When you are a college student, you may need to write a book report. Teachers may need it to check how well you understand that book. It may also help understand if you have read the book. Yet, there are specific rules for writing the work. You should understand them when you start the assignment. A book report is a writing where you describe the parts and the plot of the book. There are different kinds of book reports. The main kinds include:
- Plot summary
It is a book report where your only task is to describe the plot. Then you may discuss the characters’ actions and whether you have liked the plot. You should not describe the characters’ feelings. There is no need to write about the chapters of a book and the theme.
- Character analysis
Here, you will need to describe the main and extra characters. You should state their names and places of origin. Then write about their roles in the book. What are the relations between the characters? In what way have they influenced the plot? Talk about the appearance and character traits of the characters. Then describe their actions in the book and the reasons for such actions. Each character has an image. You should provide the reader with it.
- Theme analysis
In such a book report, you should describe characters and the plot in detail. The most important thing here is the theme. You may describe the history of writing the book. Why has the author chosen such scenery and characters? Then you should talk about the main plot directions and how it is related to the theme. Describe the cultural background of the theme. Think about the philosophy and deep psychology of the theme the author has chosen.
When you write a book report, you can express your opinion about the book. Your thoughts will be connected to the authors’ opinions.
The Main Parts of a Book Report
There are several parts to the book report. They do not depend on the type you choose. Let’s look at the scheme of writing.
- The type of book
You should choose whether it is a short article or a scientific book. It may be science fiction or fiction. Write what the type and the style of the book are.
- The book’s title
- Who the author is
- Describe the place and time of the book
- What the year of publication is
- Describe the characters
The description should not be long. You may add some information about the characters in the special section of the report
- Use examples from the book to prove your point
How to Write a Plot Summary
A summary is not only retelling the story. When you are writing a plot summary, you should provide a deep analysis of the plot. Describe the events and give their reasons. Analyze the behavior of characters and historical background. It is also important to give your point about the events and the plots. You should give your opinion and prove it with examples from the book. It is crucial to talk about why you have such an opinion.
How to Write a Character Analysis
In this type of book report, you should focus on the characters’ traits. They will include the appearance of the characters and the reasons for their actions. In what way are they different? You should analyze their actions and their impact on the plot. How are the characters related to the other ones?
You should consider the clothes of the characters. What do other characters think about the clothes? You may also talk about positive and negative character traits separately. There are controversial characters who are good and bad at the same time. You should describe all their traits. Then say if they acted right or wrong in separate situations. Talk about what was the other way to act? Why haven’t they acted in this manner?
Some characters are fatalists who always get into trouble. Such people are not bad themselves. Yet, there are some traits that make them suffer. They may often be angry or they may be light-minded. You should describe the traits and what consequences they have.
To prove your opinion, you may give an example from the book. It can be quotations with the characters’ phrases or dialogues. Talk about what the person says and how it impacts others. What impression do the words have on the reader? What is your opinion of such words?
How to Describe the Theme of the Book
The theme is the main idea of the book. You should give a short theme definition. Then talk about how the chosen theme impacts the plot. You may also describe your feelings about the theme. Describe the way the book and the theme have influenced your life. Why have you liked or disliked the book? Tell the readers if you recommend it or not.