What is a book report?
A book report presents a summary of the plot of a novel and your opinion of the strengths and
weaknesses of the story.
How do I write a book report?
A book report should have at least five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and
a conclusion.
How do I write the introduction?
● In the introduction, you should include the title of the novel, the name of the author, and
the date the book was published.
● You can also mention what type of story it is.
● Is it a mystery?
● A fantasy story?
● Science Fiction?
● Your introduction should also include a one-sentence summary of the story and a thesis
statement.
Here is an example of an introduction about
Oscar Wilde's short story
"The Selfish Giant".
Published in 1888, Oscar Wilde's short story
"The Selfish Giant" is a parable about a giant who forbids the village children to play in his
garden. Wilde's story is a heartwarming tale that teaches the importance of selflessness and
forgiveness.
How do I write the first body paragraph?
Your three body paragraphs are a retelling of the story and should present a clear beginning,
middle, and end.
● Your first body paragraph should describe the setting of the story. You can include your
favorite quotes in the body paragraphs. Include facts like the time, the place, the mood,
and the main characters. Present the conflict or problem that needs to be solved in the
story.
● Who is the protagonist (the hero)?
● Who is the antagonist (the enemy)?
● This paragraph should be longer than your introduction.
How do I write the second body paragraph?
● The second body paragraph further explains the action and conflict in the story.
● How are the characters planning on overcoming their problems?
● What obstacles appear in their path?
How do I write the third body paragraph?
● This is the place to describe the climax and resolution of the story.
● The climax is the turning point in the story. This paragraph reveals the processes
involved for finally solving the conflict and what happens afterwards.
● Explain how the resolution of the conflict has affected the main characters.
● Have the characters grown wiser? What is the author trying to teach us with his or her
story?
How do I write the conclusion?
● Begin the first sentence of your conclusion with concluding words like "In conclusion" or
"Lastly" or "Ultimately".
● Your conclusion should include the moral lesson that is learned from the book and your
opinion of the story.
● You can comment on how well the story was written, if the characters and dialogue
seemed real, or if the plot twists were convincing and held your attention.
● What did you like most about the book?
● What did you not like?
● Make sure to say whether you would recommend the book or not.
