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A Beginner's Guide to Writing a Book Report (with Examples)

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 Fact Checked

Researching
Drafting the Report
Reviewing & Revising

Sample Book Reports & Summaries

Expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . 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. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,411,551 times.

A book report is a short essay that summarizes and analyzes a work of fiction or nonfiction. Writing a book report may not seem fun at first, but it gives you a great chance to fully understand a work and its author. In this article, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about how to write a book report, from choosing a book and outlining to drafting and editing your final paper.

Things You Should Know

Read the entire book and take notes on important themes, characters, and events. Use your notes to create an outline with evidence that supports your analysis.
Include the title and author in your intro, then summarize the plot, main characters, and setting of the book.
Analyze the author’s writing style, as well as the main themes and arguments of the book. Include quotes and examples to support your statements.

Researching Your Book Report

Step 1 Follow the requirements of your assignment.

For example, find out if your teacher wants you to include citations, such as page numbers from the book, in your report.
Ask your teacher how much of your paper to devote to summary versus analysis. Most book reports are direct summaries with objective analysis rather than your personal opinions. In contrast, a book review or commentary is more opinion-driven.

Some popular books for book reports include To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Choose a book at your grade level.

Step 3 Write down the key elements of the book.

Author: Who wrote the book? Do you know any other works by this author?
Genre: Is the book fiction or nonfiction? If it’s fiction, is it historical, fantasy, horror, etc.? If it’s nonfiction, is it a biography, memoir, science, etc.?
Audience: Who would find this book appealing? Is it intended for a specific age range or gender? Do you typically enjoy books like this?
Title: Does the title catch your interest? Does it fit well with the book’s content?
Book Cover/Illustrations: What does the book cover convey and does it accurately represent the book? How do you feel when you look at it? If the book has illustrations, what are they and do they hold your interest?

Take breaks while reading to keep your attention sharp. Try to find a pace that is comfortable for you. If you get distracted after 15 minutes, read in 15-minute intervals. If you can go an hour, read for an hour at a time.
Give yourself enough time to read the entire book. It’s very difficult to write a book report if you’ve just skimmed over everything. Don’t procrastinate!
Don’t trust online book summaries. You can’t guarantee that they are accurate or true to the text.

For example, look for a sentence that clearly describes a main setting in the book, such as “The castle was gloomy and made out of large black stones.”

Outlining Your Book Report

Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book’s genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report.
Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts. Focus on important aspects while avoiding spoilers.
Analysis and Evaluation: Evaluate the author’s writing style and use of literary devices, like foreshadowing, metaphors, imagery, etc. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book and use quotes and examples from the text.
Themes and Messages: Identify the book’s main themes or messages and how they develop through the course of the book. Provide specific quotes and examples.
Character Analysis: Analyze the main characters in the book, their development, and their relationships. Explain their motivations, personalities, and significance to the story. Provide examples and quotes to support your analysis.
Personal Reflection: Depending on your teacher’s instructions, you might share your personal opinions and discuss what you liked and disliked about the book. Reflect on how the book relates to broader themes or issues.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points and conclude with your final thoughts or reflections on the book.
Bibliography: If required, include a works cited page or bibliography listing all the sources you used to write your book report.
Outlining takes time, but it saves you more time once you reach the editing stage.
Some people prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others just type up a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.

Step 2 Intermix examples and quotations from the text.

Be careful not to overuse quotes. If it seems like every other line is a quote, try to dial back. Aim to include a maximum of one quotation per paragraph. Quotes and examples should still take a backseat to your summary.

For example, you’ll likely need to focus primarily on discussing the most important characters or the characters that appear most frequently in the text.
When you are finished with your outline, go back through it to see if it makes sense. If the paragraphs don’t flow into one another, move them around or add/delete new ones until they do.
Also, check to see if your outline covers all of the major elements of the book, such as the plot, characters, and setting.

Writing Your Book Report

Step 1 Open with an informative intro paragraph.

For example, a sentence summary might state, “This book is about the main character’s journey to Africa and what she learns on her travels.”
Don’t take up too much space with your introduction. In general, an introduction should be 3-6 sentences long, though in rare cases, they may be longer or shorter.

Use vivid language when you can and include plenty of details. For example, you might write, “The farm was surrounded by rolling hills.”

For instance, if the main character moves to Africa, you might describe what happens before the move, how the move goes, and how they settle in once they arrive.

For example, you might write that the main character is “a middle-aged woman who enjoys the finer things in life, such as designer clothes.” Then, connect this description to the plot summary by describing how her views change after her travels, if they do.
Expect to introduce the characters in the same sentences and paragraphs as the plot introduction.

Step 5 Examine main themes and/or arguments in your body paragraphs.

You might write, “The author argues that travel gives you a new perspective. That is why her main characters all seem happier and more grounded after visiting new places.”
For fiction, determine if the author is using the story to pass along a certain moral or lesson. For example, a book about an underdog athlete could encourage readers to take chances to pursue their dreams.

Step 6 Comment on the writing style and tone.

For example, an author who uses lots of slang terms is probably going for a hip, approachable style.

Some teachers require, or strongly suggest, that you include the author’s name and the book title in your concluding paragraph.
When writing a conclusion , don’t introduce any new thoughts. Any important points should be made in your body paragraphs. Save the space for your recap.

Step 8 Include a bibliography, if required.

Reviewing and Revising Your Book Report

Before you submit your paper, make sure that you’ve spelled the author’s name and any character names correctly.
Don’t trust your computer’s spell check to catch all the errors for you. Spell check can be helpful, but it isn’t perfect and can make mistakes.

If you’re nervous about asking, try saying something like “It would be great if you could go over my book report and make sure that it reads smoothly.”
Remember, no one’s first draft is perfect, so don’t get upset if someone suggests you do something differently. They want to help make your report the best it can be, so don’t take constructive criticism personally.

For example, double-check that you are using the correct font, font size, and margins.
Once you've finished proofreading, revising, and checking that you've addressed all the requirements, you're ready to submit your book report!

Even though your book report is your own work, avoid using “I” too much. It can make your writing feel choppy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
It might be tempting to watch the movie or read the online notes instead of reading the book. Resist this urge! Your teacher will be able to tell the difference. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Tips from our Readers

Calm down and walk around if you get too frustrated while writing. If you write a book report while angry, you're more likely to misspell things!
Choose a unique book. Harry Potter or Percy Jackson is an absolute no. Everyone chooses those. Try something different!
Write when anything comes to mind! You don't want to lose your ideas!

Give yourself plenty of time to write your report. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may feel rushed. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Stealing or using another person’s work is considered plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Make sure that the work you submit is all your own. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://www.aresearchguide.com/write-book-report.html
↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
↑ https://grammark.org/how-to-write-a-book-report/
↑ https://library.valleycollege.edu/elements_of_book_report.pdf
↑ https://takelessons.com/blog/steps-to-writing-a-book-report
↑ https://www.infoplease.com/homework-help/homework-center-writing-book-report
↑ https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-setting
↑ https://www.tcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/archive/writing-center-handouts/essay-types-plot-summary.pdf
↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

To write a book report, start by introducing the author and the name of the book and then briefly summarizing the story. Next, discuss the main themes and point out what you think the author is trying to suggest to the reader. Finally, write about the author’s style of writing, paying particular attention to word choice and the overall tone of the book. For tips on editing and polishing your paper before turning it in, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting.

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom, you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report.

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea.

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom, Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's English Journal, Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

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Book Report Writing

Book Report Writing Guide - Outline, Format, & Topics

15 min read

What is a Book Report?

A book report is a written summary and analysis of a book's content, designed to provide readers with insights into the book's key elements. It's a valuable exercise for students, offering a chance to look deeper into a book's characters, and overall impact. Why are book reports important? They serve as a way to not only showcase your reading comprehension but also your critical thinking skills. They help you reflect on the book's strengths and weaknesses, and they can be a great tool to start a discussion.

How to Write a Book Report Outline?

Before you start writing a book report, it's crucial to create a well-organized outline. A book report outline serves as the roadmap for your report, ensuring that you cover all essential aspects. Here's how to create an effective book report outline:

How to Write a Book Report?

Writing an effective book report is not just about summarizing a story; it's a chance to showcase your analytical skills.

Let’s go through the process of creating a compelling book report that will impress your instructor.

How to Start a Book Report

To start a book report follow the steps below:

Pick the Perfect Book Selecting the right book for your report is the first crucial step. If you have the freedom to choose, opt for a book that aligns with your interests. Engaging with a book you're passionate about makes the entire process more enjoyable.
Dive into the Pages Reading the book thoroughly is non-negotiable. While summaries and online resources can be helpful, they can't replace the depth of understanding gained from reading the actual text. Take notes as you read to capture key moments and insights.
Document Key Insights Keeping a physical notebook for jotting down important points and insights is a tried-and-true method. This tangible record allows for quick reference when you're ready to write your report.
Collect Powerful Quotes Quotes from the book can be the secret sauce that adds weight to your report. Choose quotes that align with your report's themes and ideas. These quotes will serve as evidence to support your analysis and perspective.
Craft Your Report Outline An book report outline serves as your roadmap for creating a structured and coherent report. Ensure it includes all the vital elements, from basic book information to your in-depth analysis. An organized outline keeps your writing on track.

Writing Your Book Report

Now that you've completed the preliminary steps, it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Follow these guidelines for an exceptional book report:

Introduction: Open with a captivating introduction that introduces the book, its author, and your main thesis. This initial "hook" draws readers in and sparks their interest.
Plot Summary: Concisely summarize the book's plot, including key events, main characters, and the overall narrative. Offer enough information for understanding without revealing major spoilers.
Analysis: The core of your report, where you dissect the book's themes, characters, writing style, and any symbolism. Back your insights with book quotes and examples, revealing the author's intentions and how they achieved them.
Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and share your overall evaluation of the book. End with a thought-provoking statement or recommendation to leave readers engaged and curious.

Book Report Formatting

When it comes to formatting a book report, simplicity and clarity are key. Here's a straightforward guide on the essential formatting elements:

Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other?

The table below highlights how is a book report different from a book review :

What are the SImilarities between Book Report and Book Review?

Here are the things that are added in both a book report and a book review.

Bibliographic details
Background of the author
The recommended audience for the book
The main subject of the book or work
Summary of the work and the only difference is that in the review, a critical analysis is also added

Due to the similarities, many students think that both of these are the same. It is wrong and could cost you your grade.

How to Write a Nonfiction Book Report?

Writing a nonfiction book report may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can craft an informative report. Here's a streamlined guide:

Read Actively: Carefully read the chosen nonfiction book, highlighting key information. For instance, if you're reporting on a biography, mark significant life events and their impact.
Introduction: Begin with the author's name, the book's publication year, and why the author wrote the book. Create an engaging opening sentence, such as "In 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' Rebecca Skloot delves into the fascinating world of medical ethics."
Focused Body: Structure the body into three paragraphs, each addressing crucial aspects. For instance, in a report on a science book, one paragraph could cover the book's key scientific discoveries.
Concluding Thoughts: Share your personal opinion, if applicable. Would you recommend the book? Mention reasons, like "I highly recommend 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari for its thought-provoking insights into human history."

Writing a nonfiction book report requires adhering to facts but can still be enjoyable with a strategic approach.

How to Write a Book Report without Reading the Book?

Short on time to read the entire book? Here are quick steps to create a book report:

Consult Summary Websites: Visit websites providing book summaries and analyses. For instance, SparkNotes or CliffsNotes offer concise overviews.
Focus on Key Details: Select 2-3 crucial aspects of the book, like major themes or character development. Discuss these in-depth.
Consider a Writing Service: Utilize professional writing services when time is tight. They can craft a well-structured report based on provided information.
Offer a Unique Perspective: Differentiate your report by approaching it from a unique angle. For example, explore a theme or character relationship that hasn't been extensively covered by peers.

While challenging, writing a book report without reading the book is possible with these strategies.

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Book Report Templates for Different Grades

Students studying at different levels have different skills and ability levels. Here is how they can write book reports for their respective academic levels.

How to Write a Book Report for an Elementary School?

The following are some book report templates that you can use for your primary or elementary school.

how to write a 3rd-grade book report - MyPerfectWords.com

How to Write a Book Report for Middle School

Here are the book report worksheets that you can use to write your middle school book report.

how to write a 6th-grade book report - MyPerfectWords.com

How to Write a Book Report for High School?

Writing a high school book report includes the following steps:

Read the book thoroughly and with purpose.
Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step.
Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report.
Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.
Analyze the major and minor characters of the story and the role they play in the progress of the story.
Analyze the major and significant plot, events, and themes. Describe the story and arguments and focus on important details.
Conclude by adding a summary of the main elements, characters, symbols, and themes.

How to Write a Book Report for College Level?

Follow this college book report template to format and write your report effectively:

Understand the Assignment: Familiarize yourself with the assignment and book details to ensure proper adherence.
Read Thoroughly: Read the book attentively, noting essential details about the plot, characters, and themes.
Introduction: Craft an informative introduction with bibliographic details.
Summary: Summarize key aspects like setting, events, atmosphere, narrative style, and the overall plot.
Plot: Cover the entire story, highlighting essential details, plot twists, and conflicts.
Conclusion: Summarize the story and assess its strengths and weaknesses. Unlike a review, a book report provides a straightforward summary.

Book Report Examples

Book Report of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Book Report of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Book Report Ideas

Basic ideas include presenting your narrative and analysis in simple written form, while more creative ideas include a fun element. Some notable books to choose from for your book report writing assignment are mentioned below:

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
"1984" by George Orwell
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
"The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
"The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank
"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Need more ideas? Check out our book report ideas blog to get inspiration!

To Sum it Up! Crafting a good book report involves striking the right balance between introducing the book, summarizing its key themes, and avoiding spoilers. It's a delicate art, but with the right guidance you can grasp this skill effortlessly.

Need expert assistance with writing your book report? MyPerfectWords.com is here to help you out!

If you're asking yourself, "Can someone write my essay for me ?"Our professional writers have the answer. We can write a custom book report according to your personalized requirements and instructions. Get a high-quality book report to help you earn the best grades on your assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the parts of a book report.

A book report often contains different sections that describe the setting, main characters, and key themes of the story. A common type is an expository one which details what happened in detail or discusses how people feel about it.

Is a report a summary?

No, a summary is more detailed than a book report. A book report is usually based on a short summary of the book, while a standalone summary is more detailed and could have headings, subheadings, and supporting quotes.

How many paragraphs should be included in a book report?

The book report is a typical assignment in middle and high school, usually with one introduction, three body, and one conclusion paragraph.

The number of paragraphs could vary depending on the academic level, with an expert or professional book report having more than three body paragraphs.

How long is a book report?

It should not exceed two double-spaced pages, be between 600 and 800 words in length. Your book report is a written reflection on the content of a novel or work of nonfiction.

How do you end a book report?

Sum up your thesis statement and remind the readers of the important points, one final time. Do not add any new ideas or themes here and try to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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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.

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.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

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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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Book Report

Book Report Outline

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How to Write a Book Report Outline – A Step by Step Guide

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 16, 2021

Writing a book report is not easy without a great outline. The outline simplifies your writing process. With the help of an outline, you will easily create a well-written book report without any difficulty.

Teachers assign book report assignments to students so they improve their writing and analytical skills.

After reading the book, the high school or college students write a summary and inform the reader about the book’s main idea.

In the book report, students write critically about what they have read. However, many students get stuck when writing a book report. Also, they mix the book report with a book review.

The book report is different from a book review, in which the book is described or analyzed based on content and style.

It's important to have an outline for writing a book report because it helps with the structure and logic of your work. A well-structured one also makes you focus, which means that all those ideas are expressed clearly.

Therefore, continue reading this blog and get an idea of the basic book report outline.

On this Page

How to Write a Book Report Outline?

Creating an outline for a book report makes your writing phase easy. It helps you to complete your assignment on time without forgetting the important points.

Book report outline contains the following elements:

Introduction

An introduction is a part where you lay out your basic argument and provide the thesis statement . This section builds the reader’s interest by mentioning any unusual facts or circumstances about the book.

Start the introduction with an attention-grabbing line that grabs the reader’s attention. It can be an interesting quote or fact from the book. Check hook examples to choose an appropriate hook for your report. Then provide relevant background information about the book.

Also, you will include the following information in the introductory paragraph.

Title of the book
Author basic information
Number of pages
Year of publication
Type and genre of the book
Brief introduction of the book

Lastly, conclude the introduction with the thesis statement, which presents the main purpose of the work.

Summary of Book

The book summary includes the setting, time, main characters, and plot. It also specifies the main theme, tone, point of the book’s narrative, or atmosphere.

However, the summary of the book describes precisely what happens when in the book. Also, mention the major events and how they impact the characters.

Character’s Details

In this step, describe the main characters and identify the major conflicts. Also, highlight the specific problem that the main characters are trying to solve.

Furthermore, describe the secondary characters that play a critical role in the plot. Besides, introduce who they are and why they are important in the book.

Plot Details

Add the overall description of the plot in this section but don't mention every detail about the story. However, only focus on the sequences of events and major plot twists.

Moreover, you can also discuss the plot highlights and any element that propels the story. Therefore, make sure to include how the plot picks, the conflicts, how they are solved, and how the book ends. Also, mention any literary themes you have observed in the book.

It is the last section of the book report outline, where you conclude everything. Include a few sentences that wrap up the entire book. You will also offer your unique critique of the book. Discuss the following elements in conclusion:

What are the book’s strengths and weaknesses?
What have you learned from the book?
How did the book affect you?

Now support your statements with examples from the book. Add a short paragraph to give your point of view about the book and recommend it to others.

Revising and Editing

When you are finished with your book report, start the proofreading and editing process by correcting any errors in spelling or grammar. Next, make sure that all text has a clear meaning, so it's easy for readers to understand; ask someone else who can help you if they spot anything unclear while reading.

Also, format it according to your professor’s guidelines. Use correct guidelines for writing the book quotes and title page. Before submitting the book report, make sure it is free from all grammar and spelling mistakes.

Once you have made all the corrections, compare your report with the guidelines that your teacher has mentioned.

Book Report Outline Template

Book Report Examples

Biography Book Report Outline

Nonfiction Book Report Outline

Middle School Book Report Outline

High School Book Report Outline

College Book Report Outline

However, if you lack book report writing skills, our essay writing service is available for your help. You only have to request ‘ do my essay ’ and our expert writers will help you process it.

At 5StarEssays.com, you can easily get a custom book report at an affordable price. So, place your order now and get a high-quality book report written by professional writers on time.

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Book Report - A Guide With Format and Examples

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How to write a book report: 9 simple steps.

January 8, 2024

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 Great Book Report

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M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
B.A., History, Armstrong State University

One assignment has lasted the test of time, uniting generations of students in a common learning exercise: book reports. While many students dread these assignments, book reports can help students learn how to interpret texts and gain a broader understanding of the world around them. Well-written books can open your eyes to new experiences, people, places, and life situations that you may have never thought about before. In turn, a book report is a tool that allows you, the reader, to demonstrate that you have understood all the nuances of the text you just read.

What's a Book Report?

In the broadest terms, a book report describes and summarizes a work of fiction or nonfiction . It sometimes — but not always — includes a personal evaluation of the text. In general, regardless of grade level, a book report will include an introductory paragraph that shares the title of the book and its author. Students will often develop their own opinions about the underlying meaning of the texts through developing thesis statements , typically presented in the opening of a book report, and then using examples from the text and interpretations to support those statements.

Before You Start Writing

A good book report will address a specific question or point of view and back up this topic with specific examples, in the form of symbols and themes. These steps will help you identify and incorporate those important elements. It shouldn't be too hard to do, provided you're prepared, and you can expect to spend, on average, 3-4 days working on the assignment. Check out these tips to ensure you're successful:

Have an objective in mind. This is the main point you want to present or the question you plan to answer in your report.
Keep supplies on hand when you read. This is very important. Keep sticky-note flags, pen, and paper nearby as you read. If you're reading an eBook , make sure you know how to use the annotation function of your app/program.
Read the book. It seems obvious, but too many students try to take a shortcut and simply read summaries or watch movies, but you often miss important details that can make or break your book report.
Pay attention to detail. Keep an eye out for clues that the author has provided in the form of symbolism . These will indicate some important point that supports the overall theme. For instance, a spot of blood on the floor, a quick glance, a nervous habit, an impulsive action, a repetitive action... These are worth noting.
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.
Develop a rough outline. By the time you finish reading the book , you will have recorded several possible themes or approaches to your objective. Review your notes and find points that you can back up with good examples (symbols).

Your Book Report Introduction

The start of your book report provides an opportunity to make a solid introduction to the material and your own personal assessment of the work. You should try to write a strong introductory paragraph that grabs your reader's attention. Somewhere in your first paragraph , you should also state the book's title and the author's name.

High school-level papers should include publication information as well as brief statements about the book's angle, the genre, the theme , and a hint about the writer's feelings in the introduction.

First Paragraph Example: Middle School Level

" The Red Badge of Courage ", by Stephen Crane, is a book about a young man growing up during the Civil War. Henry Fleming is the main character of the book. As Henry watches and experiences the tragic events of the war, he grows up and changes his attitudes about life.

First Paragraph Example: High School Level

Can you identify one experience that changed your entire view of the world around you? Henry Fleming, the main character in "The Red Badge of Courage", begins his life-changing adventure as a naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about life, war, and his own self-identity on the battlefield, however. "The Red Badge of Courage", by Stephen Crane, is a coming of age novel published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the Civil War ended. In this book, the author reveals the ugliness of war and examines its relationship to the pain of growing up.

The Body of the Book Report

Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.

Did you enjoy the book?
Was it well written?
What was the genre?
(fiction) Which characters play important roles that relate to the overall theme?
Did you notice reoccurring symbols?
Is this book a part of a series?
(nonfiction) Can you identify the writer's thesis?
What is the writing style?
Did you notice a tone?
Was there an obvious slant or bias?

In the body of your book report, you will use your notes to guide you through an extended summary of the book. You will weave your own thoughts and impressions into the plot summary . As you review the text, you'll want to focus on key moments in the storyline and relate them to the perceived theme of the book, and how the characters and setting all bring the details together. You'll want to be sure that you discuss the plot, any examples of conflict that you encounter, and how the story resolves itself. It can be helpful to use strong quotes from the book to enhance your writing.

The Conclusion

As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:

Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for nonfiction)?
What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?
Would you recommend this book?

Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraph. As always, consult your specific assignment guide or ask your teacher if you have questions about what is expected of you.

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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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Writing a Book Report

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This resource discusses book reports and how to write them.

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 Outline: Tips and Strategies

Uncategorized

Introduction Writing a book report might be complex, especially if you need help knowing where to begin. How to Write a Book Report Outline begins with structuring your thoughts and ideas. You can stay focused, cover all the essential information, and quickly produce a report using an outline. This manual will show you how to structure a book report outline, including what information to include in each section, how to evaluate and analyse the book, and how to wrap up your report. You may write a thorough and organised book report by following these recommendations.

Steps on How to Write a Book Report Outline Writing a book report outline is a great way to organise your thoughts and ideas about a book. It can help you stay on track and cover all the essential points. Here are some steps to follow to create a book report outline:

Introduction: • Title, author, and publication date of the book • The genre of the book and a brief description of what the book is about • Your thesis statement, which should include your opinion or evaluation of the book

Summary: • A summary of the plot or main storyline of the book • Introduce the main characters and their roles in the story • Any relevant setting information

Analysis: • Discuss the author’s writing style and any literary devices used (e.g. symbolism, foreshadowing, imagery, etc.) • Identify any themes or messages present in the book and provide evidence from the text to support your analysis • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the book

Evaluation: • Evaluate the book based on your own opinion • Discuss whether or not you would recommend the book to others and why • Summarise your overall thoughts and impressions of the book

Conclusion: • Restate your thesis statement • Provide a final thought on the book • Close with any personal reflections or connections you have made with the book.

Differences between books and reports Some of the critical differences between books and reports are listed below to help you master the skills of How to Write a Book Report Outline. Still, it’s important to note that there can be an overlap between the two categories, and some books may include elements of report writing, such as research or analysis.

Heading: Purpose • Books are written for entertainment, education, or information purposes. • Reports are typically written to present findings, analyse data, or make recommendations.

Heading: Length • Books are generally longer and more complex, including multiple chapters and sections. • Reports are shorter and more straightforward, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

Heading: Audience • Books are written for a general audience and can appeal to many readers. • Reports are typically written for a specific audience, such as a company, organisation, or government agency.

Heading: Style • Books may incorporate creative writing techniques, such as vivid descriptions and character development. • Reports typically use a formal writing style focusing on objective language and factual information.

Heading: Publication • Books are typically published by a publishing house and distributed for sale to bookstores and online retailers. • Reports are often distributed internally within an organisation or shared with specific stakeholders or clients. They may also be published in academic journals or presented at conferences.

Types of Book report These are a few examples of the types of book reports that can be written, and the specific requirements of How to Write a Book Report Outlinemay vary depending on the assignment or purpose of the report.

Plot Summary Book Reports These reports summarise the book’s plot, including the main events, characters, and setting. The report may also include the author’s style, themes, and overall evaluation.

Character Analysis Book Reports Character analysis book reports focus on developing and portraying the book’s main characters. The report may examine their personality, motivations, relationships, and growth throughout the story. It may also include the author’s style, themes, and overall evaluation.

Theme Analysis Book Reports Theme analysis book reports focus on the key themes present in the book, including their relevance and significance to the story. The report may also include the author’s style, character development, and overall evaluation.

Comparative Book Reports Comparative book reports compare and contrast two or more books, either by the same author or in the same genre. The report may examine similarities and differences in plot, characters, themes, and style and also evaluate each book.

Book Review Reports Book review reports critically evaluate the book, including its strengths and weaknesses, style, themes, and overall impact. The report may also include a recommendation for or against reading the book.

template for How to Write a Book Report Outline? The template for a book report outline may vary depending on the assignment’s specific requirements or the writer’s preferences. However, a basic template may include the following sections:

I. Introduction • Provide an overview of the book, including the title, author, and genre. • Briefly summarise the plot or central idea of the book.

II. Body a) Section 1: Characters • Briefly describe the main characters and their roles in the story. • Analyse their motivations, relationships, and development throughout the book.

b) Section 2: Plot • Summarise the key events and plot points in the book. • Analyse the structure of the story and its impact on the reader.

c) Section 3: Themes • Identify the major themes and ideas explored in the book. • Analyse the author’s use of symbolism, imagery, and other literary devices to convey these themes.

d) Section 4: Style and Language • Examine the author’s writing style and use of language. • Analyse the effectiveness of the author’s writing in conveying the story and engaging the reader.

III. Conclusion • Summarise your analysis of the book. • Provide your overall evaluation of the book and any recommendations for readers.

Summary How to Write a Book Report Outlinecan be made easier by creating an outline which helps organise thoughts and ideas. A book report outline can help stay focused and ensure all critical points are covered while creating a well-structured report. Different book reports include plot summaries, character analyses, theme analyses, comparative, and book review reports. The template for a book report outline can include an introduction, body, and conclusion, with sections covering characters, plot, themes, style and language. The specific requirements for a book report outline may vary depending on the assignment.

What is a book report outline, How to Write a Book Report Outlineand why is it important?

A book report outline is a tool for organising thoughts and ideas before writing a book report. It helps stay focused, ensure all important points are covered and create a well-structured report.

What are the different types of book reports?

Several book reports include a plot summary, character analysis, theme analysis, comparative, and book review reports.

What should be included in a book report outline?

A book report outline typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion, with sections covering characters, plot, themes, style and language. The specific requirements may vary depending on the assignment.

How should I analyse and evaluate a book in my report?

To analyse and evaluate a book, consider its plot, characters, themes, style, and language. Identify the author’s message and any literary devices used to convey it. Finally, evaluate the book based on its strengths and weaknesses.

What should I include in the conclusion of my book report?

As a conclusion of How to Write a Book Report Outline, summarise your analysis of the book, provide your overall evaluation of it, and any recommendations for readers. You can also discuss the book’s significance and relevance in a broader context.

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How to Write a Book Report

What Is a book report
Book report outline and structure
Step-by-step writing guide
Book report format
Book report writing tips
Report examples

What Is a Book Report?

Book report outline and structure.

Introduction. In this part, you reveal the title, the author, the year of publication, the critics’ opinions, and the theme of the work. It contains background information about what you have researched and how interested the reader will be in your research. You can write a few introductory sentences and tell how you evaluate the book and its relevance to the modern world. Do not add too many details; you will tell about them in the following parts of a book report.
Main part. Here you already talk in detail about the characters, the plot, the issues raised, and your observations. This section should be the most voluminous and detailed. Give arguments to your thoughts, help the reader to immerse themselves in the issue under study, and draw their own opinion.
Conclusion. The final part may contain only a few sentences. Here you can again voice the analyzed question and recall your arguments. Sum up your paper.

How to Write a Book Report?

Step 1: read the task and guidelines, step 2: read the book, step 3: create a document outline, step 4: writing a book report introduction, step 5: write the body, step 6: write conclusions, step 7: write the book report title, step 8: edit the finished paper, book report format, book report writing tips.

Read the book carefully to understand the author’s idea. If you find it difficult to read the whole work, read in parts. For example, take a break every 10 minutes to keep your focus.
Take notes and write out quotes. It will make it easier for you to work on the report further.
Write as many arguments and examples as possible to support your point of view. It will help your professor understand how deeply you know the subject and how well you understand the book’s author.
If you don’t understand the author’s point of view, read his other books.
Don’t get carried away with quotes. Your task is not to rewrite the book in your report but to give it or the events described a precise assessment.
After the report is ready, set it aside and then reread it. It will help you find any inaccuracies or mistakes you may have missed.

Book Report Examples

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Book Outline: How to Outline a Book in 6 Steps [Template Included]

POSTED ON Feb 5, 2024

Written by Colin Dunbar

Book outlines are crucial when writing a book, so it's important to learn how to outline a book in the most effective way for your readers.

A book outline is the foundation for an organized writing process. It should precede your first rough draft and can be used as a roadmap for your entire book-writing process.

No matter how skilled you are as a writer, you've no doubt experienced the dreaded blank page syndrome, or “writer's block” as it's commonly referred to.

From aspiring authors to professional novelists, writing a book is challenging.

You know how daunting of a task it can be to string together a fluid sequence of words that accurately conveys a thought or concept.

But you don't know how to outline a book or novel the right way.

In this post, you'll discover how to create a book outline that will help you start, and finish, writing your book.

Need A Nonfiction Book Outline?

This Book Outline Guide Will Cover:

What is a book outline.

A book outline is a structured document that plans out and sequences the information that your story will include. It is a wireframe or skeleton of your book, and will be used as the roadmap during your writing process.

Your book's outline is an agenda, or roadmap, that includes the main points or events that you will write about in your book.

It's not uncommon to use a map (or GPS) when we go on holiday. And certainly, if we want to build a house, we use a blueprint. In football, the coach puts together a game plan. All of these make the actual task easier (sometimes it makes the task possible ).

Writing an outline for your book serves the same purpose – it is a guide that you can follow to write your book.

A book outline will essentially be the same concept for both fiction and nonfiction books, but the outline format and style will vary on the genre.

A fiction novel will include important storytelling aspects such as structure, plot, scenes, and characters.
A nonfiction book will include important information aspects such as topic clusters, concepts, and intentional information architecture.

Do You Need A Book Outline To Write a Book?

Without an outline, it will take a lot longer to finish your book, and it may hinder the book's quality and reader experience. You may not need a book outline, but it will certainly help you write faster and with better quality.

Think of a book outline as a writer’s plan. When you outline a novel or book, you are creating a plan or roadmap of your book’s contents.

To outline or not to outline? Is it more difficult to write a book without an outline? Are there benefits to outlining a book?

These are just some of the questions you may have. But there is not one answer, and certainly not one way on how to outline a novel.

“I always have a basic plot outline, but I like to leave some things to be decided while I write.” J.K. rowling

Many successful authors know not to underestimate the power of a book's outline. Not only does it help in writing an organized book with clear direction, but it also helps fight writer’s block when you’re stumbling your way through a work-in-progress.

A good book outline changes and develops as you write.

And there really is not one single way to outline a book. Sure, a book template is great to use, and there are models to follow, but every outline is different.

Book Outline Examples

Let's take a quick look at some examples of famous authors who learned how to write a book outline that fit their needs, and then went on to write and publish them successfully.

Below is the handwritten outline of novelist James Salter:

Image Of A Handwritten Outline By James Salter

You may be familiar with this image of J.K. Rowling's plot lines of the Harry Potter books…

Image Of A Handwritten Plot Line Grid Document From Jk Rowling

Famous outliners (or plotters) include John Grisham, J.K. Rowling, and R.L. Stine, to name a few.

Reasons To Outline Your Book

The biggest benefit of learning how to write a book outline is that your outline can help you start, and finish your book .

It can make your process towards becoming an author easier, and more clear – with fewer detours and frustrations along the way during your writing process.

Here are some benefits to outline your book:

Write quickly. With a book outline, you know exactly what you have to write about next.
Intentional structure . Although an outline is equally applicable to nonfiction and fiction, an outline can help you create a solid structure for your novel. This can result in a better quality piece of literature.
Overcome blank page syndrome . With an outline, the dreaded blank page is not as daunting as it could be. When you sit down to write, you will be able to kickstart your writing with an outline.
Prevent writer's block. Again, having an outline can help you eliminate writer's block because you open your outline, and there you have the next piece to start writing. It's like jump-starting the brain.
Push through the sagging middle . If you're writing a novel, you no doubt are familiar with the uphill battle of writing the sagging middle. With a carefully structured outline, this becomes easier.
First draft . K.M. Weiland, in her book Outlining Your Novel , says: “In many ways, an extensive outline is a first draft.”

Infographic Showing The Benefits Of A Book Outline

To write a nonfiction book without an outline, is an invitation to stress and frustration (and it may likely result in a sub-standard book).

To write a fiction novel without an outline is a bit more acceptable because it’s more of a creative process. But you should still have an idea of your book’s starting and ending points to avoid writer’s block and overwhelm – especially if you’re a first-time author .

In the Introduction of K.M. Weiland's book, Outlining Your Novel , she offers the following: “Outlining has transformed my own writing process from hit-and-miss creativity to a reliable process of story craft. Outlining allows me to ride the waves of my story with utter confidence , channeling the art into the craft to produce solid stories. And the best part about outlining? It's entirely learnable.”

Free Book Outline Templates

A book outline template can make it super easy to get started writing your outline.

For FICTION, you can download the free template here.

For NONFICTION, you can download the free template here.

If you’re ready to get started, we have ready-made templates just for you.

Select your genre, and get a completed book outline that’s ready for you to plug in your book ideas.

Use this outline template tool as a starting point to write your book’s outline. It’s yours to adjust as needed!

How To Outline A Book: Your Step-By-Step Guide

There is no single right way to outline a book . What works for you, may not work for another writer, and vice versa.

Don’t feel like you have to follow a rigid set of rules to craft your outline and get started writing your book. But, your book outline should have the basics covered.

It’s perfectly fine to start with a loose structure and develop your outline as you go.

So, how do you write an outline for a book?

1. Start with a one-line idea

Begin with a one-line idea. Write one sentence to summarize your book’s “big picture” idea. Although it sounds easy, summarizing the whole of your book in one single sentence can force you to strip away your ideas into one essential premise.

2. Brainstorm the 5 Ws

Do a brain dump. Brainstorm the main components of your book’s idea . A mindmap or bubble map is a popular method for this step. I start by drawing a bubble in the center of the sheet (usually with the chapter number and/or title), and then asking the 5W + H (Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How) questions in individual bubbles. I add snippets in between the bubbles as well.

When you start your outline, begin by asking the 5W + H questions:

What? What is the concept, topic, or idea?
Where? Where does this concept, topic, or idea, apply? Maybe it's an event or a context situation.
Why? Why does this matter?
Who? Who is this for, or who is involved?
When? Is there a concept of time involved?
How? If applicable, ask yourself: “How will this happen?”

Working through your outline, asking and answering these basic questions, you will likely find yourself. building a story. So, when you sit down to actually write your book, it will develop and grow almost magically. Give it a try.

If you're writing nonfiction, the value of questions is indispensable…

What information do you want to share in your book?
Who is your reader: beginner, intermediate, advanced?
Why does your reader want to know the information in your book?
What does your reader want to learn by reading your book?

If you're writing fiction, questions can also help…

If my antagonist does that, how will my protagonist react?
How can I get my protagonist out of that jam?
Use “What if?” in different scenarios.

3. Determine your setting

Whether you're writing a novel or a nonfiction book, you need to decide where the series of events will take place. The setting helps to immerse your reader in your story, so think of the sights, smells, and sounds that would draw your readers into the setting with you.

If this is a novel, you can create fantastical laws of physics or new systems of government. If it's a memoir, describe your childhood home or first office down to the last detail.

Do research if you need to.

4. Decide on the order of events

Once you have your setting and have answered the main questions surrounding your story, it's time to set the order of events. Where should your story start? What will the conclusion be? And how will you get from one place to another? Whether you are designing a hero's journey, a dual-timeline story with flashbacks, or the trials to becoming a successful businessperson, you need to have a clear story arc to guide your reader smoothly through your chapters. Move sections of your plot around as needed until it feels clear.

5. Lay out the character’s arc

The character arc is the transformation your protagonist makes from the start to the end of the story. If this is a memoir, you will highlight the growth you made as a result of your challenges and experiences. If this is a novel, how will your character start and end up and why? How do the events of the story impact and shape them?

6. Hash out the details

Narrow in on the essential details.

Now that you have the premise of your book’s idea, and you’ve had a chance to brainstorm all of your ideas, it’s time to get organized with the specifics.

Organize your book’s main points, and add in any specific details that you will have to touch on in each point.

How To Write A Book Outline Infographic Showing Three Steps

It's important to note that the above steps are a loose starting point for any standard book idea. To really hone in and follow a book outline strategy, you need to know which type of book you are writing, since the outline can vary greatly depending on this.

Are you writing a novel, based on fiction, or are you writing a nonfiction book?

Let's take a look at the next two sections to determine the process for each.

How To Outline A Novel

A novel is based on fiction or imagination – it is not based on real life. If you are writing a fictitious narrative, then you need to create a novel outline.

Fiction and nonfiction books are very different, and while the steps to create an outline of a book can be similar, they are pretty different based on the book's genre.

Learn how to outline a novel well, and you will improve your storytelling and reader experience tremendously.

The purpose of a novel is to entertain, and your book's outline needs to be created with that in mind.

You are telling a story in a novel, and a well-structured book outline will help you create a roadmap to tell that story well.

Note: If you're writing a memoir , your memoir outline will most likely resemble more of a fiction structure than that of a nonfiction structure.

Here are the steps to outline a novel:

Write your idea out. What’s your book’s big picture? This is the premise of your story; it’s the “big idea.” Try to write your idea into as few sentences as possible, preferably one. You’ll have a chance to get into the granular details later.
Answer the 5 W’s (Who, What, When, Where, Why). Get clear on the essentials of your story. This will help guide you in determining how to create your book’s outline framework, and will also help you identify any major “holes” that you might have missed.
Use a book outline framework or template. Choose a template to work with as a starting point, then make any adjustments as you see fit and start plugging in your content.
Create your plot. Start with a beginning, middle, and end. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t have a clear idea of every event in your book. You can flesh it out as you go, but you should have an idea of the starting and ending point, at the least.
Add characters. Now that you have a plot, it’s time to include your characters . This is important because it helps you identify any supplemental characters you hadn’t yet thought of. It also helps you chart out your protagonist’s purpose and hero's journey .
Plug in scenes. With a starting point for your plot, and an idea of which characters are needed, you can start plugging in the major scenes that will help tell your story.

How To Outline A Nonfiction Book

If you plan to write a nonfiction book, then you need to know how to create an outline for a nonfiction book.

While the process is similar to the fiction outline steps, it's also very different, because of the differing structure.

Think about it: A nonfiction book is likely based on facts and real life, whereas a fiction book is based on imagination.

The purpose of a nonfiction book is typically to educate or inform, so you need a book outline that is structured to that purpose.

Here are the steps to outline a nonfiction book:

Write out your idea. Write your big book idea out in one to three sentences.
Identify the purpose of your book. Think about the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) questions specifically in terms of the problem your non-fiction book is solving, or what purpose your book serves.
Choose your book structure. Many nonfiction books follow a specific structure. Is it a problem and solution structure? Maybe it’s a compare and contrast, or a chronological structure? If you’re having trouble deciding, go back to your purpose.
Use a book outline template. Start with a template, and fill in the details of your book as you go.
Add your main points as chapters. Brainstorm the main points your book will discuss to convey the topic you’re writing about. Then, add these main points as chapters.
Structure individual chapters with details. Once you have your main points mapped out as chapters, you can add the specific points or details that you will write about in each chapter.
Write an outline for each chapter. Once you have your overall outline completed, you can hone in and continue developing it by creating an outline for each chapter.

Effective Strategies For Book Outlining

There are a lot of strategies and frameworks when it comes to writing a book outline. There are some effective ways to outline a novel or nonfiction book, and many authors find success using popular book outlining strategies.

Let’s dive into some book outlining strategies that you can consider for your own book outline. Just be sure to make tweaks to any process that you see fit for your specific needs and writing process.

Infographic Showing 8 Effective Book Outline Strategies

A mindmap can be done with software or with paper and pen. It's a brain dump at its core – as you think of an item or point, you add it to your mindmap. This can be a few words, a line, a sentence, or whatever you need to get the basic idea down.

The first round of mindmapping is all about speed; get your idea out of your head into your mindmap. You can set a timer, and start mindmapping by allowing your thoughts and ideas to freely flow out of your head and into a visual scheme. Mindmapping is one of the best ways to outline a book.

This is similar to the mindmap; the difference is that a bubblemap is usually done on paper or a whiteboard. The same principles apply as with a mindmap: get the ideas out of your head onto paper (or whiteboard). You may find that doing this on paper (or a whiteboard), you'll be able to get the ideas out of your head quicker. You can scratch out, add, and move items: it's your outline, and you do it as you want to.

Below is an example bubble outline for a chapter in my forthcoming book (as you can see, it looks similar to a mindmap).

Scrivener Outline

Scrivener is a popular paid book-writing software used by many expert authors. To create an outline in Scrivener , you would use the Corkboard tool. This is an electronic version of using 3×5 flashcards, and the benefit of doing this in Scrivener is that all your “cards” are safely in one place.

The Corkboard in Scrivener is a neat tool to outline your book. Author Becky Levine uses Scrivener and says: “I create a text file/note for each scene in the story.”

Below are example notes on the corkboard in Scrivener…

If you're not familiar with Scrivener, and are looking for a free alternative, consider using Notion . It's not strictly a writing software, but it allows you to work in a similar way.

One-liner Outline

This is a quick and easy way to start your outline. Either in your word processor of choice, or with pen and paper, jot down root ideas. These can be questions, phrases, sentences, or whatever it takes to get the idea down on paper (or screen) as quickly as possible.

Chapter by Chapter

Usually, when you outline your whole book, it will be from a 30,000-foot view. After the book outline, it's a good idea to then outline it chapter by chapter. You can use any of the methods offered here to outline your chapters. The idea behind this is to drill down into the details of each chapter, so you can write each chapter more efficiently.

Post-it Notes

If you have the space, using Post-it notes is a great way to outline a book. This video by Pat Flynn is a great example of how to use Post-it notes to outline.

Storyboard Outline

If you are more of a visual person, you can use a storyboard to outline your book. Here is a step-by-step video on how to outline a book.

Snowflake Method

Bestselling author Randy Ingermanson created the Snowflake Method . In his book, How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method , he offers 10 steps on writing a first draft.

“The Snowflake Method is nothing more nor less than the method that works best for me in writing fiction. If you can use it to guide your creativity as you write a powerful story, then I’ll be thrilled.” – Randy Ingermanson

Book Outline Tips

If you're still struggling to get started, or finish, your outline, we have four best practice book outline tips for you:

Ask more questions. Questions are your most valuable asset to create an outline for your book. Start with the basic, What? Why? When? Where? Who? And How?
Refer to similar books. If you're stuck with getting started, look at the Table of Contents of books in your niche. Do not plagiarize, but use them as ideas. Ask yourself these questions: Where can you add your unique angle? Can you add something more, or different?
Leave blanks & skip over. If you can't hash out a particular detail, or have a gap in your outline, don't pressure yourself to fill the gap. Instead, skip it and leave it blank. It will come to you as you start writing!
Be flexible. Don't be rigid with your book outline. The best outlines are those that can be adapted and tweaked on the go. The outline is just a starting point, but it's up to you to refine as you write.

Don't feel rushed to get your outline done. And always remember your outline is not cast in stone – you can change it how many times you want to. Investing time in writing a detailed outline will save you time when you write your book.

“The outline is 95 percent of the book. Then I sit down and write, and that's the easy part.” Jeffery Deaver

Don't lock yourself into just one type of outline. Try different types, and feel free to mix and match.

Outlining Software

Over the past decade, a number of companies have entered the market with software for writers . A few of them specifically help authors with outlining novels.

Most of these tools were made by authors, for authors, so they can be extremely useful. However, they will cost money and they do have a learning curve. That's why we offer the free templates in a simple word processor you're already familiar with and know how to use.

If you are interested in a more robust software for outlining, we have written reviews on many of them, including but not limited to:

Novel Factory

If you'd like to see more novel writing software , you can read this article. Otherwise, it's time to get started with your outline!

Ready to write your book outline?

If you're just starting out on your writing journey, give book outlining a try.

It may just enable you to progress forward and avoid the hurdles of the blank page, writer's block, and other stumbling blocks.

Remember the sage advice of Winnie the Pooh…

“Organization is what you do before you do it, so when you do it, it’s not all messed up.” – Winnie the Pooh

And if you’re feeling stuck by this whole book writing and publishing process , consider a self-publishing course where you can be guided through the ins and outs of the entire book writing and publishing process.

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COMMENTS

How to Write a Book Report
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 ...
How to Write a Book Report: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction: Introduce the title, author, and publication information. Include a brief overview of the book's genre and main theme, and state your purpose for writing the report. Summary: Concisely summarize the plot or central idea, highlighting main events, characters, and conflicts.
How to Write a Book Report
Preparing to Write. Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you'll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.
How to Write the Perfect Book Report (4 easy steps)
Book Report Template. A book report template is simply a standard approach to composing your report. Here is an example of what that might look like, using To Kill a Mockingbird. Title: To Kill a Mockingbird Author: Harper Lee Published: 1960 Genre: Southern Gothic, Bildungsroman (Coming-of-Age), Courtroom Drama. Summary
How to Write a Book Report
Writing a high school book report includes the following steps: Read the book thoroughly and with purpose. Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step. Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report. Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.
How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example)
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.
How to Write a Book Report
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. ...
Book Report Outline
The book report is different from a book review, in which the book is described or analyzed based on content and style. It's important to have an outline for writing a book report because it helps with the structure and logic of your work. A well-structured one also makes you focus, which means that all those ideas are expressed clearly.
Writing a Book Report in Seven Steps
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.
How to Write a Book Report: 9 Simple Steps
Step 2: Read the Book Carefully. 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.
10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report
Develop paragraph ideas. Each paragraph should have a topic sentence and a sentence that transitions to the next paragraph. Try writing these first, then filling out the paragraphs with your examples (symbols). Don't forget to include the basics for every book report in your first paragraph or two. Review, re-arrange, repeat.
How to Write a Book Report in 4 Easy Steps
Start as soon as possible once you're given the assignment. As soon as you pick your book,, factor in at least two weeks for writing and wrapping up your report. Divide the number of pages by the remaining days: that will be the number of pages you will have to read per day. Practice narration.
How to Write a Great Book Report
The start of your book report provides an opportunity to make a solid introduction to the material and your own personal assessment of the work. You should try to write a strong introductory paragraph that grabs your reader's attention. Somewhere in your first paragraph, you should also state the book's title and the author's name.
How to write a book report
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 ...
Book Report Outline: Structure, Writing Plan, Templates
Book report outline completed for fictional works usually contain following elements: Introduction made up of key bibliographical information - this is helpful in identifying written work you focus on, besides providing some useful contextual information. Book summary or plot - this summarizes content, characters, main event or plot twist. ...
Book Reports
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 ...
How to Write a Book Report Outline: Tips and Strategies
Here are some steps to follow to create a book report outline: Introduction: • Title, author, and publication date of the book. • The genre of the book and a brief description of what the book is about. • Your thesis statement, which should include your opinion or evaluation of the book. Summary:
How to Write a Book Report Format & Outline Examples
Step 2: Read the book. Before writing an assignment, you need to understand what the book is about. Read it carefully and take notes. Write down key characters and events. Note the key events and how they influenced the development of the plot as a whole.
Book Report: How To Write A Book Report/ Review
The structure of this will include: An introduction. Summary of the book. Main body of text. A conclusion of the report. Each section of the book report should feature at least one paragraph. Depending on the ability of your class, you may wish to provide a book report outline on the board.
22 Free Book Report Templates and Examples
To write a book report, you need to follow the steps below: Draft an introductory paragraph. This captures the basic information about the book such as its genre, title, author, year published, number of pages, and the publisher. Include some interesting background information about the author of the book. Next, incorporate a plot summary.
Book Outline: How to Outline a Book in 6 Simple Steps
3. Determine your setting. Whether you're writing a novel or a nonfiction book, you need to decide where the series of events will take place. The setting helps to immerse your reader in your story, so think of the sights, smells, and sounds that would draw your readers into the setting with you.
30 Free Book Report Templates
A Book Report is a written essay that summarizes a specific book regarding the book's contents and composition, such as Plot, Characters, Title, Tone, and Setting of the book. A book report template may also contain information about the author or an evaluation of the good and bad aspects of the book. A book report is a typical assignment for ...

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

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

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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

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