BOOK REPORT GUIDELINES

STEP ONE:  OUTLINE

I.                    Introductory paragraph

A.     Identify the title and author

B.     Tell what kind of book it is (mystery, adventure, fiction, etc)

C.     Briefly summarize the plot

1.       In a sentence or two; no more than a paragraph

2.       PLOT- a sequence of events in the story

D.     Give the theme

1.       The message the author is trying to convey

2.       The author’s main point

3.       The theme is often not stated directly. But is the main idea that ties the work together.

II.                 Body paragraph to discuss feature of the book

A.     Separate paragraphs for each subject

1.       Characters (the main character and others; what are they like? Tell how they face events of the book, or how they change as a result of the situation they are in)

2.       Setting (time, place(s), environment, culture, duration, etc.)

3.       Conflict and resolution of conflict (type of conflict; challenge or decisions the main character(s) must make; how they solve the problems; climax or turning point)

a.       CONFLICT – A struggle between opposing forces or people.  Conflicts can be external – character against character, character against society, character fate or God.  Conflicts can also be internal – a character against some aspect of himself or herself.  For example, a character may have to choose between what is right and what is easiest.

b.       CLIMAX- Turning point.  It is the part that resolves the conflict.

B.     Include supporting information

III.               Conclusion

A.     Give your opinion or evaluation- and why

B.     Recommendation or not? – and why

STEP TWO: REPORT

I.                    Your report should be two pages handwritten neatly in black or blue ink.

II.                 If you type it, you may have more pages, however it needs to be 12 font, Times Roman Numeral and double-spaced.           

III.       This report is due on ___________________________