How to Write a Book Report

You're in your English class and your teacher gives you an assignment: Write a book report. The horror! What do you include in it? How do you properly analyze the psyche of Character X? What about Character Y's motivations? What does Character Z have to do with Character A's problems? Once you figure it out, how do you put it all in? Here's the answer to all your book reporting troubles.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A book
• Your computer, or whatever you'll write your book report on

1. Read the book. This may sound obvious, but some people feel the need to not read the book at all and try to bluff their way through. But for now, you need to read it. But don't just read. Analyze it. Make notes about how this person affected the plot, what that person did to make this person feel that way. Look at how the characters interact with each other, look at the author's writing style, look at the theme. Break everything down.

2. Know your guidelines. If your teacher told you for no more than a thousand words, don't make it more than a thousand words. If your teacher said to use Arial size 10, use Arial size 10. If he/she tells you to print it on golden paper and seal it in an envelope with a red wax seal, then do it. Follow what instructions are given to you.

3. Make an outline. Plot your introduction, your body, and your conclusion. Know what you put in each part, so you don't repeat what you have said earlier. Generally, you want to make a very, very brief summary of the book in the beginning, and state your main ideas. Expand on each of the ideas in the body, a paragraph or more for each. Then, summarize everything you have said at the end. Redo the outline again if you have to. Refer back to your notes.

4. Actually start writing the report. You want to focus mostly on this part, but remember to look back at your outline and notes. These are instrumental in keeping yourself organized.

5. Remember, this is still your first draft! Keave it untouched for a while, then get back to it. I recommend looking over it three different times. First, to check for spelling and grammar mistakes. Second, to check your content. Finally, to check your voice and transitions. Proofread it, and if possible, get someone else to do it.

6. Edit, edit, and edit again. Keep a copy of all of your drafts, so you can compare. If you have a rubric, this is a good time to look over it. If you missed something, you'll know right away and you can add it to your report. Polish it up.

Tips & Warnings

• If, with all the editing you did, a voice keeps telling you that you'll never be good enough, ignore it. You did your best on this report, and you're going to get a good grade.