Bilbo from their company. Meanwhile, an army of wargs (magical wolves) and goblins descend on the Lonely Mountain to take vengeance on the dwarves for the death of the Great Goblin. The dwarves, humans, and elves form an alliance to fight the wargs and goblins, and eventually triumph, though Bilbo is knocked unconscious for much of the battle. (It might seem odd that Bilbo doesn't participate in the battle, but that fact also seems to suggest that the true ordeal of the novel was not the battle but rather Bilbo's moral choice to steal the gem and give it to the men and elves to counter the dwarves growing greed.)
Reward: The victorious dwarves, humans, and elves share the treasure among themselves, and Bilbo receives a share of the treasure, which he takes home, along with the dagger and the ring.
The Road Back: It takes Bilbo and Gandalf nearly a year to travel back to the Shire. During that time they e-visit with some of the people they met on their journey out and have many adventures, though none are as difficult as those they undertook on the way to the Lonely Mountain.
The Resurrection: Bilbo's return to the Shire as a changed person is underlined by the fact that he has been away so long, the other hobbits in the Shire believe that he has died and are preparing to sell his house and belongings.
Return with the Elixir: Bilbo returns to the shire with the ring, the dagger, and his treasure—enough to make him rich. He also has his memories of the adventure, which he turns into a book.

Other examples of the Hero's Journey Plot Structure:

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse
The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The Iliad by Homer

The Comedic Plot in Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's play, Twelfth Night , is generally described as a comedy and follows what Booker would call comedic plot structure. At the beginning of the play, the protagonist, Viola is shipwrecked far from home in the kingdom of Illyria. Her twin brother, Sebastian, appears to have died in the storm. Viola disguises herself as a boy, calls herself Cesario, and gets a job as the servant of Count Orsino, who is in love with the Lady Olivia. When Orsino sends Cesario to deliver romantic messages to Olivia on his behalf, Olivia falls in love with Cesario. Meanwhile, Viola falls in love with Orsino, but she cannot confess her love without revealing her disguise.

In another subplot, Olivia's uncle Toby and his friend Sir Andrew Aguecheek persuade the servant Maria to play a prank convincing another servant, Malvolio, that Olivia loves him. The plot thickens when Sebastian (Viola's lost twin) arrives in town and marries Olivia, who believes she is marrying Cesario. At the end of the play, Viola is reunited with her brother, reveals her identity, and confesses her love to Orsino, who marries her. In spite of the chaos, misunderstandings, and challenges the characters face in the early part of the plot—a source of much of the play's humor— Twelfth Night reaches an orderly conclusion and ends with two marriages.

Other examples of comedic plot structure:

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Love's Labor's Lost by William Shakespeare
Emma by Jane Austen
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Lysistrata by Aristophanes
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

The Tragic Plot in Macbeth by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare's play Macbeth follows the tragic plot structure. The tragic hero , Macbeth, is a Scottish nobleman, who receives a prophecy from three witches saying that he will become the Thane of Cawdor and eventually the King. After King Duncan makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, Lady Macbeth persuades her husband to fulfill the prophecy by secretly murdering Duncan. He does, and is named King. Later, to ensure that Macbeth will remain king, they also order the assassination of the nobleman Banquo, his son, and the wife and children of the nobleman Macduff. However, as Macbeth protects his throne in ever more bloody ways, Lady Macbeth begins to go mad with guilt. Macbeth consults the witches again, and they reassure him that "no man from woman born can harm Macbeth" and that he will not be defeated until the "wood begins to move" to Dunsinane castle. Therefore, Macbeth is reassured that he is invincible. Lady Macbeth never recovers from her guilt and commits suicide, and Macbeth feels numb and empty, even as he is certain he can never be killed. Meanwhile an army led by Duncan's son Malcolm, their number camouflaged by the branches they carry, so that they look like a moving forest, approaches Dunsinane. In the fighting Macduff reveals he was born by cesarian section, and kills Macbeth.

Macbeth's mistake ( hamartia ) is his unrelenting ambition to be king, and his trust in the witches' prophecies. He realizes his mistake in a moment of anagnorisis when the forest full of camouflaged soldiers seems to be moving, and he experiences a reversal of fate ( peripeteia ) when he is defeated by Macduff.

Other examples of tragic plot structure:

Antigone by Sophocles
Oedipus at Colonus by Sophocles
Agamemnon by Aeschylus
The Libation Bearers by Aeschylus
The Eumenides by Aeschylus
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Othello by William Shakespeare
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

The "Rebirth" Plot in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens' novel A Christmas Carol is an example of the "rebirth" plot. The novel's protagonist is the miserable, selfish businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, who mistreats his clerk, Bob Cratchit, who is a loving father struggling to support his family. Scrooge scoffs at the notion that Christmas is a time for joy, love, and generosity. But on Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, who warns Scrooge that if he does not change his ways, his spirit will be condemned to wander the earth as a ghost. Later that night, he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come. With these ghosts, Scrooge revisits lonely and joyful times of his youth, sees Cratchit celebrating Christmas with his loved ones, and finally foresees his own lonely death. Scrooge awakes on Christmas morning and resolves to change his ways. He not only celebrates Christmas with the Cratchits, but embraces the Christmas spirit of love and generosity all year long. By the end of the novel, Scrooge has been "reborn" through acts of generosity and love.

Other examples of "rebirth" plot structure:

The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Snow White by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson
Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve

The "Overcoming the Monster" Plot in Beowulf

The Old English epic poem, Beowulf , follows the structure of an "overcoming the monster" plot. In fact, the poem's hero, Beowulf, defeats not just one monster, but three. As a young warrior, Beowulf slays Grendel, a swamp-dwelling demon who has been raiding the Danish king's mead hall. Later, when Grendel's mother attempts to avenge her son's death, Beowulf kills her, too. Beowulf eventually becomes king of the Geats, and many years later, he battles a dragon who threatens his people. Beowulf manages to kill the dragon, but dies from his wounds, and is given a hero's funeral. Three times, Beowulf succeeds in protecting his people by defeating a monster.

Other examples of the overcoming the monster plot structure:

Dracula by Bram Stoker
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

The "Rags-to-Riches" Plot in Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre is an example of a "rags-to-riches" plot. The protagonist, Jane, is a mistreated orphan who is eventually sent away to a boarding school where students are severely mistreated. Jane survives the school and goes on to become a governess at Thornfield Manor, where Jane falls in love with Mr. Rochester. The two become engaged, but on their wedding day, Jane discovers that Rochester's first wife, Bertha, has gone insane and is imprisoned in Thornfield's attic. She leaves Rochester and ends up finding long-lost cousins. After a time, her very religious cousin, St. John, proposes to her. Jane almost accepts, but then rejects the proposal. She returns to Thornfield to discover that Bertha started a house fire and leapt off the roof of the burning building to her death, and that Rochester had been blinded by the fire in an attempt to save Bertha. Jane and Rochester marry, and live a quiet and happy life together. Jane begins the story with nothing, seems poised to achieve true happiness before losing everything, but ultimately has a happy ending.

Other examples of the rags-to-riches plot structure:

Cinderella by Charles Perrault
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
Villette by Charlotte Brontë
Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackery

The Quest Plot in Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

Siddhartha , by Herman Hesse, follows the structure of the "quest" plot. The novel's protagonist, Siddartha, leaves his hometown in search of spiritual enlightenment, accompanied by his friend, Govinda. On their journey, they join a band of holy men who seek enlightenment through self-denial, and later, they study with a group of Bhuddists. Disillusioned with religion, Siddartha leaves Govinda and the Bhuddists behind and takes up a hedonistic lifestyle with the beautiful Kamala. Still unsatisfied with his life, he considers suicide in a river, but instead decides to apprentice himself to the man who runs the ferry boat. By studying the river, Siddhartha eventually obtains enlightenment.

Other examples of the quest plot structure:

Candide by Voltaire
Don Quixote by Migel de Cervantes
A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Perceval by Chrétien
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

The "Voyage and Return" Plot in Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston's novel Their Eyes Were Watching God follows what Booker would describe as a voyage and return plot structure. The plot follows the hero, Janie, as she seeks love and happiness. The novel begins and ends in Eatonville, Florida, where Janie was brought up by her grandmother. Janie has three romantic relationships, each better than the last. She marries a man named Logan Killicks on her grandmother's advice, but she finds the marriage stifling and she soon leaves him. Janie's second, more stable marriage to the prosperous Joe Starks lasts 20 years, but Janie does not feel truly loved by him. After Joe dies, she marries Tea Cake, a farm worker who loves, respects, and cherishes her. They move to the Everglades and live there happily for just over a year, when Tea Cake dies of rabies after getting bitten by a dog during a hurricane. Janie mourns Tea Cake's death, but returns to Eatonville with a sense of peace: she has known true love, and she will always carry her memories of Tea Cake with her. Her journey and her return home have made her stronger and wiser.

Other examples of the voyage and return plot structure:

The Odyssey by Homer
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
By the Waters of Babylon by Stephen Vincent Benét

Other Helpful Plot Resources

What Makes a Hero? Check out this awesome video on the hero's journey from Ted-Ed.
The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations : Visit Wikipedia for an overview of George Polti's theory of dramatic plot structure.
Why Tragedies Are Alluring : Learn more about Aristotle's tragic structure, ancient Greek and Shakespearean tragedy, and contemporary tragic plots.
The Wikipedia Page on Plot: A basic but helpful overview of plots.

The printed PDF version of the LitCharts literary term guide on Plot

Bildungsroman
Climax (Figure of Speech)
Falling Action
Rising Action
Tragic Hero
Anadiplosis
Antanaclasis
Rhetorical Question
Deus Ex Machina
Climax (Plot)
Round Character
Static Character
Dynamic Character
Slant Rhyme
Anachronism
Point of View

Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.

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Writing Tips

How to Write a Book Report

5-minute read

5th September 2021

A book report is an essay that summarizes the main ideas presented by the author. But how do you write a good book report? Our top tips include:

Check the assignment instructions so you know what you need to do.
Read the book , making notes as you go.
Plan your book report and create an essay outline .
Write up your report , using examples and quotes to support your points.
Revise and proofread your work to eliminate errors.

In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.

1. Check the Assignment Instructions

Book reports come in many different types, so the first thing you should do if you’re asked to write one is check the assignment instructions carefully. Key aspects of the essay instructions to pay attention to include:

The required length of the book report (and any maximum word count ).
Whether you will be assigned a book to write about or whether you will be asked to pick one yourself (either from a list supplied by the tutor or based on a set of requirements, such as a book about a set topic).
What aspects of the book to write about (e.g., will it just be a summary of the book’s content, or will you also need to offer some critical analysis?).
Any requirements for structuring and formatting your report (e.g., whether to break the essay up into sections with headings and subheadings).

If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.

2. Read the Book and Make Notes

Next, you’ll need to read the book you’re writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you’ll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report).

When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:

Basic bibliographic details, including the title, author name(s), year of publication, publisher, and number of pages.
How the book is structured (e.g., whether it uses chapters).
The overall plot or argument, plus key ideas and/or plot points from each part.
For works of fiction, important characters and themes.
Significant quotations or examples you might want to use in your report.

Where possible, make sure to note down page numbers as well. This will make it easier to find the relevant parts again when you’re reviewing your notes.

3. Outline Your Book Report

How you structure your report will ultimately depend on the length (e.g., a short, 500-word report is unlikely to use separate sections and headings, while a longer one will need these to help break up the text and guide the reader) and the assignment instructions, so make sure to review these carefully.

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However, common elements of a book report include:

An introductory paragraph or section with basic book details (e.g., the title, author(s), genre, publisher, publication date, and intended audience).
Information about the author’s background and, where relevant, credentials.
An overview of the book’s plot (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or its main idea (other non-fiction), sometimes with a section-by-section breakdown.
Information on characters, setting, and themes (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or key ideas and concepts set out by the author (other non-fiction).
Where required, critical analysis or evaluation of the book.

When planning your book report, then, use your notes and the assignment instructions to outline your essay, breaking it down into clearly defined sections and noting what you will include in each one.

4. Write Up Your Book Report

When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:

Imagine the reader will be unfamiliar with the book and try to ensure your report covers all the information they’d need to know what it is about.
Use clear, concise language to make your report easy to follow. Look out for wordiness and repetition, and don’t be tempted to pad out your report with irrelevant details just to increase the word count!
Use examples and quotations to support your points (but don’t rely too heavily on quotations; keep in mind that the report should be in your own words).
Follow the formatting instructions set out in your style guide or the assignment instructions (e.g., for fonts, margins, and presenting quotations).

If you use quotations in your report, moreover, make sure to include page numbers! This will help the reader find the passages you’ve quoted.

5. Revise and Proofread Your Work

When you have the first draft of your book report, if you have time, take a short break (e.g., overnight) before re-reading it. This will help you view it objectively. Then, when you do re-read it, look out for ways you could improve it, such as:

Typos and other errors that need correcting.
Issues with clarity or places where the writing could be more concise (reading your work aloud can make it easier to spot clunky sentences).
Passages that would benefit from being supported with a quote or example.

It’s also a good idea to re-read the assignment instructions one last time before submitting your work, which will help you spot any issues you missed.

Finally, if you’d like some extra help checking your writing, you can have it proofread by a professional . Submit a free sample document today to find out more.

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7 Effective Tips on How to Write a Book Report

Did you know that the skills you use in crafting an awesome TikTok video – or even strategizing your next chess move – sharp observations, creative thinking, and clear communication, can be honed further by writing an effective book report?

Across generations, students have grappled with the task of writing book reports, an assignment that can seem as intimidating as it is ubiquitous. Perhaps you are one of those students confronted with the assignment of preparing a book report and feeling somewhat adrift, unsure of where to start. It’s perfectly normal to experience a sense of frustration when navigating uncharted waters. Yet, take heart – your quest for accessible, straightforward advice on how to craft an exemplary book report concludes here. Together, let’s transform this daunting task into a rewarding learning journey.

📚 Learn What a Book Report Is

A book report is a piece of writing based on a book you have read. Its aim is to check how well you have understood the book and whether you get the ideas that the author talks about. There are different formats of book reports, such as character analysis, themes analysis, or a simple plot summary. You might also need to comment on how the author of the book uses language and various literary techniques.

Importantly, writing a book report is not only about summarizing the content of the book, but it also requires contextual understanding. This means that you should be aware of the social, historical, or cultural context in which the book was written and how it impacts the narrative. For example, a book written during the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. might contain themes of racial equality and social justice, which could be understood better if we know the context.

Regardless of the book and type of report that you need to compose, the paper should contain the following things:

a title of the book and its author
the time when all events happen
the location of the events described in the story
information about the characters, including their names and short descriptions of their personalities
examples and quotes from the book as evidence to support your ideas.

🤔 Understand The Instructions

Before writing your report, make sure you fully understand the requirements of the assignment. They determine what you will have to focus on while reading. Pay special attention to the following aspects:

Book. Your professor may assign a specific book for you to analyze, or you might need to select it yourself from the list or based on the given criteria by the tutor.
Word count . Check how long the paper must be. Chances are there are both minimum and maximum length limits.
Structure. Often, instructions indicate how the paper should look like, what parts it should include, what subheadings to add, etc. Take notes of all these details.
Type of the report. You might need to analyze characters, topics, and dialogues or simply summarize the reading.

If any parts of the instructions seem confusing, be sure to clarify them with your professor as soon as possible.

✍️ Create An Outline To Plan Writing

Creating an outline for your book report is like designing a new level in your favorite video game. Just as you’d plan out all the elements of your level, you need to know what you’ll cover in your book report and where. It’s not just about writing down your ideas in order; it’s about planning your work effectively. Here’s a simple template for a book report outline that you might find helpful:

Introduction: Include the book’s title, author, genre, and thesis statement.
Summary of the Book: Briefly describe the plot, but don’t give away any spoilers or the ending.
Character Analysis: Choose one or two main characters and discuss their traits, actions, and growth throughout the book.
Theme Analysis: Identify the main themes of the book and provide your analysis of how these themes are conveyed.
Personal Response: Share your thoughts and opinions on the book. Did you like it? Why or why not? Provide specific examples from the book to support your views.
Conclusion: Restate your thesis statement and summarize your analysis.

Following this template will ensure you touch on all the crucial parts of a book report, helping you stay organized as you write.

🌟 Make Your Introduction Engaging

The way you write an introduction matters because it is the first thing that your audience will read. That is why we recommend making it engaging from sentence one. When you catch readers’ attention and interest with the very first sentence, you use a technique called a hook, and it gets its name for a very good reason. If the hook is well-written, it can catch your readers’ attention and make them want to read your book report fully, thus making your introduction very powerful.

After the hook, introduce the book, its author, and other general information about it. Let the readers know what your paper will be about: the plot, characters, setting, literary techniques, etc. Finally, add a thesis statement. It is one sentence at the end of the introduction that provides insight into your further ideas and makes the paper focused. Starting with the hook and finishing with the thesis statement is a winning formula for any introduction. For instance, a strong thesis statement for a book report on ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ might be: ‘J.D. Salinger explores the theme of adolescent isolation and the journey toward self-identity through the character of Holden Caulfield.’

🎯 Stay Organized And Focused

You are done with the introduction, so it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty of writing a book report. A major part of the paper is the summary of the plot and critical analysis of the reading. Here is what each of these sections should be about.

Summary. It’s necessary to understand and remember the most important events and characters. This section simply recounts the events of the book and does not contain comments on symbolism, metaphors, characters’ nature, etc.

Critical analysis: Here, you should avoid retelling at all costs; instead, you need to focus on the meanings. Your writing must reveal what is behind the events, the character’s behavior, and the place and time of the event in the story. It is necessary to discuss symbolism, metaphors, the motivation of characters, and the way they change throughout the story or how they interact with each other. Also, it is important to use quotes and examples from the book to support any conclusions you make about the book. This part of the report is the most important and deserves 2/3 of the paper’s length.

✨ Keep The Plot Summary Neat

When writing the plot summary, do not go into too much detail. It is better if it does not exceed 1/3 of the paper. It means that if you need to write a 3-page book report, your summary can take up to 1 page only. Your task is to let the audience catch a glimpse of what the book is about. So, just like when discussing new movies with your buddies, stick to the rule of no spoilers. You may write that the main character faces a huge challenge by the end of the story instead of revealing that there is a huge and epic fight with a dragon. You may check how they write movie or book summaries on review websites since they provide good examples of how to avoid writing too much.

By now, you might be done with writing the introduction, body, and conclusion, but you are surely not done with the paper yet. Just like you’d review and tweak your latest Instagram post before hitting share, revising your book report is an essential final step. This stage allows you to refine your language, correct errors, and ensure that your report is logically organized and coherent.

When revising, use this checklist to help guide you:

Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.
Ensure consistency in tense and point of view.
Look for repetitive or redundant sentences and rephrase them for clarity.
Make sure each paragraph follows a logical structure and contributes to your overall argument.
Verify that all sources are cited correctly, and your formatting aligns with the assigned style guide (MLA, APA, etc.).

For an effective revision process, consider taking a short break after writing before you start revising. This allows you to return with fresh eyes and spot errors or awkward phrasing more easily. Reading your text aloud can also help you identify run-on sentences or areas that lack clarity.

Finally, don’t hesitate to use tools like Grammarly to check for common grammar and spelling mistakes and citation generators to ensure your sources are correctly cited. Remember, the devil is in the details, and meticulous revision can elevate your book report from good to great!

As we wrap up, remember that crafting a book report goes beyond a mere assignment. It’s an enriching journey that broadens your perspective, deepens your literary understanding, and sharpens your communication skills – invaluable assets that transcend the classroom. Each book is a treasure trove of experiences, with lessons to learn and wisdom to glean. Your mission is to delve into this trove and articulate its essence compellingly.

The guidelines we’ve outlined in this piece – deciphering your task, charting an outline, creating a gripping introduction, keeping your discourse focused, summarizing without spoiling, and meticulous revising – are your trusted allies in penning a comprehensive and intriguing book report. Don’t view it as an intimidating chore but rather as an exciting adventure teeming with novel ideas, diverse perspectives, and compelling narratives. You’ll be surprised at the insights that await – about the text and, perhaps, about yourself.

So, what are you waiting for? Select a book, dive into its narrative, and embark on the rewarding voyage of report writing. We’re eager to discover the fascinating worlds you’ll expose, the complex characters you’ll dissect, and the powerful themes you’ll discuss. Remember, every riveting book report stems from the simple decision to begin. The time to start is now. Grab that book and ignite your journey of literary discovery today. And don’t be shy; share your journey with us. What insights did you glean? Which part of the process resonated with you the most? We’re all ears. Best of luck, and enjoy your reading!

❓ Questions You Might Have

What makes a character analysis crucial in a book report? When you dissect the characters, their motivations, and how they evolve, you’re getting into the very soul of the book. You get a chance to discuss how their decisions and actions shape the narrative and weave the themes together. It’s like getting to know real people and understanding their influence on the events around them.
Why bother with a theme analysis in my book report? Themes are the hidden threads that hold the story together. When you unpick these threads, you unlock the author’s message. You start to see how the book ties into larger, real-world conversations, which sharpens your ability to think critically about literature and life.
Why do I need a thesis statement in my book report? Think of your thesis statement as a guiding star. It’s your big idea, your argument. It brings focus to your report, gives it direction, and keeps your analysis on point. An effective thesis statement can turn your book report from a simple summary into an engaging exploration.

💡 Extra Resources to Assist You

If you’re looking for additional help or desire to deepen your understanding of writing a book report, here are some tools and resources that you may find beneficial:

Online Literature Guides: Websites like SparkNotes , CliffsNotes , or LitCharts offer detailed book summaries, character analyses, theme breakdowns, and more. They can be excellent supplemental material to your reading.
Grammar and Writing Tools: Applications such as Grammarly or Hemingway Editor can help you catch grammar errors, improve your writing style, and ensure clarity and conciseness in your report.
Citation Generators: If you’re struggling with referencing, tools like EasyBib or Citation Machine can aid you in generating accurate citations in MLA, APA, or other required formats.
Writing Communities: Platforms such as Scribophile , Wattpad , or the Writing subreddit (r/writing) on Reddit can be valuable places to share your work, get feedback, or engage in fruitful discussions about writing book reports.

Do remember that these tools are here to support your writing process, not replace your own analysis and thought. The best book report is one that combines clear, correct writing with your own unique insights into the book.

With these tools and the tips provided, you’re well-equipped to craft an exceptional book report. Good luck, and happy writing!

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Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice

Glossary of Grammatical and Rhetorical Terms

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

A book report is a written composition or oral presentation that describes, summarizes , and (often, but not always) evaluates a work of fiction or nonfiction .

As Sharon Kingen points out below, a book report is primarily a school exercise, "a means of determining whether or not a student has read a book" ( Teaching Language Arts in Middle Schools , 2000).

Characteristics of a Book Report

Book reports generally follow a basic format that includes the following information:

the title of the book and its year of publication
the name of the author
the genre (type or category) of the book (for example, biography , autobiography , or fiction)
the main subject, plot , or theme of the book
a brief summary of the key points or ideas treated in the book
the reader's response to the book, identifying its apparent strengths and weaknesses
brief quotations from the book to support general observations

Examples and Observations

"A book report is a way for you to let others know about a book you have read. A good book report will help others decide whether they want to read the book or not." (Ann McCallum, William Strong, and Tina Thoburn, Language Arts Today . McGraw-Hill, 1998)
Contrasting Views on Book Reports - "Keep in mind always that a book report is a hybrid, part fact and part fancy. It gives hard information about the book, yet it is your own creation, giving your opinion and judgment of it." (Elvin Ables, Basic Knowledge and Modern Technology . Varsity, 1987) - "Your instructor may occasionally assign a book report . A book report is to be sharply distinguished from a research paper , for it deals with one book in its entirety—not with certain aspects of several books and documents . . .. The book report is also to be clearly distinguished from a book review or a critical essay , for it merely reports on a book without undertaking to compare it with other books or to pass judgment on its value." (Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren, Modern Rhetoric . Harcourt, 1972) - "A book report is a summary of the contents, plot , or thesis of a particular book, . . . preceded by a full bibliographical citation . The writer of a book report is not required to evaluate the author, although he oftentimes does so." (Donald V. Gawronski, History: Meaning and Method . Sernoll, 1967)
Quick Tips "I'll give you some tips on how to write a good book report right now. "Tell the name of the book. Tell the name of the author. The Wizard of Oz was written by L. Frank Baum. "Tell if you think he's a good writer. Tell the names of all the characters in the book. Tell what they did. Tell where they went. Tell who they were looking for. Tell what they finally found. Tell how they treated each other. Tell about their feelings. "Tell that you read some to your sister. Tell that she liked it. "Read some to a friend. Then you can even tell that your friend liked it." (Mindy Warshaw Skolsky, Love From Your Friend, Hannah . HarperCollins, 1999)
Problems Associated With Book Reports "Typically a book report is a means of determining whether or not a student has read a book. Some teachers also consider these reports as a major part of their composition program. However, there are several problems associated with book reports. First, students can generally find out enough about a book to write a report without actually reading it. Second, book reports tend to be boring to write and boring to read. The writing is usually uninspired because students have no ownership of the task and no commitment to it. Furthermore, book reports are not real-world writing tasks. Only students write book reports." (Sharon Kingen, Teaching Language Arts in Middle Schools: Connecting and Communicating . Lawrence Erlbaum, 2000)
The Lighter Side of Book Reports "I took a speed-reading course and read War and Peace in 20 minutes. It involves Russia." (Woody Allen)
Margin (Composition Format) Definition
Definition of Appendix in a Book or Written Work
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What Is a Glossary?
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Conclusion in Compositions
Which Words in a Title Should Be Capitalized?
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Reported Speech
All About Capitalization
How Neologisms Keep English Alive
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What Is Proposal Writing?
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Writing a Book Report

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
Main Ideas: 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?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? 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?
Recommend: 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?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

How to Write A Book Report

Here are a few more tips for writing an effective and critical book report, related posts:, post navigation.

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How to Write a Good Summary for a Book Report

Last Updated: January 28, 2024

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been viewed 315,977 times.

Many grade school and high school English classes require their students to complete book reports. Often, it is difficult to know what to include and leave out of your report. A summary tells your readers about the most important points and elements of a book you read in your own words. Depending on your teacher's requirements, you may also need to give your opinion of the book, such as what you enjoyed or disliked about it. If you do a little careful prep work, writing a summary for a book report is nothing to be scared of!

Preparing for Your Book Report

If you can, pick a book on a topic that interests you, as this will make it more enjoyable for you to read.

Step 2 Make sure you understand the assignment.

Don't confuse a book report with a book review. A book report typically summarizes a book and may offer your opinion on a book, but it usually focuses more on facts about the book. A book review usually describes what a book says and evaluates how the book works.
If you have any questions, ask your teacher. It's much better to ask questions when you don't understand something than to try to muddle through only to produce work that isn't what your teacher expected.

Characters. If your book is fiction (or a biography or memoir), keep track of who the major characters are. What are they like? What do they do? Are they different at the end of the book than the beginning? Did you like them?
Setting. This category mainly applies to fiction. The setting of a book is where and when the story takes place (for example, the Harry Potter novels' main setting is the school of Hogwarts). The setting may have significant influence on the characters and the story.
Story. What happens in the book? Who did what? Where in the book (beginning, middle, end) do important things seem to happen? Were there any clear “turning points” in the story, where things seem to change from what came before? How did the story resolve? What parts are your favorite parts of the story?
Main ideas/themes. This category will be slightly different for nonfiction or fiction. Nonfiction may have a very clear main idea, such as presenting a biography of a famous historical figure. For fiction, there will probably be a key theme that runs throughout the book. Think about this in terms of what you learned from the book that you didn't know before reading it. You may find it easier if you take a few notes on each chapter.
Quotations. A good book report not only tells, but shows. For example, if you really enjoyed the author's writing style, you could use a quotation in your book report that shows why you liked it. A juicy quote that sums up the main idea of the book could also be a good idea. You don't have to use every quotation that you write down in your report, but jot down any quotations that catch your attention.

Drafting Your Book Report

Step 1 Decide how to organize your book report.

Pro: You can go in chronological order, which could be helpful when you're summarizing books with a lot of plot elements.
Con: This kind of organization can be more difficult to figure out if you need to talk about multiple chapters in one paragraph.
Pro: You can tackle a lot of plot summary in very little space. The paragraphs are clearly divided, so you know what to cover in each one.
Con: This may not be appropriate if your assignment is mostly to summarize the book rather than give your opinions about it.

For chronological order: Give each chapter or section of the book its own section. Write down the most important story elements and character developments that happened in each chapter.
For thematic organization: Put your notes about the various elements, such as characters, plot, and main ideas, into separate sections. Each will become a paragraph.
When you write your first draft, think about what elements move the story forward, because those will probably be the most important. You can give more detail as you revise, if you want.
For example, many things happen in Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games, but you can't talk about them all. Instead, focus on the overall movement of the story. Begin by explaining what the Hunger Games are and how Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are chosen. Then you would summarize their time in the Capitol, including information on how sponsorship works. Following that, you would summarize the most important moments from the Games, such as Katniss injuring her leg in the fire, the attack by tracker-jackers, Rue's death, the kiss in the cave, Cato's final battle, and the decision to eat the poisonous berries. Then, you would conclude by wrapping up the most important moments from the book's ending.

Step 3 Write your introduction paragraph.

Give publication information for the book, including the book's title, author, year of publication, and genre. Your teacher may ask you to include other information. If your book was written by someone important, won an award, or is a best-seller, give that information too.
For example, a short overall summary of Lois Lowry's The Giver might look something like this: “Lois Lowry's young-adult novel The Giver was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 1993, and it won a Newbery Medal in 1994. It is set in what appears to be a utopian society that thrives on 'Sameness.' There is no hunger, sadness, or poverty in this society. However, this utopia depends on keeping its people from feeling true emotions. This lack of emotion causes serious issues for the main character, Jonas, once he is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory.”
For a nonfiction book, summarize the author's main idea or purpose for writing the book. State what you think their thesis is. For example, a short overall summary for the book I Am Malala might look like this: “The youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala Yousafzai tells her incredible true story in I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. This book was published by Little, Brown and Company in 2013. Malala wants to inspire other young people to believe in their power to change the world by sharing her own experience about the value of education and peaceful protest.” [5] X Research source

For nonfiction, your summary should focus on what you think the author's main idea is and how that idea is developed in the book. What important points does the author make? What evidence or stories from their personal experience do they use to support their points?

Step 5 Use the movement of the plot to help you develop your paragraphs.

Introductory paragraph: summarize the book in general and gives the publication information.
Body paragraph 1: summarize Gandalf's plot to get Bilbo Baggins to become a burglar for Thorin Oakenshield and the party of Dwarves. End with Bilbo's choosing to go on an adventure (because this is a major changing point for the character).
Body paragraph 2: summarize the adventures Bilbo and the Dwarves have, such as almost being eaten by trolls, getting kidnapped by goblins, and Bilbo finding Gollum and the One Ring. There are a lot of adventures, so you wouldn't talk about them all; instead, pick the most important points. You might end with the Dwarves being captured by the Wood-Elves, because this is another "turning point" in the story. Bilbo has to decide whether he is brave enough to rescue everyone.
Body paragraph 3: summarize the interactions between the Dwarves and the Lake Town people, Bilbo getting into the Lonely Mountain and talking to Smaug, Smaug destroying everything and getting killed (spoiler!), and the many groups of Dwarves, Elves, and Men deciding to fight over the spoils. This is a good place to stop this paragraph, because it's the climax of the story and your reader wants to know the resolution, or how everything turns out okay.
Body paragraph 4: summarize how Bilbo tries to stop the fighting, the argument Bilbo and Thorin have, the outcome of the battle, and Bilbo coming home to discover all of his stuff is being sold off. You can also talk about how the main character, Bilbo, ends up as a different character than the way he started off. That would be a good transition into...
Conclusion paragraph: talk about the main ideas of the book and what you learned. You might talk about how important it is to learn to be brave, or how greed is criticized in the book. Then, wrap up with your opinion about the book overall. Would you recommend it to a friend?

Step 6 Organize your paragraphs by theme.

Begin with a VERY brief plot summary. Talk about the type of book it is, where the book is set (Hogwarts, outer space, a mythical past), what the main character is trying to do or learn, and how the plot ends up.
For example, a paragraph about the characters in The Hobbit would probably focus the most on Bilbo Baggins, the "protagonist" or hero of the novel. It would probably also need to talk a little bit about the other important characters: Thorin Oakenshield and Gandalf the wizard. This paragraph would consider Bilbo's character development from someone who starts off afraid of new things to someone who ends up being brave and saving his friends.
For example, if you were writing about The Giver , you might want to discuss the importance of feelings in human lives. You could also talk about the idea that in order to experience life fully, you have to experience pain as well as pleasure. Another big theme is the idea of becoming your own person: the hero Jonas has to learn how to reject the "Sameness" of society to follow his own path.

Imagine your conclusion as a way of telling others whether they should read the book or not. Would they enjoy it? Should they read it? Why or why not?

Revising Your Book Report

As you read, ask yourself: if you were telling this summary to a friend who hadn't read the book, would they understand what happened? Would they have a good idea of whether or not they would like the book?

For example, instead of beginning sentences with just the word “This” or “It,” remind your reader what happened in the previous sentence. “This” is vague, but “This (contest, lottery, murder)” is clear.

Step 3 Double-check all of the information about the book.

Don't tell your friend what the book is about or what you're focusing on before you have them read your report. That way, they will have to focus only on what's on the paper -- which is what your teacher will be doing too.

Step 6 Make sure your name and your teacher's name are on the final copy.

Expert Q&A

Try to think about how you would tell the story to a person who doesn't know it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Don't wait until the last minute! Start early and read and summarize one chapter a day. This will give you less work to do all at once. It also helps to write your summary right away, while it's fresh in your mind. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
For parents: quickly read each chapter's summary. If you can't understand it, tell your child what information you feel like is missing so that they know what they need to add when they revise. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ Jake Adams. Scholarship & Admissions Counselor. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/703/01/
↑ http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/malala-yousafzai/i-am-malala/9780316322409/
↑ http://library.concordia.ca/help/howto/bookreports.html

About This Article

A good book report summary includes the most important points of the book and explains what your opinion of it is. As you read, take detailed notes of the main characters, the setting, the main ideas, and any important quotations, since this will make putting your book report together a lot easier. Then, when you’re done reading, outline each chapter so you can keep track of everything. When you write your summary, give a basic idea of the book, what it’s about, and what themes it covers, such as growing up, poverty, or perseverance. You should also include when the book was published and if it has won any awards. After this, briefly explain whether or not you liked the book and why. To learn how to revise your book report, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Top 5 Creative Book Report Ideas That Guarantee Success in Class

Assigned reading helps students develop their critical analysis skill, and book reports test their progress. But it is not enough to simply analyze a literary work — you also need to express your creativity while presenting book report ideas. In this article, you will learn the definition of a literary report, its purpose, and five alternative book report ideas to show off your creativity in class.

What is a book (literary) report?

A book report is an overall summary and personal assessment of a book that includes key details like the title, writer, text type, and genre. Literary reports also include a concise retelling of the story's plot. It typically examines the main protagonists, motifs, and the writer's intentions.

These reviews often include the reader's personal reflections, assessing the story’s strong and weak points and the impact it had on the audience. This type of assignment helps students improve their critical analysis, writing, and comprehension skills by encouraging them to engage deeply with the story.

Main goals of book reviews

Literary reports serve several key purposes in the educational process:

Improving understanding of the written material. Book reports encourage students to demonstrate how they understood the story's content, themes, and messages. By making a summary of the story’s plot, analyzing motifs, and discussing characters, students engage deeply with the writing.
Developing critical analysis abilities. Preparing a literary review requires students to critically analyze what they've read. They must assess the book's strong and weak points, the writer’s purpose, and the effect the story has on its audience.
Encouraging personal reflection. Book reports often ask students to relate the motifs or circumstances of the book to their own experiences or to the wider world, fostering personal reflection and a deeper connection with the written story.
Boosting communication skills. By discussing their opinions and interpretations in a book review, students find new ways to express their impressions and defend their viewpoints, which is an essential aspect of effective communication.

These purposes make book reviews a crucial part of your learning process. That’s why you need to put effort into your submission. And to make sure you get the highest score for your project, we prepared five fun book report ideas that you can use as your inspiration!

Top 5 alternative book report ideas

1. book report board game ideas.

A book report board game would probably be the most unexpected way of presenting your book review in school. This is a great idea to include the whole class in a playful manner while allowing them to learn about the story’s main motifs and messages in practice.

Here is a brief tutorial on how to make your book review into a full-fledged board game:

Center your attention on the main storyline, its protagonists, and events from the book to form the game's foundation.
Decide on the game goal that reflects the book's story, like reaching a destination or solving a mystery.
Establish clear rules for movement, challenges, and interactions that closely follow the book’s plot.
Introduce cards or dice to add randomness and represent plot twists or special actions.
Playtest the game, adjust as needed, and explain how it connects to the book's motifs and setting when presenting.

With this option, you will surely present a unique and well thought-out book report idea in your class.

2. Soundtrack playlist

Music is one of the most beautiful art forms. Combining music and literature can result in a wonderful blend of emotions.

To use music as one of the alternative book reports, you can compile a playlist of songs that reflect the mood, motifs, or key moments of the story. For each song, prepare a short explanation of its relatability to specific protagonists, events, or the general vibe of the story.

3. Write a character diary

Character diaries are a solid project idea for a book report. This medium allows you to capture a character’s feelings and reflect on how they change throughout the progression of the book.

To create a character diary for a book review, use these steps:

Select a main character whose perspective will offer deep insights into the story.
Draft diary entries from this character’s point of view, capturing their ideas, feelings, and reactions to central events in the book.
Include flashbacks on how the character grows throughout the book, highlighting significant changes or realizations.
Incorporate details about the character’s relationships and how essential plot events affected their personal journey.

This report idea provides an unorthodox, personal perspective on the book’s narrative and gives you an opportunity to relive the character’s emotions and decisions.

4. Newspaper front page

In fiction, newspapers are often used to underline the importance of an event. So why not copy this idea and choose a newspaper as one of your creative book report ideas?

To do this, design a newspaper front page featuring headlines, articles, and images that report on the book’s major events as if they were real news. Include interviews, editorials, and advertisements related to the story. Don’t forget about the style of newspaper writing, and use it as another tool to make your review more creative and entertaining.

5. Book in a box

This is one of the most creative book report ideas. A book in a box refers to a hand-made project where you create a 3D representation inside a box to illustrate a significant scene or location from a book. The hand-made diorama should include detailed elements such as characters, objects, and the environment from the selected scene.

To make a book in a box report, use this short guide:

Choose a key scene or setting from the book to depict.
Use a box to build a replica of the chosen scene, including detailed backgrounds, characters, and plot-relevant objects.
Label the details inside the box to explain their relevance to the scene or story.
Prepare a short description of the scene to give your viewers necessary context.

This approach provides an interactive opportunity to showcase key events of the book, bringing the story's environment and pivotal moments to life.

Create fun book report ideas with Aithor!

With our trust-worthy AI generator, you can find the most creative book report ideas and amaze classmates. Simply give Aithor prompt to create a creative book project ideas and become the talk of your literature class!

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The Plot: A Novel (The Book Series, 1) Paperback – May 3, 2022

** NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! ** The Tonight Show Summer Reads Winner ** A New York Times Notable Book of 2021 ** "Insanely readable." ―Stephen King Hailed as "breathtakingly suspenseful," Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Plot is a propulsive read about a story too good not to steal, and the writer who steals it. Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he’s teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what’s left of his self-respect; he hasn’t written―let alone published―anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn’t need Jake’s help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then . . . he hears the plot. Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker’s first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that―a story that absolutely needs to be told. In a few short years, all of Evan Parker’s predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an e-mail arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief , it says. As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his “sure thing” of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?

Book 1 of 2 The Book Series
Print length 336 pages
Language English
Publisher Celadon Books
Publication date May 3, 2022
Dimensions 5.28 x 1.05 x 8.2 inches
ISBN-10 1250790751
ISBN-13 978-1250790750
See all details

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Editorial Reviews

Selected as an Indie Next pick for May A most anticipated book (AARP, Business Insider, Bustle, CrimeReads, Entertainment Weekly, LitHub, the New York Times, Oprah Daily, Parade, PopSugar, Wall Street Journal Magazine, and more!) " The Plot is one of the best novels I’ve ever read about writers and writing. It’s also insanely readable and the suspense quotient is through the roof. It's remarkable." ―Stephen King "My favorite book of 2021? This one is easy. 'The Plot' by Jean Hanff Korelitz...[G]ood Lord is this a fantastic book. In addition to being an absolutely perfectly told mystery story, it also happens to be an especially deft satire of the literary scene." ―Malcolm Gladwell, "My Favorite Things of 2021" " The Plot is so well-crafted and compelling it’s nearly impossible to put down. Clever and chilling, this page-turner grabs you from the first chapter and doesn’t let you go until its startling, breath-taking conclusion." ― Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, New York Times bestselling authors of The Wife Between Us "From its first pages, Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Plot ensnares you in a rich tangle of literary vanities, treachery and fraud. Psychologically acute and breathtakingly suspenseful, you’ll find yourself rushing towards a finale both astonishing and utterly earned." ―Megan Abbott, Bestselling author of Give Me Your Hand "The plot of ‘The Plot’ ― the best thriller of the year (so far) ― is too good to give away" ― Washington Post " So clever, so taut, so dazzling, I read it in about five hours flat." ―Lisa Jewell, AARP's "11 Top Authors Pick the Best Books of the Year" “Korelitz’s own plot is fiendishly clever, and here's the ultimate twist: that any novel about a writer’s life (lonely, anxious drudgery) could be this wildly suspenseful and entertaining.” ― People , Book of the Week “As a longtime fan of Korelitz’s novels (including “You Should Have Known,” which was made into HBO’s “The Undoing”), I will say that I think The Plot is her gutsiest, most consequential book yet. It keeps you guessing and wondering, and also keeps you thinking: about ambition, fame and the nature of intellectual property (the analog kind).” ― The New York Times Book Review “'The Plot' is wickedly funny and chillingly grim...it deserves to garner all the brass rings." ― The Wall Street Journal "Gripping and thoroughly unsettling: This one will be flying off the shelves." ― Kirkus Reviews “Deep character development, an impressively thick tapestry of intertwining story lines, and a candid glimpse into the publishing business make this a page-turner of the highest order. Korelitz deserves acclaim for her own perfect plot.” ―Publishers Weekly (STARRED Review) "Readers may find themselves batting away sleep and setting an alarm for early the next day to continue Jean Hanff Korelitz’s propulsive literary thriller, The Plot. Korelitz is an audacious writer who delivers on her promises. Her next big-screen adaptation surely awaits." ― Bookpage "Korelitz...effortlessly deconstructs the campus novel and, much like Michael Chabon in Wonder Boys (1995), acerbically mocks the publishing industry. Fearless Korelitz presents a wry and unusual joyride of a thriller full of gasp-inducing twists as it explores copyright, ownership, and the questionable morals of writers." ― Booklist “Stay tuned to this devilishly compelling tale of ambition run amok.” ―Oprah Daily “This staggeringly good literary thriller is about a staggeringly good literary thriller written by a failed novelist who has stolen the book's plot from a deceased student.” ―Shelf Awareness "The author behind suspense novel You Should Have Known turned-HBO-series The Undoing outdoes herself in this literary-centric thrill ride." ―Newsweek “Korelitz pulls off a true page-turner with, yes, a killer plot.” ―AARP Magazine

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Product details.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Celadon Books; Reprint edition (May 3, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250790751
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250790750
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.28 x 1.05 x 8.2 inches
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#1,363 in Psychological Thrillers (Books)
#2,605 in Suspense Thrillers

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Jean Hanff Korelitz is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels THE PLOT (The 2021 Tonight Show Summer Reads pick), YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWN (adapted for HBO as "The Undoing" by David E. Kelley, and starring Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant and Donald Sutherland), ADMISSION (adapted as the 2013 film starring Tina Fey), THE DEVIL AND WEBSTER, THE WHITE ROSE, THE SABBATHDAY RIVER and A JURY OF HER PEERS. A new novel, THE LATECOMER, will be published on May 31st, 2022. Her company BOOKTHEWRITER hosts "Pop-Up Book Groups" in person in NYC and online, where small groups of readers can discuss new books with their authors. www.bookthewriter.com

Abducted in Appalachia (A Sheriff Elven Hallie Mystery Book 4)

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Inside the bitter personal battle between top FBI and DOJ officials over Mar-a-Lago

Photo illustration of scenes from Mar-a-Lago featuring Trump's residence in Mar-A-Lago, Donald Trump at an election-night watch party, pages from a Department of Justice court filing and documents seized during the Aug. 8 search of Mar-a-Lago.

This article is adapted from the book “ Where Tyranny Begins: The Justice Department, the FBI, and the War on Democracy , ” by NBC News’ national security editor.

On Aug. 1, 2022, senior Justice Department and FBI officials gathered on the seventh floor of the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., for a historic meeting.

They exchanged pleasantries, shook hands, and took seats in Room 7427, the FBI general counsel’s conference room, a nondescript gathering place with a long rectangular table surrounded by no-frills office chairs. Each official wore a suit, mandatory attire on the storied floor that houses the office of the FBI director and his top advisers.

The senior DOJ officials had left their headquarters, an elegant mix of Classical and Art Deco architecture, and met their bureau colleagues across Pennsylvania Avenue in the FBI headquarters, a Brutalist structure considered one of the ugliest buildings in Washington. Their goal was to have what one participant later called a “come to Jesus” meeting.

For months, prosecutors from the DOJ’s national security division and the leaders of the FBI’s Washington field office had disagreed over an ongoing criminal probe. Tension and debate between prosecutors and agents during an investigation are routine, and often welcomed.

But this case had taken on an extraordinary level of intensity, pressure, and acrimony due to the potential defendant: former President Donald Trump.

Career officials from the FBI Washington field office eventually took an unusual step. They privately questioned a career DOJ prosecutor's political donations to Democrats and what they saw as his aggressive stance toward Trump.

In both the FBI and DOJ, career officials, unlike political appointees, are expected to act in a strictly non-partisan manner. But the hyperpatisanship of contemporary American politics had seeped into the Mar-a-Lago investigation and threatened to slow it.

The stakes were high for all of those in the room — potentially career-ending — and for the country. The DOJ and FBI officials were deadlocked over how to retrieve what were believed to be dozens of top-secret documents that Trump had taken from the White House to Mar-a-Lago and declined to return.

No good options

The DOJ and FBI officials shared the same feeling about the case: dread. After the National Archives repeatedly requested that Trump return the documents, some officials assumed Trump would simply hand over the materials. When he didn’t, all of them saw no good options.

“You know what the reaction was in the department?” recalled a former FBI official involved in the case who asked not to be named. “We were like, ‘Oh shit, we don’t want any part of this. The real enemies are Russia and China.’”

Steven D’Antuono, then the head of the bureau’s Washington field office and who has since retired, feared that the documents dispute would further erode public faith in the FBI.

“I was worried about it increasing distrust in us,” D’Antuono told NBC News in his first on-the-record media interview about the Mar-a-Lago dispute, which was first reported by The Washington Post .

Inside the FBI, bipartisan criticism of its Hillary Clinton email investigation, Trump’s firing of James Comey, and special counsel John Durham’s probe of the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation had taken a toll.

“We all thought this posed a risk to us both professionally and personally,” the former senior FBI official said. “I can’t impress upon you the pressure.”

He added, “We’re trying to make the best decisions we can with all the emotions swirling.”

The intense pressure also fueled distrust. Several FBI agents in the Washington field office were concerned about the aggressive tactics and political donations of Jay Bratt, one of the Justice Department prosecutors.

According to public records , Bratt, who now works for special counsel Jack Smith, had donated $600 to a former DOJ colleague’s unsuccessful Democratic primary campaign for the U.S. Senate in Oregon in 2007, $150 to the Oregon Senate Democratic Campaign Committee that same year, and a total of $500 to the Democratic National Committee in 1993 and 1994.

Bratt, through the Justice Department press office, declined an interview request. DOJ officials flatly dismissed any claim that Bratt was biased against the former president.

They said that Bratt pursued all cases aggressively, noting that he had a long history of investigating the handling of classified documents by Democrats, including Hillary Clinton. In the Trump case, they added, Bratt had tried for months to seek a resolution with the former president that would not involve a search of Mar-a-Lago.

A senior DOJ official with knowledge of Bratt’s work said in an interview that he had never seen him show political bias. “It would be hard for me to overstate how much I disagree with that characterization,” said the official, who asked not to be named. “He is one of the finest career prosecutors I’ve worked with. I’ve never seen a hint of bias.”

Former U.S. President Donald Trump Makes An Announcement At His Florida Home

D’Antuono, though, was concerned about the approach of the DOJ team investigating Trump, which Bratt led. “Jay was being a little overly aggressive,” D’Antuono recalled. “The aggressiveness that was there, from day one.”

D’Antuono said that Bratt’s behavior may have been fueled by the extraordinarily high-profile nature of the case. “This is a huge case. It’s the former president,” D’Antuono said. “Was some of it due to ambition? Jay has been an attorney for a long time. This is the case of the century.”

In a less divisive era in American politics, personal political donations might have drawn less attention. It was generally accepted that career DOJ and FBI officials could put their personal politics aside and investigate any elected official, Republican or Democrat, in a fair and fact-based manner.

But 50 years after Watergate, American politics, culture, and news coverage had changed. Partisanship had steadily risen and been rewarded in Washington. Some politicians had grown tired of the independence of the DOJ and suspicious of career public servants. And the internet had created a powerful new way for politicians to circumvent the press and express their own unfiltered views directly to the public.

Trump had deftly taken advantage of all of these dynamics and been elected to the country’s highest office. In the Trump era, bias was assumed, encouraged, and expected by many. Nonpartisan public service was increasingly dismissed as naive. And now, division and distrust threatened to delay the Mar-a-Lago investigation.

A history of idealism and abuse

The relationship between the DOJ and the FBI, the country’s two most powerful federal law enforcement agencies, had ebbed and flowed in their century-long joint existence.

Located a few blocks from the White House, the Justice Department, led by the attorney general, oversees the FBI. The department’s mission is to apply the law equally, without fear or favor, to all Americans.

But that has not always been true. During the Cold War, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover had repeatedly bypassed the attorney general and unilaterally conducted law enforcement operations designed to infiltrate, disrupt, and discredit political leaders and organizations that Hoover deemed subversive.

Hoover’s perceived enemies ranged from Martin Luther King Jr., who the FBI director viewed as a communist, to the right-wing John Birch Society. Hoover also secretly provided the eight presidents he served — four Republicans and four Democrats — with dirt on their political rivals.

Justice Department officials committed abuses, as well. In the early 1970s, John Mitchell, Richard Nixon’s attorney general, used the Justice Department to target Nixon’s perceived political enemies, from opponents of the Vietnam War to Black nationalist groups to officials suspected of leaking politically damaging information about the president.

After the Watergate scandal, sweeping reforms were enacted in the late 1970s to prevent presidents, attorneys general, and FBI directors from using the DOJ and FBI for improper political or personal gain.

Those reforms also reinforced the dual, and contradictory, duties of the attorney general and the FBI director. Both leaders were expected to enact the broad policies of the president, such as cracking down on crime or strictly enforcing environmental laws.

At the same time, they were expected to investigate, in a fair and nonpartisan manner, potential crimes or corruption by presidents and their aides. The tension between those two missions — serving a president and investigating one — exploded during the Trump and Biden years.

Hyperpartisanship, conspiracy theories, and distrust

The disagreement between the DOJ and FBI officials over Mar-a-Lago was a microcosm of the hyperpartisanship and conspiracy theories undermining public trust in government institutions. It also fueled divisions between and within the organizations.

When Matthew Olsen, the head of the DOJ's National Security Division, which investigates leaks of classified information, arrived at the Aug. 2 meeting at the FBI he brought a draft search warrant with him.

DOJ officials feared that foreign adversaries might try to gain access to the classified documents in Mar-a-Lago. If DOJ prosecutors could persuade a federal judge to sign off on the warrant, they argued, FBI agents could immediately enter Mar-a-Lago without Trump’s permission and secure the documents.

D’Antuono and other FBI agents were determined to recover the classified documents, but not in a way that they saw as needlessly provocative. D’Antuono worried that an FBI search of Mar-a-Lago would bolster years of exaggerated claims from Trump that the bureau was politically persecuting him.

At the outset of the meeting at the FBI, Bratt argued that Trump’s defiance was clear. After months of requests from the National Archives, the former president had returned 15 boxes of material that included 197 documents with classification markings in January 2022, a year after leaving office. Other documents from his time in the White House, though, appeared to be missing.

A photo of documents seized during the Aug. 8, 2022 FBI search of former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

In May, Justice Department lawyers had obtained a subpoena that legally required Trump to return all of the classified material.

On June 3, Bratt and two FBI agents had visited Mar-a-Lago and met in person with Trump’s lawyers. The former president’s attorneys handed over another 38 documents that contained classification markings and gave them a signed certification stating that “any and all” documents responsive to the subpoena had been provided.

Trump himself had greeted Bratt and the FBI agents and promised to cooperate, saying he was “an open book.”

After Bratt and the FBI agents left Mar-a-Lago, they received a tip that prompted them to subpoena surveillance camera footage from Mar-a-Lago. What it showed stunned many of them.

The day before Bratt and the FBI agents arrived, employees had moved dozens of boxes of documents out of a storage room. Whoever had told them to move the boxes could be charged with obstructing a federal investigation.

The surveillance videos prompted two senior FBI officials, who initially opposed the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago, to support one. The FBI had investigated hundreds of cases of classified information being reportedly mishandled since 2017. During that period, the bureau conducted more than 80 searches to recover classified documents.

But D’Antuono and several of his subordinates in the FBI’s Washington field office still didn’t think that the search needed to be done immediately. D’Antuono felt that the documents were secure, noting that Secret Service agents were present at the resort.

As the meeting dragged on, the discussion grew increasingly heated. Bratt raised his voice several times. When D’Antuono asked if prosecutors now considered Trump the subject of the investigation, Bratt shot back, “What does that matter?” but didn’t answer the question.

FBI officials from the Washington field office were in open conflict with Bratt and other DOJ prosecutors.

D’Antuono, convinced that a consensual search could end the standoff, stood his ground. He believed that they could negotiate with Trump’s lawyer, Evan Corcoran, a former federal prosecutor, and reach an agreement for a voluntary search.

DOJ officials and senior FBI officials rejected the idea. They said that Trump and Corcoran had already received a subpoena and been repeatedly asked to return the documents.

D’Antuono dug in and said he would only have his agents search Mar-a-Lago if ordered to do so by his FBI superiors.

“I was trying to be a different voice in the room. Why do we have to be aggressive? We have an attorney in this case,” D’Antuono recalled. “If it didn’t work with Corcoran then fine. We would serve the search warrant and go in. No harm no foul.”

The FBI also had a plan in place for how to respond if it appeared that documents were being removed from the property. “In my opinion, there was no harm in doing it that way,” D’Antuono said.

Divergent perceptions of Trump

At the center of the disagreement were starkly different perceptions of Trump. The investigators, like the country, were deeply divided over the former president. D’Antuono saw Trump as most likely motivated by a desire to show off the classified documents.

But Justice Department officials and some FBI officials believed that Trump’s continued possession of the documents was a direct threat to national security. They worried that China, Russia, or another foreign rival could infiltrate Mar-a-Lago and gain access to the documents. Not acting quickly could expose U.S. secrets, spies, or spying methods.

After roughly an hour, the meeting ended in deadlock. Senior FBI officials were unable to change the views of D’Antuono and other agents in the Washington field office. D’Antuono would have to be ordered to conduct the search by FBI Director Chris Wray or Deputy FBI Director Paul Abbate.

After the DOJ officials left, the FBI officials spoke alone. D’Antuono and others from the Washington field office expressed a new concern. They noted that the draft search warrant included a potential criminal charge against Trump that they did not recall seeing before: Section 2071 of Title 18.

The law made it illegal for an individual who possesses government documents to “willfully and unlawfully” conceal, remove, mutilate, obliterate, falsify, or destroy them. If a person is convicted of the charge, they shall “be disqualified from holding” any federal office.

“The barring from office charge,” D’Antuono recalled. “People saw that charge as ‘Aha, is that DOJ’s effort to get Trump?’”

Other FBI officials did not consider Bratt to be politically biased. Instead, they feared that Trump’s years of attacks were now impacting the decision-making of current FBI agents.

“They had a lot of co-workers who were impacted by Crossfire Hurricane,” said the former senior FBI official, referring to agents who were fired for their work on the Trump-Russia investigation. “The lesson some in the FBI took away was: stay away from politically charged cases — they can ruin your career.”

The following day, tensions between DOJ and FBI officials flared again. George Toscas, a DOJ official who had attended the combative meeting by phone, scolded D’Antuono in an email for resisting the search.

“You are way out of line on substance and form,” Toscas wrote. “You and your leadership seem to have gone from cautious to fearful.”

D’Antuono, who felt he had been called a coward, was irate. He believed he was simply being logical and methodical. “I take it to heart to do the right thing in the right way for the right reasons,” he said. “They put such urgency into getting into Mar-a-Lago, for the circumstances, it just didn’t smell right, it didn’t feel right.”

The following day, an official known to few Americans ended the debate over searching Mar-a-Lago. FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate, who outranked D’Antuono, agreed that the bureau had taken the steps it needed to execute the search.

On Aug. 8, agents dressed in polo shirts and khakis — not jackets emblazoned with “FBI” — entered Mar-a-Lago and recovered 102 documents with classification markings that Trump had retained.

After the FBI agents left Mar-a-Lago, D’Antuono, who had requested the polo shirts and khakis and been monitoring the search from Washington, was relieved. The agents’ arrival and departure from the resort had not immediately leaked to the press.

That ended just before 7 p.m. In a statement, Trump lambasted the search, declared it illegal and made numerous false claims, including that his home was "currently under siege" and "occupied by a large group of FBI agents.”

Boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla.

What is Trump's goal?

One former senior DOJ official said that Trump’s goal regarding the DOJ and FBI has been clear during and after his presidency.

“I think he is intentionally trying to weaken public confidence in the Justice Department and federal law enforcement in order to keep himself from going to jail,” the official said. “He tries to degrade any institution that acts as a check on his power. He degrades them systematically. It’s all part of a whole, leading him to try to be able to get away with whatever he wants.”

Trump supporters denied this and said the former president has been unfairly charged by DOJ and FBI officials in the classified documents case and in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Current and former DOJ and FBI officials dismissed those claims. They said Trump has been treated fairly by the DOJ and FBI and, if anything, received more deference than other defendants.

Experts said that Trump, to a greater extent than any other president in U.S. history, has successfully discredited the DOJ and FBI in the eyes of large groups of American voters. In an age of hyperpartisanship, it has proved impossible for the country’s most powerful federal law enforcement agencies to criminally investigate Trump or Joe Biden — and maintain broad public support.

In private, exasperated current and former DOJ and FBI officials complained that law enforcement institutions are being asked to settle the country’s political disputes, a task normally reserved for voters, elections, and Congress. They said law the DOJ and FBI were not created for, nor equipped to ease, the country’s polarization.

In his four years as president and three years as an ex-president Trump successfully used conspiracy theories, co-option, and threats to bend DOJ and FBI officials to his will. Those who dared to defy him had their reputations damaged and their careers derailed.

FBI agents have come to politically charged cases as no-win situations that can result in public vilification, the loss of their pensions, and, given Trump’s vows of revenge, potential criminal prosecution.

The former FBI senior official said he worries that young Americans may eventually not want to work in the DOJ or FBI. The country’s hyperpartisanship could erode their interest in serving as nonpartisan public servants. The result, he warned, will be politicized federal law enforcement agencies, cycles of political retribution, and, potentially, political violence.

“The cultural maelstrom, we were all part of it,” recalled the former senior FBI official. “You know that whatever decision you make you’re going to be crucified. You either do the search and get crucified by the Republicans; if you don’t do it, the Democrats crucify you.”

A week after the search, Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested that D’Antuono, a skeptic of the search, was part of an FBI plot to get Trump. D’Antuono, who spent his career working as a public corruption investigator, lamented the public attack.

“God and country for twenty-seven years and then you get blasted by Tucker Carlson and Jesse Watters and called corrupt,” D’Antuono said. “And my parents have been forced to see that. And my kids. That’s not right.”

D’Antuono saw his work at the FBI as akin to that of a baseball umpire trying to call balls and strikes. Throughout his career in the bureau, D'Antuono said, he had always tried to be fair and treat people equally.

“All I was trying to do was call a good game,” he said.

David Rohde is the senior executive editor for national security at NBC News.

COMMENTS

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Far from just a recap of the plot outline, a book report examines the details of a book's narrative, offering insights into the characters, themes of the story, and the author's writing style. Note: A book report is usually assigned to students from secondary schools to colleges. As per book report format, book reports are typically 500 ...
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Plot is the sequence of connected events that make up a narrative in a novel. Generally, a plot in fiction builds up to a climax and ends in a resolution at the finish of the story. Of course, plot is one of storytelling's major pillars. Some will say that if characters are the who and theme is the why, then the plot is the what of the story.
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Use your sticky flags to mark pages. When you run into clues or interesting passages, mark the page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line. Look for themes. As you read, you should begin to see an emerging theme. On a notepad, write down some notes on how you came to determine the theme.
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A book report is a structured way of summarizing and analyzing a book's content. It helps readers understand the key elements of a book, such as its themes, characters, and plot, while also offering a personal evaluation of the work. Below is a table outlining the typical format of a book report, detailing each section and its purpose:
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Plot is the sequence of interconnected events within the story of a play, novel, film, epic, or other narrative literary work. More than simply an account of what happened, plot reveals the cause-and-effect relationships between the events that occur. Some additional key details about plot:
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7 Effective Tips on How to Write a Book Report
Keep The Plot Summary Neat. When writing the plot summary, do not go into too much detail. It is better if it does not exceed 1/3 of the paper. It means that if you need to write a 3-page book report, your summary can take up to 1 page only. Your task is to let the audience catch a glimpse of what the book is about.
Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice
the genre (type or category) of the book (for example, biography, autobiography, or fiction) the main subject, plot, or theme of the book. a brief summary of the key points or ideas treated in the book. the reader's response to the book, identifying its apparent strengths and weaknesses. brief quotations from the book to support general ...
Book Reports
Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the ...
How to Write A Book Report
Most students and book reviewers find it difficult to write a book report. A book report often gives you insight into the author and book. It is also a critical and descriptive evaluation of a book. A book report provides a summary of the book, analyze its value, and make the student more critical and thoughtful. The elements which a student ...
How to Write a Good Summary for a Book Report (with Pictures)
7. Make a clean copy on good paper. If you're printing out your book report from a computer, use clean, heavy-duty paper in the printer. Keep the book report from getting wrinkled before you turn it in. If you're hand-writing your book report, use your nicest, most easy-to-read handwriting and clean, unwrinkled paper.
Top 5 Creative Book Report Ideas That Guarantee Success in Class
What is a book (literary) report? A book report is an overall summary and personal assessment of a book that includes key details like the title, writer, text type, and genre. Literary reports also include a concise retelling of the story's plot. It typically examines the main protagonists, motifs, and the writer's intentions.
4.7: Q-Q plot
The quantile-quantile, or Q-Q plot, is a probability plot used to graphically compare two probability distributions. In brief, a set of intervals for the quantiles is chosen for each sample. A point on the plot represents one of the quantiles from the second distribution (y value) against the same quantile from the first distribution (x value).
The Plot: A Novel (The Book Series, 1) Paperback
** NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! ** The Tonight Show Summer Reads Winner ** A New York Times Notable Book of 2021 ** "Insanely readable." ―Stephen King Hailed as "breathtakingly suspenseful," Jean Hanff Korelitz's The Plot is a propulsive read about a story too good not to steal, and the writer who steals it. Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published ...
Inside the bitter personal battle between top FBI and DOJ officials
A week after the search, Fox News host Tucker Carlson suggested that D'Antuono, a skeptic of the search, was part of an FBI plot to get Trump. D'Antuono, who spent his career working as a ...

How to Write a Book Report (Guide, Examples & Templates)

What Is a Book Report?

Types of Book Reports

Summary Book Report

Character Analysis Book Report

Theme Analysis Book Report

Comparative Book Report

What Should Go Into a Book Report?

Book Report Outline

How to Write a Book Report

Step 1: Read the Book

Step 2: Understand the Assignment

Step 3: Create an Outline

Step 4: Write the Introduction

Step 5: Summarize the Plot

Step 6: Analyze the Characters

Step 7: Discuss the Themes

Step 8: Reflect on the Book

Step 9: Write the Conclusion

Step 10: Proofread and Edit

Book Report Templates

Template 1: Summary Book Report

Template 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Template 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

Book Report Examples

Example 1: Summary Book Report

Example 2: Character Analysis Book Report

Example 3: Theme Analysis Book Report

How to Write a Book Report for Different Grades

High School

Final Thoughts: How to Write a Book Report

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)

How to write a book report (+ book report example)

What is a book report?

Types of book reports

Plot summary

Character analysis

Theme analyses

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

2. Identify the main elements of the book

3. Formulate a thesis statement

4. Create a detailed outline

5. Craft the introduction

6. Write the body of the report

7. Write a strong conclusion

8. Review and edit your report

9. Include citations

10. Proofread

Book report example

Book report checklist

Don't forget!

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What is a book report?

Elements of a book report

How to write a book report

Book report examples

Book report template

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How To Write A Book Report (Step-by-Step Guide)

What is a Book Report?

What are the various forms of a Book Report?

How to Write a Book Report: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Book

2. Read the Book Thoroughly

3. Introduction

4. Summary of the Plot

5. Character Analysis

6. Setting and Context

7. Themes and Messages

8. Writing Style and Techniques