Are you a high school student with college-level aspirations? If so, you can expect to receive book report assignments from your English teacher fairly often. Gone are the days of dioramas and easy spelling tests. Now, it’s time to get your gears spinning and start cracking on your next paper. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll share five simple tricks to give your book report an edge and help you excel academically.
1. Think Outside the Box
When it comes to writing a book report, don’t feel constrained to go over the basic plot of the novel. Instead, challenge yourself to think more critically. Ask yourself why the author wrote certain elements of the book in a particular way.
Consider the book’s style, how it differs from other assigned readings, and whether any characters reflect real-life individuals or larger abstract forces. Train yourself to become an active reader by asking thought-provoking questions like these.
2. Consult Online Notes–But Not for the Reasons You Think!
Sparknotes and Cliffnotes may have helped you in the past by giving you insights into how to pretend to be an active reader. However, if you truly want to excel with your book report, use online notes as a starting point, but then diverge from the interpretations presented there.
Challenge yourself to come up with different themes, motifs, or analysis that even the online note-writers didn’t consider. This will demonstrate your critical thinking skills and set your book report apart from the rest.
3. Keep Track of Quotes As You Read
While it may sound like a small detail, keeping track of quotes as you read can save you a significant amount of time and effort in the long run. If you’re comfortable marking up your book, use highlighters and colored pens to note down important lines of text. If you prefer to keep your books pristine or are using a borrowed copy, create a record of page numbers and lines in a notebook or on your computer.
Make sure to include keywords or brief summaries alongside the quotes to jog your memory later. This way, when you write your book report, you’ll have concrete evidence to support your analysis, saving you valuable time and energy.
4. Be Creative in Your Writing
When it comes to writing your book report, avoid formulaic writing at all costs. Remember, your teacher will be reading tons of reports, including yours. Make yours stand out by writing clearly, coherently, and with a touch of pizzazz.
Steer clear of using overused phrases like “In conclusion” at the end of your paper or “Additionally/In addition” at the beginning of every new body paragraph. Employ your creative writing skills to engage your reader and make a lasting impression.
5. Edit, Edit, and Edit Again! (Then Get a Fresh Pair of Eyes)
Editing is a crucial step in the book report writing process. Take breaks periodically as you write, then return to your work and read it from the beginning. Repeat this process multiple times, scanning for grammatical errors, clarity, and the effectiveness of your analysis. Once you’ve written the final word of your report, read it once more to ensure it is polished and error-free.
But don’t stop there! Ask a friend, classmate, parent, tutor, or even your teacher (if they are willing) for their feedback before submitting your report. An additional set of eyes can help you catch any mistakes or gaps in your analysis that you may have missed. Embrace assistance during the final stages of perfecting your work.
Conclusion
By following these five tips, you’ll be well on your way to acing your next book report. Remember to think critically, be creative, and take advantage of the resources available to you. Good luck!
