Writing the book report

Now it's time to start writing. Make sure you have your "reading logbook" and the novel within reach. Below you can find a few tips that might come in handy.

When you write or speak about a book, the convention is that you use the present tense. Here is an example: "When the story begins, the main character, John Soames, lives with his mother. They quarrel and he decides to move."

In the introduction, you introduce the novel and its author. When you write about the author it is natural to use the past tense for events in the past. "Doris Lessing was born in Persia. Her family moved to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) when she was five. She came to Britain in 1949."

When you give your short account of the story there are certain things you can consider. What is the story about? Is there only one plot (one story) or is there more than one (several stories making up one story)? Don't forget to mention the main characters. Who are they? Can you describe them?

Now write about what you have experienced from reading this novel. Write about everything that you especially noticed when you read the book. Maybe it has to do with how the story is told, the mood of the story, the sort of language that is used etc. Think about how these things affect the story.

Last, but not least, your personal opinion. Did you like the book? Why? Why not? Why do you think the author tells us this story? Is there a message? Would you recommend this book to other students?

Good Luck!