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:
In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.
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:
If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.
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:
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.
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:
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.
When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:
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.
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:
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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