Writing a Book Report
Directions:
You are required to write a 1,500 words book report on an book of your choice
that has been approved by me. If you have a problem selecting an book on a
particular topic or area of the world, contact me
(znurby@yahoo.cn) and I will see what I can do to assist you.
The book report will count 30% of your total grade and is due Jan 5,
2010.
STRUCTURE OF A BOOK REPORT
1. Introduction:
Give the name of the book you have read, the author, and
the publishing details.
Tell the reader how the book is organized.
Tell
the reader the main thesis or argument of the book.
2. Summary of Content:
Take each section of the book and summarize the
important points in that section, and how it relates to the overall structure
and content.
Give each section proportional weight in your summary. For
example, if the book is divided into four sections of approximately equal
length, you should devote the same amount of space in your summary for each
section. If, however, section one is twice as long as the other three sections,
you should devote more space to a discussion of this section than the other
three.
3. The Conclusion or Comment:
Tell the reader why you liked/ didn't like
the book, referring to elements discussed in your introduction and summary
sections.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
1. Have I included all the important publication details of the book in my
report?
2. Have I organized my summary in a way that is easy to follow and reflects
the organization of the book?
3. Have I used headings to indicate major divisions within the book/ and
within my summary?
4. Have I accurately represented the point of view of the author of the book?
5. Have I accurately represented the structure of the argument presented in
the book?
6. Have I avoided inserting my opinion of the subject matter dealt with in
the book?
7. Have I indicated whether or not I liked the book and why?
HELPFUL HINTS
1. Take notes as you read along. You will not remember much of the
information needed in this report if you don’t.
2. Don’t think you have to love every book you read. One of the purposes of
this form is to give you a chance to honestly evaluate the book — not everyone’s
tastes in reading are the same.
3. DO NOT attempt to either read the preface or read the first and last
chapters then write the review. Your analysis must be in detail and in depth —
using information from the WHOLE book.
4. Follow THE FORMAT provided exactly. It makes an excellent checklist.