HOW TO WRITE A BOOK REPORT COLLEGE LEVEL

In college, most students find themselves tasked with writing a book report. The steps
for writing a book report require formatting, book summary, and providing an evaluation
of the text. You should also use the correct academic style such as MLA, APA, Chicago,
etc.
Your academic work should include:
The bibliography information
Who the intended audience of the book is
Give a reason for the creation of the book
The subject of the book
The summary of the book’s content
Critical assessment supported with evidence from the book

RESEARCHING AND OUTLINING YOUR BOOK

REPORT
Example:
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
800 to 1000 words
Double spaced
Introductory paragraph requirements
Class and the name of the professor
The book title and the author’s name
The number of pages the book has
The name of the publisher
Bibliographic information
Body: The conflict of the story
Follow Instructions of Your Assignment
Carefully read through your assignment sheet and make notes of the questions that you
might have. Make sure that you know the due date, formatting requirements such as
double spacing, length of the paper.
For example, you have to find out what your teacher wants you to include.
Most book reports are direct summaries so it is a good idea to ask your teacher how
much devotion to summary versus analysis should you include in your paper.
Read the Entire Book
It is the most crucial step. Sit down and read the text before you start writing. Choose a
place where you can put all your concentration on the book. It helps you pay attention to
important plot points and characters.
Read in stretches and take breaks to keep your attention sharp.
Give yourself enough time to read the whole book. Book report writing, if you have just
skimmed over the book, is challenging.
There is no guarantee that online book summaries are accurate so don’t put your trust
in them.
Take Notes When Reading
As you are reading, it is good to keep a sticky note, highlighter or pencil in handy. If you
are using a computer or phone, you can open up a word document for your notes.
When reading and you come across something that you are confused or curious about,
mark it. Identify details and evidence that you can use in your report by placing a note
with quotations or good examples.
For example, you can find a sentence that clearly describes the primary setting in the
book such as, “the castle was gloomy and made out of huge grey stones.”
Create an Outline
You need to create paragraph by paragraph listing of how your paper will get organized.
You need to include the details of your work and what each section will discuss. When
you start writing, expect your outline to change here and there, so have a plan but be
flexible.
When you finish with your outline, go through it to make sure it makes sense. Also,
make sure your framework covers all of the significant elements of the book, such as
the characters, plot, and setting.
Although editing can take much of your time, it will save you time in the editing stages.
There are those people who prefer to outline with pen and paper, while others prefer to
type a list on the computer. Choose the method that works best for you.
Example of an outline:
Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
Main characters:
Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Three witches, Banquo, King Duncan, Malcolm, Macduff
Outline
Part 1: Narrative point of view
Unsteady timeline
Part 2: Introducing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
The supernatural is a fundamental part of the structure of the plot
Quotations and Intermix Examples from the Text
As you create your outline, try pairing the general points of the summary with specific
details from the book. Your teacher will see that you not only read the book but also
understood it. Keep your quotations brief and vary your examples.
Do not overuse quotes. Include one quotation per paragraph.
Example:
When Albert thinks he hears a voice while killing Reuben, it prefigures sleeplessness
that spares him and his wife.

Don’t Try to Cover Everything

It is impossible to cover every piece of the book thoroughly. However, ensure that your
book report gives your readers a feel of the book and include the most important ideas.
For example, you will need to focus primarily on discussing the essential characters or
the characters that appear most frequently.

WRITING THE BODY OF YOUR REPORT

William Shakespeare Macbeth defines thin line between right and wrong and the
existence of supernatural.
Open with an Introduction Paragraph
Your first paragraph should include the book name and the author’s name. Open a line
that will grab the attention of your readers. You should place one sentence summary of
the entire work in the last line of introduction.
For example, a sentence summary might say “This book is about the main characters
journey around the world and what he learned on his travels.”
Your introduction should not take too much space. Overall, an introduction should be 3
to 6 sentences long. It is on rare occasions that they may either be short or long.
Describe the Book’s Setting
It is an excellent way to start the body of your assignment as it will set the stage for
everything else in your report. Describe the locations mentioned in the book. If your
story takes place in a little town, go ahead and mention it. If the setting is futuristic or
imaginary, go ahead and say so.
Use persuasive language when you can and go into details. For example, you might
write “Hills surrounded the little town.”
Told from multiple perspectives, Macbeth follows the story of the tragedy of Macbeth.

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Include an Overall Plot Summary
It is here that you describe what happens in the book. Any significant events should get
mentioned in your plot summary and the impacts they have on the characters. This part
of your report should appear similar to a comprehensive outline of the book itself.
For example, the plot begins during a bloody civil war in Scotland, where Macbeth gets
introduced as a dedicated general in the title of Thane of Glamis serving under King
Duncan, who gives a great exaltation of Macbeth’s Prowess and valor in battle.
Macbeth and Banquo encounter witches as they cross a moor who prophesy that
Macbeth made Thane of Cawdor and eventually King of Scotland. Lady Macbeth
convinces him to Kill Duncan, and he agrees. He kills Duncan and plants evidence of
regicide on two guards. Macbeth gets then Crowned King. Macbeth becomes a tyrant.
Brutally stamping out anyone perceived to be a threat to his power.
Introduce the Main Characters
Mention each character in your report. Don’t forget to comment why they are essential
to the book and who they are. In a section of your report, you can describe the primary
characters focusing on what they look like to their most significant actions.
It is likely that the character introduction will happen in the same sentence as the plot
introduction.
For example, the story explores the fact that Macbeth becomes fixated on the prophecy
that he will become king of Scotland ignoring Banquo’s advice.
Examine the Main themes In Your Body Paragraph
If you are reading, try looking for big ideas. Pay attention to characters’ specific patterns
and their actions if the book is fictional. If the work is nonfiction, look at what the author
is trying to suggest or prove. What is the author’s argument or thesis statement?
For example, you might write “The author debates that travel gives you a new
perception. It is why the author’s main character seems happier after visiting new
places.”
If the work is fictional, look to see if the author is using the story to pass a lesson. For
example, a book about a fictional underdog boxer could be used to encourage readers
to take a chance and pursue their dreams.
Mention the Writing Style and Tone
Pay attention to writing basics such as word choice. Check to see if the book is formally
or informally written. Ask yourself whether the author is favoring specific arguments and
ideas over others. Think about how you feel when you read some parts of the book to
get a feel for the tone.
For example, if the book contains a lot of slang terms, then the author is going for a
hipper approachable style.

FINISH YOUR REPORT

Write a Short Conclusion
Your concluding paragraph is where put everything together for your reader. Summarize
the whole book in a few quick sentences. You can mention to the readers whether you
think they should read the book and why.
Most teachers always recommend that you include the title and the name of the author
in the concluding paragraph.
This final paragraph is saved up for your recap, so don’t introduce any new thoughts.
Edit Your Paper
Make sure to reread your paper at least two times. The first time is to make sure that
each paragraph is clear, and the structure makes sense. When reading it the second
time, concentrate on proofreading to look if there are typos and errors such as quotation
marks and missing commas. Reading your paper loudly also helps in checking for
awkward phrasing.
You should make sure that the author and any character’s name is correct before
submitting your paper.
Don’t rely on your computer to spell check your errors.
Get Someone to Read It
You can find a classmate, family member, or a friend and request them to read your
report. After they have completed it, you can invite them to write down comments or
corrections on the paper margin. You can also ask them for suggestions they might
have.
For example, you can say “I would appreciate it if you could go over my report just to
make sure it flows smoothly.”
Polish Your Final Report
Create a clean version of your report after you have made all the corrections. Carefully
read it through and take your time looking for any mistakes and errors. Make sure that
you’ve followed all of the teacher’s instructions and make a comparison to the guide
sheet.
For example, it is essential to double check that you have used the correct font, font
size, and margins.

CONCLUSION
When you’re writing a book report, make sure that you follow the author’s order. You
should include the main ideas that develop the author’s argument. Students, especially
in college, should know how to write a book report college level as they will learn how to
analyze, summarize, compare and contrast, provide a valid and logical argument while
paying attention to details. At some point, you might find that you need these skills.