Book Report Guidelines
Purpose: To share with the class your understanding, enjoyment and appreciation of your novel, and to do this in a lively and interesting manner.
· In order to make your best presentation, a written report must be presented on the day your oral report is presented.
· You must also be ready to present your report the day assigned to you.
· Present your finished report in a duotang or folder.
The following is a guideline for the written report, and therefore, the oral report.
In the body of your report, answer the following questions
or comment on your novel. Use the numbers indicated, as this will aid in the
evaluation process.
1. Give the name of your novel, the author's name, and the publisher and date of publication of the novel. Make sure to note the original date of publication, as well as the date of publication of the edition you are reading.
2. Present the life of the author. Note aspects of the author's life that likely impacted the story you read.
3. What type or genre of novel is your book? Examples include but are not limited to contemporary fiction, adventure, science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, historical fiction, etc.
4. In 7 to 10 sentences, give the plot of the novel.
5. How does the novel end? Are the conflicts or problems resolved? Is the ending satisfying? Explain fully.
6. Where and when does the story take place? This, of course, addresses setting.
7. Describe the
protagonist. What scene from your book best illuminates this character?
8. What conflicts or problems does the major character have?
9. Does this character change in the course of the novel? Explain.
10. Briefly describe other important characters.
11. Mention other important minor characters.
12. Comment on the overall atmosphere of the novel.
12. How did you respond to the style of the novel? (Examine use of language, format, length, dialogue and anything else you can think of).
13. What "message" does the author have for the reader? Or in other words, what themes does the author develop in his or her book?
14. What about the novel did you most enjoy?
15. What did you not enjoy about it?
16. What about the novel did you not understand?
17. Was the novel sufficiently challenging to you, in themes? In language? Explain.
18. What would you change about the novel to make it more enjoyable? Explain.
19. Is this novel like any other stories you have read, or movies or TV shows you have seen? Explain.
20. Would you recommend this novel to anyone else? Explain.
Some general points:
a. Make use of visual aids in the presentation of your report. Family trees, pictures of settings or characters from the era depicted in the novel are most helpful.
b. Avoid simply reading your report. Think of your own past reactions to hearing material read by presenters in an uninterested way; it is not an effective way to communicate information.
c. Decide what makes a captivating and informative presentation for you; then design yours with these points in mind. Think of your assignment as in the preparation of a delicious meal: it should be tasty, nutritional and lovely to look at to be most successful.