English classes can be daunting if students are unprepared for the coursework. Having a solid understanding of each teacher’s requirements, from what textbooks are needed to the writing style they want, will make the learning process successful. Academic writing is integral not only to English classes but to every aspect of life, and the ability to write a good book report is an important part of learning to write well.
Read the Entire Book and Take Notes
Whether the book report is over an assigned text or something chosen by each student, it will be impossible to write a good report on a piece of work that has not been read at least once. It is important to jot down or underline significant quotes while reading, and to make note of plot points if the book is fictional.
Taking notes can be done in a notebook, on note cards, in the margins of the book or on sticky notes left on the relevant pages. Leaving notes in their original context will create reminders about the book that can be useful during the writing of the report.
Without notes to aid students with remembering details from the book, it will be harder to write an academic essay that accurately demonstrates an understanding of the source.
Learn to use SparkNotes and Cliffs Notes Properly
SparkNotes and Cliffs Notes are useful resources in English classes, since both have information about a great number of books read in English and literature classes. However, these are not a replacement for reading the source material; neither SparkNotes nor Cliffs Notes can encompass all of the details and important parts of the original book, so using them as a substitute for reading will only damage a student’s understanding in the long run.
Using SparkNotes or Cliffs Notes as a refresher on major plot points, themes or symbolism is a great way to utilize these resources without missing out on reading the book. Having these resources available as a study aid can be an effective aid in writing a book report, but they should never be used without having read the book.
Using Outside Research in Academic Writing
Writing academic papers can be challenging without researching the book. Many books have papers that have been written about them; some books have other books devoted to studying their impact on literature. Using these resources can add merit to the report, but all research must be done carefully.
Checking the validity of resources is vital. Wikipedia is a starting point for research, but more effort should be put into getting information than just using one entry. Finding scholarly articles or books written on the student’s book should not be difficult, and using these resources to add credibility to a book report can only help improve the final grade.
When using outside research in academic writing, citation is absolutely required. Plagiarism is usually punished by a failing grade; in some cases plagiarism results in failing the class. Using quotes, footnotes, endnotes or in-text citation is a way to show research and avoid getting penalized for stealing work.
Be Aware of Requirements for the Book Report
Most teachers will not be looking for a book review when book reports are turned in. Writing an opinionated summary of a book –a review –will not satisfy most teachers’ guidelines. If a teacher has an explanation of what type of book report they want, it should be read and used to help format the paper. Failing to follow a teacher’s instructions is as detrimental to a grade as writing a bad report.
Using a teacher's guidelines to form the structure of a student's paper is a way to get thoughts, notes and opinions on a book organized. In analyzing what a teacher wants in an academic essay, students will be better able to formulate the organization of their essay and type of writing style that should be used.
Understanding the Difference Between Book Reports and Book Reviews
Writing a book report is a very different process than writing a book review. Book reviews rely heavily on opinion and don’t often include outside research. A book report is academic writing focused on an examination of a book. Remembering the difference between the two is important, because turning a book report into a review will negatively impact the grade received.
How to Write a Book Report Effectively
Book reports are written in several different ways. Many teachers will allow a summary of the book to be included in the report; this should generally not exceed two paragraphs, depending on the length of the paper. In addition to a summary, book reports should choose a topic to examine from the perspective of the book; this will differ based on the type of book.
If the book is fictional, the report can be an examination of some of the prominent themes in the book; an analysis of symbols and how they relate to the story and the author’s message regarding social issues, big life questions or the human condition; or an argument paper defending an interpretation of the book.
For nonfiction, the report could address the thesis; analyze the arguments put forth by the author and examine their accuracy; or focus on one aspect of the writing that is particularly relevant to the student or the book's message.
One of the most important parts of writing a book report is choosing a topic that will be interesting for the student; having an interesting subject will make the writing process smoother and easier for the student. Topics that spark the student's interest will also make the writing more appealing to a teacher, and it will show in the student’s final grade.
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