Book Reports
Guidelines
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Students are required to read 600 pages each quarter. 1 book will be from a required reading list, the other book can be from a book(s) of his or her choice (preferably an American author). In order to get full credit, students must write a book report for one (1) of the books they read (not the required book).
Any book within the student’s reading level may be used unless a movie has been made out of it. The safest way to make sure the book is OK is to clear it with the instructor before reading. If no prior approval is obtained, the instructor may disqualify the book and report. Book reports are not taken late! Following are the dates the book reports must be turned in:
A DAY B DAY
1st Quarter OCT 9TH OCT. 10TH
2nd Quarter DEC. 11TH DEC. 12TH
3rd Quarter MAR. 3RD MAR. 4TH 4th Quarter MAY 13TH MAY 14TH
This book report is worth 120 points. Get it done and turned in ON TIME!
Requirements:
1. Each section must be addressed in your typed book report.
2. Each answer should display your knowledge of the book, so refrain from using the same examples for every section.
3. Students must label each section of the paper (i.e. Introduction, Characters, Conflict, etc.) This is the ONLY paper you will label the sections!!
4. Standard format: Font 12, Times New Roman, 1” margins all sides, no extra spaces between paragraphs, etc.
5. Use MLA format with correct citations every time you incorporate a quote.
6. Must have a complete Work Cited page.
7. Do NOT use first person (I, me, you) except in question F (overall opinion).
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A. Introduction 15 pts
Introduce the novel to the reader by briefly explaining the basic plot of the novel. 1/3-1/2 page
B. Characters 15 pts
Introduce the main characters of the novel. Describe not only their physical appearances but also their internal characteristics. When describing characters, be sure to explain their relationship to the plot and whether they are static (A literary or dramatic character who undergoes little or no inner change; a character who does not grow or develop.) or dynamic (A literary or dramatic character who undergoes an important inner change, as a change in personality or attitude: Ebenezer Scrooge is a dynamic character.) Does the character have an epiphany? Why or why not? Is there a hero? Why or why not? Use quotes to provide evidence of your claim. Use correct MLA format for every quote. 1 paragraph per character (must describe at least three (3) characters)
C. Conflict 15 pts
Discuss the main conflict of the novel. Give two main incidents that illustrate this conflict. Address how the setting helps or hurts the conflict. Please be specific and use quotes to provide evidence of your claim. ½ page
D. Elements of Literature 15 pts
Discuss three of the following elements of fiction and show how the author uses them in the novel: mood, tone, dialog, imagery, stereotypes, morals, symbolism, figurative language.1 paragraph each
E. Theme 15 pts
Discuss the theme(s) from the novel. Use two incidents to illustrate each theme(s). Please use quotes/incidents that you have not already used.
F. Overall Opinion 15 pts
What impression did this book make upon you? Were there any situations, quotes, or characters that you identified with? What is one specific quality about the book that you would recommend or not recommend to a friend? This is the only part of the report that you may use first person!!! 1/3 page
The Work Cited page and the Organization of your book report are worth 30 points.
The report should be in standard MLA format. Each section should be labeled. Please use quotes and explain the quotes. Remember to use parenthetic citations and include a Works Cited page (see handouts for example).
Before you turn in your book report PLEASE do a self-edit and ask yourself these questions…
Is the report clear? Does the report cover all of the questions (A – F)? Are the answers supported? Is your grammar correct? Did you check your spelling? 