How to Write a Book Report for the First Time and Do It Right
Learning how to write a book report is very important. A book report presents the structure and content of a book very objectively and without comparison. It offers an analysis of structure as well as a summary of the content. The purpose of a book report is to offer sufficient information about a book so as to help readers decide if it will be of interest and use to them.
The following are some of the basic elements of a book report.
1. Introduction
This section offers general information regarding the book and an idea of what the report will be about. The introduction should include details such as:
- Bibliographical Information – Give the full book title including subtitle; author’s name; editor (if any); place, date and publisher of publication; the number of pages and edition (if necessary). All this biographical information should appear below the title of the book report.
- Genre – Classify the book according to its subject matter, such as philosophy, history, autobiography, travel, biography, anthropology, psychology etc. Clues for classification can be found within the title, subtitle, reviewer’s comments, table of contents, author’s preface and introduction.
2. Body
This part has two main sections. The first section explains what the book is about, while the other contains your thoughts about the book. While learning how to write a book report, it is important to note that there are is a significant difference between reports on fiction writing and reports on non-fiction books.
However, for both, you need to start by explaining the book’s main theme and/or the author’s objective. The author’s objective may be obvious from the way the author handles the subject.
Is the book targeted at students, specialists or the public in general? Does it cover the whole subject or just a narrow area? Clues can be found in areas such as the appendices and bibliographies. Introductions and prefaces might also contain an author’s statement of intention. In addition, the style of expression and content will often give a clue of the intended audience.
After explaining the book’s main theme and/or the author’s objective, you need to write summaries as follows:
- For fiction writing – Provide short descriptions of the setting, the protagonist, the antagonist and other prominent characters. If the story has a distinct tone or mood, discuss that also. Give a concise and brief plot summary. Discuss the sequence of main events, the climax and resolution, as well as literary devices used.
- For non-fiction – Offer a general summary of the author’s subject, the main arguments and points. This involves writing a thesis statement which explains the book’s main concern, as well as the author’s personal point of view on the topic. The statement can be written based on the author’s own words. A thesis statement should be brief (a paragraph or a sentence), concise, comprehensive and accurate.
3. Analysis and Evaluation
This is the section where you critique or analyze the book. You are free to express your own opinions. However, make sure you support and explain them with examples. The following are question to consider.
- Did the author accomplish his or her objective?
- Is the writing powerful, effective, beautiful or difficult?
- What are the weaknesses and strengths of the book?
- For non-fiction writings, was the author qualified to write on the topic? Are you in agreement with the author’s conclusions and arguments?
- What is your overall opinion of the book? Is it dull, moving or interesting?
- Would you recommend the book to others?
Conclusion
Learning how to write a book report is not difficult. By following the guidelines above, you will be able to write an excellent and comprehensive report.
