1. Read the book.
2. Write or type the following information (questions and answers on paper):
a. Title
b. Author
c. Setting - where and when
d. Genre
e. Characters - major characters with a brief description of each
f. Conflict/Problem - what major problem the main characters have; type of conflict
g. Plot - events of the story in the order in which they occur
h. Climax – What is the turning point of the story?
i. Resolution - how the characters resolve their conflict
j. Theme - the point the author is trying to make.
3. Answer:
a. Do you agree with the resolution?
b. Why is the title the title?
c. What part of the book did you like best?
d. What part of the book would you change? Why?
e. Pick a character from the book. Describe how you identify with that
character. What do you have in common?
f. Compare and contrast this book with another you have read. How are
they the same? How are they different?
4. Format:
The paper is to be typed. On the first page, put your name, my name and period, and the date it is due in the left hand corner on separate lines. Make sure you double space with one-inch margins all around. Put the page number in the upper right hand corner. Use 12 pitch, Times New Roman or Courier type. Do not right justify. No bold print or italics. Use black ink only! No covers! Put one staple in the upper left hand corner.
Any questions, e-mail me – cphecate@yahoo.com
or IM me – screen name – CPHecate
Book report for autobiographies or biographies
The format is the same as a fiction report.
1. Describe each of the persons who had an influence on the subject’s life. Be sure to include when, where, and how those persons influenced the subject. Use direct quotes from the book to help you explain this influence.
2. What are the major experiences of the subject, both from childhood and adulthood, that make up the biography? In chronological order, explain five of these experiences and how they influenced the subject’s life.
3. Make a chart where you provide the names of each of the places important to the subject’s life. Then for each, explain the significance of that place. For example: Cleveland, Ohio: Birthplace and home of his parents in childhood years. Father introduced him to all the professional sports teams.
4. Explain the conflicts and obstacles the person overcame to become famous. Use direct quotes from the book where the subject describes those obstacles/conflicts and how he/she dealt with them. Make sure you put when these difficulties occurred in the person’s life.
5. What did you find most fascinating about the subject. What aspects of his/her life interested you the most? Why? Explain your opinion of this person as a result of reading the book. Does this person deserve praise or criticism? Explain.
This is a sample of the first page of a book report:
Jane Smith Ms. Morano Period 5 November 27, 2002 Title: Macbeth Author: William Shakespeare Setting: Scotland, 1050A.D. Genre: Drama Characters:1. Macbeth – In the beginning of the play, he was one of the top generals. He was fearless, brave, thought to be loyal. His internal conflict is whether or not to kill the king. He wants to be king, but he knows it’s wrong. When he becomes king, he is a ruthless tyrant.
2. Duncan – King of Scotland. He is a kind, gentle king. His fatal flaw is that he trusts too easily.
3. Banquo – Another general who is loyal to Duncan. He is faithful to his principles.
4. Witches – Also called the weird sisters – They plant the seed of regicide in Macbeth’s head
5. Macduff – One of the thanes of Scotland whose family is killed by Macbeth. He is truly a loyal gentleman who loves his family.
Conflict/Problem - Macbeth has to decide whether to kill the king or just stay a respected general and thane. After becoming king, Macbeth has to decide whom to trust and whom to destroy. The other conflict concerns the thanes of Scotland; they decide they have to get rid of the tyrant, Macbeth.
Type of Conflict - Person vs. Person and Person vs Himself
Plot:
1. Witches decide to meet with Macbeth
2. Duncan hears of the great feats that Macbeth has accomplished in the war
3. The Thane of Cawdor is a traitor, and Duncan decides to give Macbeth his lands and title.
4. Macbeth and Banquo meet with the witches and hear prophecies of their futures
5. Macbeth thinks about killing Duncan, but decides against it.
6. Duncan names his son as heir to the throne.
7. Macbeth has to destroy Malcolm (Duncan’s son) if he is to be king.
8. Lady Macbeth decides that Macbeth will be king no matter what has to be done.
9. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth plan the murder
KEEP GOING – THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE REPORT, ONLY A SMALL SAMPLE