How to Write a Book Report (For High School Students)
Book report is similar to book review; however the aim of the review here is the novel being read. This helps the student to delve deeper into the story being read and gain appreciation and understanding of the material. It also serves as their aid into the circuitous maze of the story for a novel is more complicated than the short story.
Written Book Report Format:
A.
Title – give the title and author of the book.
B. Characters – Identify the protagonists (main characters), antagonists (villains), and foils, (supporting characters). List each character and briefly explain who he/she is and how he/she is related to the main character.
C. Setting – Discuss the time, place and mood of the book in detail. If possible, use a map to show the place where the story takes place.
D. Plot – Sequence the events that take place in the story. Write only the ten most important events in the story.
This is being presented in a pyramid.
a. Introduction/Exposition – Give the setting and point view, introduces the characters, and reveals some information necessary in understanding the situation that will give rise to the problem.
b. Development/Rising Action – Show movement that leads towards the turning point.
c. Climax/Turning Point – Is the highest point of interest in the story for it is where the action takes a decisive turn.
d. Denouement/Falling Action – Reveal how the series of actions or events takes place and resolves the problem introduced at the beginning of the story.
E. Theme – Discuss the theme of the book. Relate it to the life of a person.
F. Character Analysis – Choose two characters and discuss them in depth. If possible, use Venn Diagram in describing their similarities and differences.
G. Evaluation – Write one paragraph of at least five sentences describing why you would or would not recommend the book to others.
The paragraph must contain:
a. One topic sentence
b. Multiple sentences
c. One concluding sentences
H. Copy of the book or story.
