| How to write a book report
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How to write a book report
There are two approaches to book reviewing: the descriptive and the critical. A descriptive review is one in which the writer, without over-enthusiasm or exaggeration, gives the essential information about a book. This is done by description and exposition, by stating the perceived aims and purposes of the author, and by quoting striking passages from the text. A critical review is one in which the writer describes and evaluates the book, in terms of accepted literary and historical standards, and supports this evaluation with evidence from the text. The following pointers are meant to be suggestions for writing a critical review.
How to write a book report – know the Body
There are two main sections for this part. The first is an explanation of what the book is about. The second is your opinions about the book and how successful it is. There are some differences between reports on fiction or other imaginative writing and reports on non-fiction books.
But for both, a good place to start is to explain the author\'s purpose and/or the main themes of the book. Then you can summarize.
How to write a book report for fiction or other creative writing:
Provide brief descriptions of the setting, the point of view (who tells the story), the protagonist, and other major characters. If there is a distinct mood or tone, discuss that as well.
Give a concise plot summary. Along with the sequence of major events, you may want to discuss the book\'s climax and resolution, and/or literary devices such as foreshadowing. But, if you are writing a review, be careful not to give away important plot details or the ending.
How to write a book report for non-fiction:
Provide a general overview of the author\'s topic, main points, and argument. What is the thesis? What are the important conclusions?
Don\'t try to summarize each chapter or every angle. Choose the ones that are most significant and interesting to you.
Analysis and Evaluation
In this section you analyze or critique the book. You can write about your own opinions; just be sure that you explain and support them with examples. Some questions you might want to consider:
· Did the author achieve his or her purpose?
· Is the writing effective, powerful, difficult, and beautiful?
· What are the strengths and weakness of the book?
· For non-fiction, what are the author\'s qualifications to write about the subject? Do you agree with the author\'s arguments and conclusions?
· What is your overall response to the book? Did you find it interesting, moving, and dull?
· Would you recommend it to others? Why or why not?
How to write a book report >
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