how can you start off a book report

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Have a book report submission deadline and want to know how to write one? We’re here to help! Book reports are vital in academics, helping students sharpen their understanding and critical thinking, while for authors, they offer a deep dive into a text’s composition and stylistic elements.

In this article, we will understand how to write a good book report. It’s a skill that not only helps you get more out of what you’re reading but also lets you create a report that truly reflects how good the book is. Let’s get started!

Ace your assignment with a perfect book report! Learn more

Firstly, let us understand what is a book report.

What is a book report?

A book report is an in-depth analysis, an objective summary of a book’s main content and arguments. Book reports discuss a book’s content, structure, and themes. Far from just a recap of the plot outline , a book report examines the details of a book’s narrative, offering insights into the characters, themes of the story , and the author’s writing style. 

Note: A book report is usually assigned to students from secondary schools to colleges. As per book report format, book reports are typically 500–1000 words long.

Elements of a book report

A proper book report outline consists of the following elements:

• Introduction: Think about how to start a book report with an engaging opening. Mention the book’s title, author, genre, and a brief plot summary. State your main theme or viewpoint.
• Content summary: Give a clear, summary of the plot. Highlight key events and turning points. Avoid spoilers.
• Analysis and perspective: Examine the key characters, their traits, motivations, development, and plot roles. Explore major themes, symbols, and motifs, and their narrative effect. Review the author’s style and perspective, and their impact on the story.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points. Restate your overall impression of the book and possibly suggest who might enjoy it or what kind of readers would benefit from it.
• Citations and references (if necessary): If you have used external sources or have been influenced by other analyses, make sure to cite these references properly to avoid plagiarism.

By following this book report outline, your book report will be comprehensive, informative, and engaging.

How to write a book report

Before learning how to do a book report, it is important to remember that following a book report format is essential. 

Here’s how to write a book report:

• Read the book carefully: Start by reading the book thoroughly. Take notes on key points, characters, themes, and any passages that stand out.
• Create an Outline: Organize your thoughts and notes into an outline. This will be your roadmap and will help keep your writing focused.
• Write the introduction: Begin with an engaging introduction that provides basic information about the book, including the title, author, and a brief synopsis.
• Develop the body: You can follow your outline or a book report template to write the body of your report. Discuss each element (plot, characters, themes, etc.) in separate paragraphs or sections.
• Conclude your report: Summarize your main points and offer your final thoughts and evaluation of the book.
• Review and revise: Finally, review and proofread your report for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Make sure to correct any grammatical mistakes and ensure your report flows logically.

Taking a look at a few examples of book reports will help you understand how to do a book report easily.  So let’s explore some book report examples next.

Book report examples

Starting with book report examples, let’s look at a book report example on The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.

Introduction: Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a powerful and poignant diary that gives an intimate glimpse into the life of a Jewish teenager during the Holocaust.

Summary: The diary chronicles Anne Frank’s life from 1942 to 1944, during which she and her family hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam. The entries detail her daily life in the secret annex, her thoughts, fears, and hopes for a better future.

Analysis and themes: Anne’s diary is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. Themes of hope, the cruelty of war, the innocence of youth, and the power of writing shine through her words.

Conclusion: Diary of a Young Girl is more than just a diary; it’s a moving narrative that brings to light the horrors of war and the timeless strength of hope and human dignity. Anne Frank’s voice continues to resonate with readers around the world, making this book a must-read for understanding history and humanity.

Now let’s look at a fiction book report example on Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.

Introduction: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is a thrilling fantasy novel that introduces us to a world where Greek gods and mythology come to life in the modern era.

Summary: The story follows Percy Jackson, a young boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a dangerous adventure across America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods.

Analysis and themes: Riordan’s novel is rich in Greek mythology and cleverly intertwined with modern-day settings and issues. Themes of identity, friendship, and bravery are prominent as Percy navigates the challenges of being a demigod. The book also explores the concept of good vs. evil and the importance of understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses.

Conclusion: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is an engaging and imaginative novel that offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology. It’s a captivating read for young adults, effectively combining action, humor, and life lessons, making it a standout in the genre of fantasy fiction.

Book report template

You can easily write a book report using our free book report template.

It’s clear that writing a book report is more than a mere academic exercise; it’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the world of literature and gain insights. 

By using the provided template and examples as starting points, you’re well on your way to writing insightful and compelling book reports. Also, to make your book report perfect, we are always here to help you with our expert editing and proofreading services ! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a book report be, what should a book report include, how to conclude a book report, how to write an introduction for a book report, what is the purpose of a book report.

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How to Write a Book Report

Use the links below to jump directly to any section of this guide:

Book Report Fundamentals

Preparing to write, an overview of the book report format, how to write the main body of a book report, how to write a conclusion to a book report, reading comprehension and book reports, book report resources for teachers .

Book reports remain a key educational assessment tool from elementary school through college. Sitting down to close read and critique texts for their content and form is a lifelong skill, one that benefits all of us well beyond our school years. With the help of this guide, you’ll develop your reading comprehension and note-taking skills. You’ll also find resources to guide you through the process of writing a book report, step-by-step, from choosing a book and reading actively to revising your work. Resources for teachers are also included, from creative assignment ideas to sample rubrics.

Book reports follow general rules for composition, yet are distinct from other types of writing assignments. Central to book reports are plot summaries, analyses of characters and themes, and concluding opinions. This format differs from an argumentative essay or critical research paper, in which impartiality and objectivity is encouraged. Differences also exist between book reports and book reviews, who do not share the same intent and audience. Here, you’ll learn the basics of what a book report is and is not.

What Is a Book Report?

"Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

This article, written by a professor emeritus of rhetoric and English, describes the defining characteristics of book reports and offers observations on how they are composed.

"Writing a Book Report" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab outlines the steps in writing a book report, from keeping track of major characters as you read to providing adequate summary material.

"How to Write a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

This article provides another helpful guide to writing a book report, offering suggestions on taking notes and writing an outline before drafting. 

"How to Write a Successful Book Report" ( ThoughtCo )

Another post from ThoughtCo., this article highlights the ten steps for book report success. It was written by an academic advisor and college enrollment counselor.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and an Essay?

"Differences Between a Book Report & Essay Writing" ( Classroom)

In this article from the education resource Classroom,  you'll learn the differences and similarities between book reports and essay writing.

"Differences Between a Book Report and Essay Writing" (SeattlePi.com)

In this post from a Seattle newspaper's website, memoirist Christopher Cascio highlights how book report and essay writing differ.

"The Difference Between Essays and Reports" (Solent Online Learning)

This PDF from Southampton Solent University includes a chart demonstrating the differences between essays and reports. Though it is geared toward university students, it will help students of all levels understand the differing purposes of reports and analytical essays.

What’s the Difference Between a Book Report and a Book Review?

"How to Write a Book Review and a Book Report" (Concordia Univ.)

The library at Concordia University offers this helpful guide to writing book report and book reviews. It defines differences between the two, then presents components that both forms share.

"Book Reviews" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s writing guide shows the step-by-step process of writing book reviews, offering a contrast to the composition of book reports.

Active reading and thoughtful preparation before you begin your book report are necessary components of crafting a successful piece of writing. Here, you’ll find tips and resources to help you learn how to select the right book, decide which format is best for your report, and outline your main points.

Selecting and Finding a Book

"30 Best Books for Elementary Readers" (Education.com)

This article from Education.com lists 30 engaging books for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. It was written by Esme Raji Codell, a teacher, author, and children's literature specialist.

"How to Choose a Good Book for a Report (Middle School)" (WikiHow)

This WikiHow article offers suggestions for middle schoolers on how to choose the right book for a report, from getting started early on the search process to making sure you understand the assignment's requirements.

"Best Book-Report Books for Middle Schoolers" (Common Sense Media)

Common Sense Media has compiled this list of 25 of the best books for middle school book reports. For younger students, the article suggests you check out the site's "50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12."

"50 Books to Read in High School" (Lexington Public Library)

The Lexington, Kentucky Public Library has prepared this list to inspire high school students to choose the right book. It includes both classics and more modern favorites.

The Online Computer Library Center's catalogue helps you locate books in libraries near you, having itemized the collections of 72,000 libraries in 170 countries.

Formats of Book Reports

"Format for Writing a Book Report" ( Your Dictionary )

Here, Your Dictionary supplies guidelines for the basic book report format. It describes what you'll want to include in the heading, and what information to include in the introductory paragraph. Be sure to check these guidelines against your teacher's requirements.

"The Good Old Book Report" (Scholastic)

Nancy Barile’s blog post for Scholastic lists the questions students from middle through high school should address in their book reports.

How to Write an Outline

"Writer’s Web: Creating Outlines" (Univ. of Richmond)

The University of Richmond’s Writing Center shows how you can make use of micro and macro outlines to organize your argument.

"Why and How to Create a Useful Outline" (Purdue OWL)

Purdue’s Online Writing Lab demonstrates how outlines can help you organize your report, then teaches you how to create outlines.

"Creating an Outline" (EasyBib)

EasyBib, a website that generates bibliographies, offers sample outlines and tips for creating your own. The article encourages you to think about transitions and grouping your notes.

"How to Write an Outline: 4 Ways to Organize Your Thoughts" (Grammarly)

This blog post from a professional writer explains the advantages of using an outline, and presents different ways to gather your thoughts before writing.

In this section, you’ll find resources that offer an overview of how to write a book report, including first steps in preparing the introduction. A good book report's introduction hooks the reader with strong opening sentences and provides a preview of where the report is going.

"Step-by-Step Outline for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This article from Classroom furnishes students with a guide to the stages of writing a book report, from writing the rough draft to revising.

"Your Roadmap to a Better Book Report" ( Time4Writing )

Time4Writing offers tips for outlining your book report, and describes all of the information that the introduction, body, and conclusion should include.

"How to Start a Book Report" ( ThoughtCo)

This ThoughtCo. post, another by academic advisor and college enrollment counselor Grace Fleming, demonstrates how to write a pithy introduction to your book report.

"How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief but helpful post from Classroom  details what makes a good book report introduction, down to the level of individual sentences.

The body paragraphs of your book report accomplish several goals: they describe the plot, delve more deeply into the characters and themes that make the book unique, and include quotations and examples from the book. Below are some resources to help you succeed in summarizing and analyzing your chosen text.

Plot Summary and Description

"How Do You Write a Plot Summary?" ( Reference )

This short article presents the goals of writing a plot summary, and suggests a word limit. It emphasizes that you should stick to the main points and avoid including too many specific details, such as what a particular character wears.

"How to Write a Plot for a Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

In this article from a resource website for writers, Patricia Harrelson outlines what information to include in a plot summary for a book report. 

"How to Write a Book Summary" (WikiHow)

Using Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as an example, this WikiHow article demonstrates how to write a plot summary one step at a time.

Analyzing Characters and Themes

"How to Write a Character Analysis Book Report" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kristine Tucker shows how to write a book report focusing on character. You can take her suggestions as they are, or consider  incorporating them into the more traditional book report format.

"How to Write a Character Analysis" (YouTube)

The SixMinuteScholar Channel utilizes analysis of the film  Finding Nemo to show you how to delve deeply into character, prioritizing inference over judgment.

"How to Define Theme" ( The Editor's Blog )

Fiction editor Beth Hill contributes an extended definition of theme. She also provides examples of common themes, such as "life is fragile."

"How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story" ( ThoughtCo )

This blog post from ThoughtCo. clarifies the definition of theme in relation to symbolism, plot, and moral. It also offers examples of themes in literature, such as love, death, and good vs. evil.

Selecting and Integrating Quotations

"How to Choose and Use Quotations" (Santa Barbara City College)

This guide from a college writing center will help you choose which quotations to use in your book report, and how to blend quotations with your own words.

"Guidelines for Incorporating Quotes" (Ashford Univ.)

This PDF from Ashford University's Writing Center introduces the ICE method for incorporating quotations: introduce, cite, explain.

"Quote Integration" (YouTube)

This video from The Write Way YouTube channel illustrates how to integrate quotations into writing, and also explains how to cite those quotations.

"Using Literary Quotations" (Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison)

This guide from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Writing Center helps you emphasize your analysis of a quotation, and explains how to incorporate quotations into your text.

Conclusions to any type of paper are notoriously tricky to write. Here, you’ll learn some creative ways to tie up loose ends in your report and express your own opinion of the book you read. This open space for sharing opinions that are not grounded in critical research is an element that often distinguishes book reports from other types of writing.

"How to Write a Conclusion for a Book Report" ( Classroom )

This brief article from the education resource  Classroom illustrates the essential points you should make in a book report conclusion.

"Conclusions" (Univ. of North Carolina)

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Writing Center lays out strategies for writing effective conclusions. Though the article is geared toward analytical essay conclusions, the tips offered here will also help you write a strong book report.

"Ending the Essay: Conclusions" (Harvard College Writing Center)

Pat Bellanca’s article for Harvard University’s Writing Center presents ways to conclude essays, along with tips. Again, these are suggestions for concluding analytical essays that can also be used to tie up a book report's loose ends.

Reading closely and in an engaged manner is the strong foundation upon which all good book reports are built. The resources below will give you a picture of what active reading looks like, and offer strategies to assess and improve your reading comprehension. Further, you’ll learn how to take notes—or “annotate” your text—making it easier to find important information as you write.

How to Be an Active Reader

"Active Reading Strategies: Remember and Analyze What You Read" (Princeton Univ.)

Princeton University’s McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning recommends ten strategies for active reading, and includes sample diagrams.

"Active Reading" (Open Univ.)

The Open University offers these techniques for reading actively alongside video examples. The author emphasizes that you should read for comprehension—not simply to finish the book as quickly as possible.

"7 Active Reading Strategies for Students" ( ThoughtCo )

In this post, Grace Fleming outlines seven methods for active reading. Her suggestions include identifying unfamiliar words and finding the main idea. 

"5 Active Reading Strategies for Textbook Assignments" (YouTube)

Thomas Frank’s seven-minute video demonstrates how you can retain the most important information from long and dense reading material.

Assessing Your Reading Comprehension

"Macmillan Readers Level Test" (MacMillan)

Take this online, interactive test from a publishing company to find out your reading level. You'll be asked a number of questions related to grammar and vocabulary.

"Reading Comprehension Practice Test" (ACCUPLACER)

ACCUPLACER is a placement test from The College Board. This 20-question practice test will help you see what information you retain after reading short passages.

"Reading Comprehension" ( English Maven )

The English Maven site has aggregated exercises and tests at various reading levels so you can quiz your reading comprehension skills.

How to Improve Your Reading Comprehension

"5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension" ( ThoughtCo )

ThoughtCo. recommends five tips to increase your reading comprehension ability, including reading with tools such as highlighters, and developing new vocabulary.

"How to Improve Reading Comprehension: 8 Expert Tips" (PrepScholar)

This blog post from PrepScholar provides ideas for improving your reading comprehension, from expanding your vocabulary to discussing texts with friends.

CrashCourse video: "Reading Assignments" (YouTube)

This CrashCourse video equips you with tools to read more effectively. It will help you determine how much material you need to read, and what strategies you can use to absorb what you read.

"Improving Reading Comprehension" ( Education Corner )

From a pre-reading survey through post-reading review, Education Corner  walks you through steps to improve reading comprehension.

Methods of In-text Annotation

"The Writing Process: Annotating a Text" (Hunter College)

This article from Hunter College’s Rockowitz Writing Center outlines how to take notes on a text and provides samples of annotation.

"How To Annotate Text While Reading" (YouTube)

This video from the SchoolHabits YouTube channel presents eleven annotation techniques you can use for better reading comprehension.

"5 Ways To Annotate Your Books" ( Book Riot )

This article from the Book Riot  blog highlights five efficient annotation methods that will save you time and protect your books from becoming cluttered with unnecessary markings.

"How Do You Annotate Your Books?" ( Epic Reads )

This post from Epic Reads highlights how different annotation methods work for different people, and showcases classic methods from sticky notes to keeping a reading notebook.

Students at every grade level can benefit from writing book reports, which sharpen critical reading skills. Here, we've aggregated sources to help you plan book report assignments and develop rubrics for written and oral book reports. You’ll also find alternative book report assessment ideas that move beyond the traditional formats.

Teaching Elementary School Students How to Write Book Reports

"Book Reports" ( Unique Teaching Resources )

These reading templates courtesy of Unique Teaching Resources make great visual aids for elementary school students writing their first book reports.

"Elementary Level Book Report Template" ( Teach Beside Me )

This   printable book report template from a teacher-turned-homeschooler is simple, classic, and effective. It asks basic questions, such as "who are the main characters?" and "how did you feel about the main characters?"

"Book Reports" ( ABC Teach )

ABC Teach ’s resource directory includes printables for book reports on various subjects at different grade levels, such as a middle school biography book report form and a "retelling a story" elementary book report template.

"Reading Worksheets" ( Busy Teacher's Cafe )

This page from Busy Teachers’ Cafe contains book report templates alongside reading comprehension and other language arts worksheets.

Teaching Middle School and High School Students How to Write Book Reports

"How to Write a Book Report: Middle and High School Level" ( Fact Monster)

Fact Monster ’s Homework Center discusses each section of a book report, and explains how to evaluate and analyze books based on genre for students in middle and high school.

"Middle School Outline Template for Book Report" (Trinity Catholic School)

This PDF outline template breaks the book report down into manageable sections for seventh and eighth graders by asking for specific information in each paragraph.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( Classroom )

In this article for Classroom,  Elizabeth Thomas describes what content high schoolers should focus on when writing their book reports.

"Forms for Writing a Book Report for High School" ( The Pen & The Pad )

Kori Morgan outlines techniques for adapting the book report assignment to the high school level in this post for The Pen & The Pad .

"High School Book Lists and Report Guidelines" (Highland Hall Waldorf School)

These sample report formats, grading paradigms, and tips are collected by Highland Hall Waldorf School. Attached are book lists by high school grade level.

Sample Rubrics

"Book Review Rubric Editable" (Teachers Pay Teachers)

This free resource from Teachers Pay Teachers allows you to edit your book report rubric to the specifications of your assignment and the grade level you teach.

"Book Review Rubric" (Winton Woods)

This PDF rubric from a city school district includes directions to take the assignment long-term, with follow-up exercises through school quarters.

"Multimedia Book Report Rubric" ( Midlink Magazine )

Perfect for oral book reports, this PDF rubric from North Carolina State University's Midlink Magazine  will help you evaluate your students’ spoken presentations.

Creative Book Report Assignments

"25 Book Report Alternatives" (Scholastic)

This article from the Scholastic website lists creative alternatives to the standard book report for pre-kindergarteners through high schoolers.

"Fresh Ideas for Creative Book Reports" ( Education World )

Education World offers nearly 50 alternative book report ideas in this article, from a book report sandwich to a character trait diagram.

"A Dozen Ways to Make Amazingly Creative Book Reports" ( We Are Teachers )

This post from We Are Teachers puts the spotlight on integrating visual arts into literary study through multimedia book report ideas.

"More Ideas Than You’ll Ever Use for Book Reports" (Teachnet.com)

This list from Teachnet.com includes over 300 ideas for book report assignments, from "interviewing" a character to preparing a travel brochure to the location in which the book is set.

"Fifty Alternatives to the Book Report" (National Council of Teachers of English)

In this PDF resource from the NCTE's  English Journal,  Diana Mitchell offers assignment ideas ranging from character astrology signs to a character alphabet.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1961 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 41,348 quotes across 1961 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play

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How to Write a Book Report (+ Book Report Example) 

Download for free, specific tips for writing effective book reports..

Write better book reports using the tips, examples, and outlines presented here. This resource covers three types of effective book reports: plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. It also features a specific book report example for students.

How to write a book report (+ book report example) 

Whether you're a student looking to show your comprehension of a novel, or simply a book lover wanting to share your thoughts, writing a book report can be a rewarding experience. This guide, filled with tips, tricks, and a book report example, will help you craft a report that effectively communicates your understanding and analysis of your chosen book.

Looking for a printable resource on book reports? See our Printable Book Report Outlines and Examples

What is a book report? 

Book reports can take on many different forms. Writing a book review helps you practice giving your opinion about different aspects of a book, such as an author's use of description or dialogue.

You can write book reports of any type, from fiction to non-fiction research papers, or essay writing; however, there are a few basic elements you need to include to convey why the book you read was interesting when writing a good book report.

Types of book reports 

Three types of effective book reports are plot summaries, character analyses, and theme analyses. Each type focuses on different aspects of the book and requires a unique approach. These three types of book reports will help you demonstrate your understanding of the book in different ways.

Plot summary

When you are writing a plot summary for your book report you don't want to simply summarize the story. You need to explain what your opinion is of the story and why you feel the plot is so compelling, unrealistic, or sappy. It is the way you analyze the plot that will make this a good report. Make sure that you use plenty of examples from the book to support your opinions.

Try starting the report with a sentence similar to the following:

The plot of I Married a Sea Captain , by Monica Hubbard, is interesting because it gives the reader a realistic sense of what it was like to be the wife of a whaling captain and live on Nantucket during the 19th century.

Character analysis

If you choose to write a character analysis, you can explore the physical and personality traits of different characters and the way their actions affect the plot of the book.

• Explore the way a character dresses and what impression that leaves with the reader.
• What positive characteristics does the character possess?
• Does the character have a "fatal flaw" that gets him/her into trouble frequently?
• Try taking examples of dialogue and analyzing the way a character speaks. Discuss the words he/she chooses and the way his/her words affect other characters.
• Finally, tie all of your observations together by explaining the way the characters make the plot move forward.

In the novel Charlotte's Web , by E. B. White, Templeton the rat may seem like an unnecessary character but his constant quest for food moves the plot forward in many ways.

Theme analyses

Exploring the themes (or big ideas that run throughout the story) in a book can be a great way to write a book report because picking a theme that you care about can make the report easier to write. Try bringing some of your thoughts and feelings as a reader into the report as a way to show the power of a theme. Before you discuss your own thoughts, however, be sure to establish what the theme is and how it appears in the story.

• Explain  exactly  what theme you will be exploring in your book report.
• Use as many examples and quotations from the book as possible to prove that the theme is important to the story.
• Make sure that you talk about each example or quotation you've included. Make a direct connection between the theme and the example from the book.
• After you have established the theme and thoroughly examined the way it affects the book, include a few sentences about the impact the theme had upon you and why it made the book more or less enjoyable to read.

In the novel Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry , by Mildred Taylor, the theme of racial prejudice is a major catalyst in the story.

How to write a book report

1. Thoroughly read the book

Immerse yourself in the book, taking the time to read it in its entirety. As you read, jot down notes on important aspects such as key points, themes, and character developments.

2. Identify the main elements of the book

Scrutinize the book's primary components, including its main themes, characters, setting, and plot. These elements will form the basis of your report.

3. Formulate a thesis statement

Compose a thesis statement that encapsulates your personal perspective about the book. This should be a concise statement that will guide your analysis and give your report a clear focus.

4. Create a detailed outline

Plan the structure of your book report. This outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs each focusing on a different aspect of the book, and a conclusion.

5. Craft the introduction

The introduction should provide basic information such as the book's title and author, and present your thesis statement. It should engage the reader and make them interested in your analysis.

6. Write the body of the report

In the body of your report, discuss in detail the book's main elements that you identified in step 3. Use specific examples from the text to support your analysis and to prove your thesis statement.

7. Write a strong conclusion

Your conclusion should summarize your analysis, reaffirm your thesis, and provide a closing thought or reflection on the overall book.

8. Review and edit your report

After writing, take the time to revise your report for clarity and coherence. Check for and correct any grammar or spelling errors. Ensure that your report clearly communicates your understanding and analysis of the book.

9. Include citations

If you have used direct quotes or specific ideas from the book, make sure to include proper citations . This is crucial in academic writing and helps avoid plagiarism.

10. Proofread

Finally, proofread your work. Look for any missed errors and make sure that the report is the best it can be before submitting it.

Book report example 

Below is a book report example on the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.

In  To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee presents a thoughtful exploration of racial prejudice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the small, fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the book centers around the Finch family - young Scout, her older brother Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus. Scout's character provides a fresh perspective as she narrates her experiences and observations of the unjust racial prejudice in her town. Her honesty and curiosity, coupled with her father's teachings, allow her to grow from innocence to a more profound understanding of her society's inequalities. The plot revolves around Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer, defending a black man, Tom Robinson, unjustly accused of raping a white woman. As the trial progresses, it becomes clear that Robinson is innocent, and the accusation was a product of racial prejudice. Despite compelling evidence in Robinson's favor, he is convicted, symbolizing the power of bias over truth. The theme of racial prejudice is a significant part of the book. Lee uses the trial and its unjust outcome to critique the racial prejudice prevalent in society. For example, despite Atticus's solid defense, the jury's racial bias leads them to find Robinson guilty. This instance highlights how deeply ingrained prejudice can subvert justice. The book also explores the theme of the loss of innocence. Scout and Jem's experiences with prejudice and injustice lead to their loss of innocence and a better understanding of the world's complexities. For example, Scout's realization of her town's unfair treatment of Robinson demonstrates her loss of innocence and her understanding of societal biases. Overall,  To Kill a Mockingbird  is a compelling exploration of the harsh realities of prejudice and the loss of innocence. Harper Lee's intricate characters and vivid storytelling have made this book a classic.

The above is an excellent book report example for several reasons. First, it provides a clear, concise summary of the plot without giving away the entire story. Second, it analyzes the main characters, their roles, and their impacts on the story. Third, it discusses the major themes of the book - racial prejudice and loss of innocence - and supports these themes with evidence from the text. Finally, it presents a personal perspective on the book's impact and overall message, demonstrating a deep understanding of the book's significance.

Book report checklist

Always  include the following elements in any book report:

• The type of book report you are writing
• The book's title
• The author of the book
• The time when the story takes place
• The location where the story takes place
• The names and a  brief  description of each of the characters you will be discussing
• Many quotations and examples from the book to support your opinions
• A thesis statement
• The point of view of the narrator
• Summary of the book
• The main points or themes discussed in the work of fiction or non-fiction
• The first paragraph (introductory paragraph), body paragraphs, and final paragraph
• The writing styles of the author
• A critical analysis of the fiction or non-fiction book

Don't forget! 

No matter what type of book report you decide to write, ensure it includes basic information about the main characters, and make sure that your writing is clear and expressive so that it’s easy for audiences in middle school, high school, college-level, or any grade level to understand. Also, include examples from the book to support your opinions. Afterward, conduct thorough proofreading to complete the writing process. Book reports may seem disconnected from your other schoolwork, but they help you learn to summarize, compare and contrast, make predictions and connections, and consider different perspectives & skills you'll need throughout your life.

Looking for more writing resources? You can find them in our creative writing center .

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• Writing Tips

How to Write a Book Report

• 5-minute read
• 5th September 2021

A book report is an essay that summarizes the main ideas presented by the author. But how do you write a good book report? Our top tips include:

• Check the assignment instructions so you know what you need to do.
• Read the book , making notes as you go.
• Plan your book report and create an essay outline .
• Write up your report , using examples and quotes to support your points.
• Revise and proofread your work to eliminate errors.

In the rest of this post, we look at how to write a book report in more detail.

1. Check the Assignment Instructions

Book reports come in many different types, so the first thing you should do if you’re asked to write one is check the assignment instructions carefully. Key aspects of the essay instructions to pay attention to include:

• The required length of the book report (and any maximum word count ).
• Whether you will be assigned a book to write about or whether you will be asked to pick one yourself (either from a list supplied by the tutor or based on a set of requirements, such as a book about a set topic).
• What aspects of the book to write about (e.g., will it just be a summary of the book’s content, or will you also need to offer some critical analysis?).
• Any requirements for structuring and formatting your report (e.g., whether to break the essay up into sections with headings and subheadings).

If anything about the instructions is unclear, check it with your tutor.

2. Read the Book and Make Notes

Next, you’ll need to read the book you’re writing about in full, not just skim through or read a synopsis! This means you’ll need to leave enough time before the deadline to read the text thoroughly (and write up your report).

When you are reading, moreover, make sure to take notes on:

• Basic bibliographic details, including the title, author name(s), year of publication, publisher, and number of pages.
• How the book is structured (e.g., whether it uses chapters).
• The overall plot or argument, plus key ideas and/or plot points from each part.
• For works of fiction, important characters and themes.
• Significant quotations or examples you might want to use in your report.

Where possible, make sure to note down page numbers as well. This will make it easier to find the relevant parts again when you’re reviewing your notes.

3. Outline Your Book Report

How you structure your report will ultimately depend on the length (e.g., a short, 500-word report is unlikely to use separate sections and headings, while a longer one will need these to help break up the text and guide the reader) and the assignment instructions, so make sure to review these carefully.

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However, common elements of a book report include:

• An introductory paragraph or section with basic book details (e.g., the title, author(s), genre, publisher, publication date, and intended audience).
• Information about the author’s background and, where relevant, credentials.
• An overview of the book’s plot (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or its main idea (other non-fiction), sometimes with a section-by-section breakdown.
• Information on characters, setting, and themes (fiction and narrative non-fiction), or key ideas and concepts set out by the author (other non-fiction).
• Where required, critical analysis or evaluation of the book.

When planning your book report, then, use your notes and the assignment instructions to outline your essay, breaking it down into clearly defined sections and noting what you will include in each one.

4. Write Up Your Book Report

When it comes to writing up your report, helpful tips include:

• Imagine the reader will be unfamiliar with the book and try to ensure your report covers all the information they’d need to know what it is about.
• Use clear, concise language to make your report easy to follow. Look out for wordiness and repetition, and don’t be tempted to pad out your report with irrelevant details just to increase the word count!
• Use examples and quotations to support your points (but don’t rely too heavily on quotations; keep in mind that the report should be in your own words).
• Follow the formatting instructions set out in your style guide or the assignment instructions (e.g., for fonts, margins, and presenting quotations).

If you use quotations in your report, moreover, make sure to include page numbers! This will help the reader find the passages you’ve quoted.

5. Revise and Proofread Your Work

When you have the first draft of your book report, if you have time, take a short break (e.g., overnight) before re-reading it. This will help you view it objectively. Then, when you do re-read it, look out for ways you could improve it, such as:

• Typos and other errors that need correcting.
• Issues with clarity or places where the writing could be more concise (reading your work aloud can make it easier to spot clunky sentences).
• Passages that would benefit from being supported with a quote or example.

It’s also a good idea to re-read the assignment instructions one last time before submitting your work, which will help you spot any issues you missed.

Finally, if you’d like some extra help checking your writing, you can have it proofread by a professional . Submit a free sample document today to find out more.

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How To Write a Good Book Report in Seven Steps

Are you having trouble writing your book report? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to give you seven easy steps that’ll help you write the perfect book report.

Quick Summary on How To Write a Book Report

• As you read the book, highlight and take notes.
• Reread the instructions of the assignment.
• Organize your notes and create an outline.
• Write a compelling introduction.
• Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.
• Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.
• Edit and proofread.

What Is a Book Report?

A book report is an essay in which students explain and support their thoughts and views on a story, novel, or any other literary work.

There are several different types of book reports. Regardless of which type you’re writing, teachers and professors usually assign book reports as a way to ensure that their students have thoroughly understood the book. Below, we’ll go over how to write a good book report in seven easy steps.

How To Write a Book Report

1. as you read the book, highlight and take notes..

The first step of writing a good book report is to read the book, of course. However, it’s important to highlight and takes notes while reading it. Highlight anything that stands out to you or that evokes certain emotions. Write notes on patterns, themes, and characters. If you’re writing a book report on a nonfiction book, write notes on the major points of the book and what you think about them.

2. Revisit and reread the instructions of the assignment.

Once you’re done reading and taking notes, reread the instructions of the assignment. Find what it is you’re supposed to write about. Is it a character analysis? A plot summary? An exploration of themes and patterns, or something else? It’s also essential to follow the formatting guidelines, so make sure to use the correct font and spacing. If you have any questions, reach out to your teacher or professor.

3. Organize your notes and create an outline.

Gather your notes and arrange them into categories. Once you’ve completed this, write an outline and organize the categories to become the paragraphs of your book report. Jot down bullet points on what each paragraph will include and what part of the book can support it. As you start writing the book report, remain flexible. You don’t have to follow the outline exactly. You may realize that a few edits create a better flow.

4. Write a compelling introduction.

The introduction should be informative and catchy. You may want to start with a quote, climactic scene, or an unusual observation you had while reading the book. Towards the end of the introduction, you should write a one or two-sentence summary about the book, and then the last sentence should explain what exactly you’ll be writing about in the rest of the report.

Book Report Elements

Keep in mind that all book reports should contain:

• The name and author of the book.
• A thesis statement.
• If you're writing about a fiction book, mention the setting, time period, and characters.
• If you’re writing about a nonfiction book, mention the author’s main point in writing the book.
• Evidence to support your arguments.

5. Include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence in the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs are where you can include quotations, examples, and supporting evidence that bring your book report together.

For example, let’s say you’re writing a character analysis. You believe that the character that everyone sees as the protagonist is actually the antagonist. You should write why you believe that and include specific scenarios that help prove your point.

Or if you’re writing about a non-fiction book, you could use the body paragraphs to write about why you agree or disagree with the author. Similarly, you’d have to use examples and evidence to support your argument.

It’s a good idea to start off with your most compelling, evidence-backed point. Leave the weakest arguments for the middle, and end with another strong point. Lastly, whether you’re writing about fiction or non-fiction, commenting on writing style and tone is recommended (especially if it’s explicitly requested in the instructions).

6. Encapsulate the main point of your text in the conclusion.

The conclusion is just as important as the introduction, so make sure to set aside enough time to write one (students tend to rush through this part). Use the concluding paragraph to pull all your arguments together. Reiterate again what the main point was about, and then briefly summarize the main idea of your book report.

7. Edit and proofread.

Now that you’ve completed the first draft of your book report, it’s time to reread and make edits if needed. Are there any paragraphs you can move around that’ll improve the rhythm of your writing? Do you have enough evidence to back up your claims? Is your introduction captivating and descriptive?

While you’re rereading the book report, you should also be looking for typos and spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. If you want an extra set of eyes to look for all types of errors, you should use LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker. Not only will this advanced editor correct mistakes, but it supports more than twenty languages—meaning your book report will be perfect regardless of which language you’re writing it in.

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How to write a book report

Published September 27, 2020. Updated May 8, 2022.

Book Report Definition

A book report is essentially the summarization of a fictional or non-fictional piece of literature.

Overview of Book Report

There are 10 steps that can be followed while writing a book report:

Step 1 – Carefully read the details of your assignment

Step 2 – Read the book

Step 3 – Take notes while reading

Step 4 – Create an outline

Step 5 – Write the introductory paragraph

Step 6 – Provide some background information

Step 7 – Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)

Step 8 – Write a concluding paragraph

Step 9 – Edit your book report

Step 10 – Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used

Is a book report the same as a book review?

No, a book report is not the same as a book review. While a book review involves your personal opinions about the piece, a book report is usually free from judgment and comparisons to other books. That being said, different instructors have different ideas about book reports, and some will actually encourage you to voice your opinion as you write your report.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

Step 1: Carefully read the details of your assignment

Read the details of your assignment and make sure that you understand the task ahead. Instructors will have differing requirements, so here are a few common things to look for:

• Is there a word count or page requirement?
• The number of sources, the types of sources used (e.g., primary and secondary, peer-reviewed, etc.), where the sources are found, etc.
• Do you need to submit an outline or a thesis first?
• Are there formatting requirements? If yes, in what style? Most English and humanities courses require the use of MLA format.
• Do you need to add in-text citations and a bibliography or works cited page?
• Are there parameters around the type of book you can choose?

Make sure you understand whether your instructor thinks opinions are acceptable in a book report, or whether they simply want a fact-based overview of the book. Many instructors want students to pay special attention to specific aspects of the book, such as characters, themes, literary elements, etc.

• Have you carefully reviewed your assignment?
• Are there specific steps the professor requires for your book report?
• How does the essay need to be formatted?
• Does your book report require a bibliography and formal documentation?
• Do you need to submit an outline to your professor for approval before starting the formal drafting process?
• Are you required to summarize every chapter?

Step 2: Read the book

This step is pretty self-explanatory. Yes, you actually have to read the book in order to write a top-notch book report. While it’s true that you can find quick book summaries on the web, it’s always best to read the book yourself.

When you absorb the text yourself, you can contribute personal insights and analysis to your book report. In addition, most instructors can easily spot which students have actually read the book and which ones are simply basing their book report on someone else’s brief summary.

Step 3: Take notes while reading

Taking notes while you read a book (or any text) is an excellent strategy to help you better understand what you read and how to begin writing about it. This is referred to as annotation . It is a matter of personal preference as to whether you use an actual book or digital text.

Tips for annotation:

• Write (or type) notes in the margins.
• Underline important passages.
• Highlight sections you do not understand.
• Summarize long sections with a few main ideas.
• Identify main themes and arguments.
• Identify supporting details and sources the author uses to help prove her point.

You should also write down any direct quotes that you might want to use for your book report, but be careful not to stuff your report with too many quotes. By the time you have finished reading the book, you should have a plethora of information and insights from which to build your outline.

Step 4: Create an outline

After you’ve finished reading the entire book, it’s time to start thinking about the outline of your book report. This is the “skeleton” of your assignment, and creating an organized, general guideline will make the entire writing process easier and more streamlined.

Be careful not to go overboard when creating your outline. Remember, it’s going to be impossible to cover every single detail of the book you’ve read. Instead, target the most important moments or topics.

When creating your outline, you should also plan to devote a certain number of words to each topic or chapter. This ensures that you’re not placing too much emphasis (or too little) on one aspect of the book.

Step 5: Write the introductory paragraph

When you’re ready to start writing the main body of your book report, start with the introductory paragraph. Include the author’s name and the book’s title in the first sentence; maybe even a powerful quote that sums up the entire narrative. Remember, your first paragraph should grab the reader’s attention and “get them hooked.”

Finish your introductory paragraph with a summary of the entire book in one final sentence. Let the reader know what the book is all about before moving on.

Write from a critical point of view that assumes the reader is not familiar with the book or author at all. It is easy to mistakenly think of your audience as only your professor, but most of these assignments require you to write for a “general academic audience.” This audience would include your instructor that assigned the essay and will grade it, your classmates, and the larger academic community.

Step 6: Provide some background information

After you’ve finished your introductory paragraph, launch into your book report by providing the reader with some background information. For a fictional piece, this might involve going over the setting of the book. For a nonfiction piece, you can explore why the book was written and what kind of information it provides.

You might also want to talk about the time period in which the book was written and what the author was experiencing when he or she wrote it. In this second paragraph, you need to set the stage for the rest of the book report.

Step 7: Summarize the book and provide analysis (if requested)

It’s now time to summarize the book in its entirety. Follow your outline and go through each section. Refer to your notes and add direct quotes wherever necessary. This is the most important part of your book report and also the most time-consuming.

• Describe the setting (time and location).
• Introduce and summarize the main characters. How does the author develop them over the course of the book or narrative (story)?
• For books that contain many chapters, avoid summarizing every chapter in its entirety (unless required). Instead, focus your summary on major sections of the book and/ or plot developments.
• To keep the summary interesting, write about how the major events impact the characters.

Remember, a book report is more than simply summarizing each chapter.  What are the primary plot developments? Think about what the author is trying to say. Are there any major themes? What are his/her characters trying to communicate to the reader through their actions? How do the characters transform and evolve throughout the book? By the end of the story, are their worldviews different? If so, how?

If you’re writing a report on a nonfiction book, search for the author’s primary thesis statement or argument. Is the author trying to convince the reader about something? Is she successful in her argument? How and why? What makes the book persuasive and convincing? Your book report should show that you understand the author’s central argument and assess the credibility of the research/ support the author uses to make their thesis more persuasive.

Other topics to write about:

• Devote a few paragraphs to the style and tone of the book. You may choose to hint at these points in your introduction and then give examples in the summary you provide later in your paper.
• Other literary elements to write about include characterization, setting, themes, plot, dialogue, irony, and satire. For nonfiction books, give an overview of the research and outside support the author uses to make their point more persuasive.
• Again, refer to your notes. If a specific passage or quote has a distinctive style or tone, make sure to mention this.

Step 8: Write a concluding paragraph

After you’ve finished writing your book report, it’s time to wrap everything up with a concluding paragraph. Keep this paragraph concise, and don’t introduce any new ideas. Quickly summarize everything you’ve just said and write a few succinct sentences that reestablish the general outline of the book.

Many instructors have very clear instructions regarding the concluding paragraph, and some require you to mention the author’s name and the book’s title. If your instructor allows you to voice your opinion in your book report, the concluding paragraph is the ideal place to do so. For example, you can reveal whether you’d recommend the book to others and why.

Click here  to see a book report example.

Step 9: Edit your book report

While self-editing can be effective, it’s always helpful to use another pair of eyes. Ask a friend or your parents to read your book report. A fellow student may also edit your report.

Step 10: Revise and check your documentation of the primary text and any outside sources you used 

After an initial editing stage, go over the report once again and search for any glaring errors. These might be small grammatical or spelling mistakes. You should also check over your quotes to make sure they have been worded correctly and confirm any outside sources used.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Book report checklist

Here’s a checklist you can go over to make sure your book report is ready to hand in. Some of these items may not be required, and your professor may also have additional requirements not mentioned on this list. Because of this, it’s always a good idea to check the specific criteria of your book report before you hand it in. Ask yourself if you included the following:

• The author’s name
• The title of the book
• The publication date
• The name of your professor/instructor and class
• A bibliography or works cited page

Also make sure you mentioned all the major events, characters, and ideas within the story.

Additional tips for writing a book report

• Use a thesaurus to increase your vocabulary.
• Use transition words to ensure readability.
• Focus on the “why” instead of the “how.”
• When reading the book, search for a quote that encapsulates the entire narrative. You can use this in your introductory paragraph.
• Make sure you understand whether your instructor accepts personal opinions in the report and write it accordingly.
• Make sure to correctly cite from the primary source (the book) and any outside sources (if required or allowed).
• Use current MLA documentation style, unless otherwise directed.
• Use concise and engaging language, logical organization, and a variety of summary, paraphrasing, short direct quotations, and explanations that lead the reader through each section you are writing about.
• Avoid unnecessary wordiness, repetition, slang, jargon, informal phrases, and, obviously, grammatical mistakes.

Example book report on One Hundred Years of Solitude

By Andy Block. Block received his B.A. in English from the University of South Carolina and his M.A. in comparative literature from the University of New Mexico. After teaching ESL in Asia and Europe as well as public school in New York City, briefly, Andy taught writing at a community college for more than a decade — before transitioning to a new career in EdTech. He is currently at work on a creative non-fiction book and enjoys freelance writing.

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How to write a book report

A book report is one of the first types of essays you probably learned to write in elementary school. But no matter how many book reports you turn in over the course of your student life, they can still inspire some anxiety and some confusion about the best way to write a book report, especially as you reach the high school and college level.

The good news is that the basics you learned in the early grades will serve you in good stead, since the book report format remains mostly the same. The very same structure and tools you used to dissect Charlotte’s Web and Superfudge will work just as well for Animal Farm and The Handmaid’s Tale . What changes is the depth and breadth of your analysis as a high school and college student.

So, If you are wondering how to start a book report for a college class assignment, here are some of the key pieces of information you need to know.

What is a book report?

Let’s start off with some definitions. In the most general terms, a book report is a summary of a written text, often a fiction novel, but can also include other genres such as memoir and creative non-fiction. It includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc.

While the analysis should be reasoned and objective, it should also include your opinion and assessment of the impact and overall success of the author’s choices on the final work.

Book reports usually fall into one of the following types:

Plot summary

This type of book report isn’t just a re-telling of the story, it’s a comment on your overall impression of the plot — whether you thought it was engaging or maudlin or vapid, for example — backed up by direct quotes from the text to support your opinion.

Example of a plot summary thesis statement: The plot of Herman Melville’s short story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” offers a poignant portrait of how depression robs a person of all motivation and momentum in life.

Character analysis

A character analysis zeroes in on a particular character (their characterization and actions) and their impact on the unfolding of the plot and its eventual outcome.

Example of a character analysis thesis statement: In J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye , the character of Phoebe, Holden’s bright and precocious younger sister, is a catalyst for rekindling his hope in humanity and reconsidering the choices he’s made in his life.

Theme analysis

A theme analysis looks at the overarching concepts, or themes, that run through a book and that give the text meaning and direction. Themes tend to be broad in nature, such as love, the importance of family, the impact of childhood, etc.

Example of a theme analysis thesis statement: Banana Yoshimoto’s novella, Kitchen , explores the theme of death and how everyone sooner or later has to come to terms with the mortality of the people they love as well as their own.

How to start a book report

The very first step in writing a stellar book report that earns a top grade is actually reading the book. This may seem obvious, but many students make the assignment much harder on themselves by not putting in the time up front to do a thorough and complete reading of the book they’re going to be writing their report on. So resist the urge to skim the text or to rely on the Cliff’s notes version. A nuanced analysis requires a deep grasp of the text, and there is no substitute for focused, firsthand reading.

It’s a lot easier to stick with a book that you enjoy reading! If you have the chance to choose the book you’ll be writing a report on, take some time to select a book that appeals to you, considering the genre, time period, writing style, and plot.

It can be helpful to start thinking about your book report while you are still making your way through your initial reading of the text. Mark down passages that provide key turning points in the action, descriptive passages that establish time and place, and any other passages that stand out to you in terms of their word choice and use of language. This makes it much easier to go back later and start collecting the evidence you’ll need to support your argument and analysis.

Once you finish reading the book from cover to cover, you’ll likely find that your mind is swirling with thoughts, impressions, and burgeoning analyses. At this stage, trying to distill all of these half-formed thoughts into one cohesive report may seem like a daunting task. One way to make this task more approachable is to start by collecting and listing the objective facts about the book. The following list covers the basic elements that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The book’s title and author
• The historical context of the book (when it was written)
• The time(s) during which the story is set
• The location(s) where the story takes place
• A summary of the main characters and action of the story
• Quotes from the book that will function as evidence to support your analysis

With all of the basics in hand, you can start to write your book report in earnest. Just like most other essay types, a well-written book report follows a basic structure that makes it easy for your reader to follow your thoughts and make sense of your argument.

A typical book report will open with an introduction that briefly summarizes the book and culminates with a thesis statement that advances an opinion or viewpoint about it. This is followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed points to flesh out and support that opinion in greater detail, including direct quotes from the text as supporting evidence. The report finishes with a conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with an understanding of the book, its aims, and whether or not you feel the book (and its author) was successful in doing what it set out to do. Ideally, the conclusion will also make a statement about how the book fits into the larger literary world.

A book report template you can use for any book report

If you find yourself stuck on how to start a book report, here’s a handy book report template you can use to get things off the ground. Simply use this structure and start filling it in with the specifics of the book you are writing your report on. Feel free to expand upon this book report template, adding more sections as appropriate.

Introduction

Write three to five sentences introducing the book and author as well as important contextual information about the book, such as the publication year and the overall critical reception at the time. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs

Include at least three body paragraphs that offer detailed information and analysis to support your thesis statement. Each paragraph should contain one idea, backed up with direct quotes from the text alongside your critical analysis.

Write three to five sentences that restate your thesis and summarize the evidence you’ve presented in support of it. Relate your findings to a larger context about the book’s place within both the literary world and the world at large.

Frequently Asked Questions about book reports

A book report follows the format of most papers you write - it will have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. Depending on the type of book report, you will fill these parts with the required information.

These are the basic parts that should be included in every book report you write, no matter what topic or specific type of book report you’re writing:

• The historical context of the book and time(s) during which the story is set

The book report is, among other things, also a summary of the plot, main characters, and ideas and arguments of the author. Your book report should help readers decide whether they want to read the book or not.

How many pages a book report should have depends on your assignment. It can be a half page, but it can also have many pages. Make sure to carefully read through your assignment and ask your professor if you are unsure .

A book report is a summary of a written text. A good book report includes an analysis of the different elements and authorial choices that comprise the work, such as tone, theme, perspective, diction, dialogue, etc. A good book report helps the reader decide whether they want to read the book or not.

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How to Write a Great Book Report

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• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

One assignment has lasted the test of time, uniting generations of students in a common learning exercise: book reports. While many students dread these assignments, book reports can help students learn how to interpret texts and gain a broader understanding of the world around them.  Well-written books can open your eyes to new experiences, people, places, and life situations that you may have never thought about before. In turn, a book report is a tool that allows you, the reader, to demonstrate that you have understood all the nuances of the text you just read.

What's a Book Report?

In the broadest terms, a book report describes and summarizes a work of fiction or nonfiction . It sometimes — but not always — includes a personal evaluation of the text. In general, regardless of grade level, a book report will include an introductory paragraph that shares the title of the book and its author. Students will often develop their own opinions about the underlying meaning of the texts through developing thesis statements , typically presented in the opening of a book report, and then using examples from the text and interpretations to support those statements.  

Before You Start Writing

A good book report will address a specific question or point of view and back up this topic with specific examples, in the form of symbols and themes. These steps will help you identify and incorporate those important elements. It shouldn't be too hard to do, provided you're prepared, and you can expect to spend, on average, 3-4 days working on the assignment. Check out these tips to ensure you're successful:

• Have an objective in mind.  This is the main point you want to present or the question you plan to answer in your report.  
• Keep supplies on hand when you read.  This is  very  important. Keep sticky-note flags, pen, and paper nearby as you read. If you're reading an eBook , make sure you know how to use the annotation function of your app/program.  
• Read the book.  It seems obvious, but too many students try to take a shortcut and simply read summaries or watch movies, but you often miss important details that can make or break your book report.
• Pay attention to detail.  Keep an eye out for clues that the author has provided in the form of symbolism . These will indicate some important point that supports the overall theme. For instance, a spot of blood on the floor, a quick glance, a nervous habit, an impulsive action, a repetitive action... These are worth noting.
• Use your sticky flags to mark pages.  When you run into clues or interesting passages, mark the page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line.  
• Look for themes.  As you read, you should begin to see an emerging theme. On a notepad, write down some notes on how you came to determine the theme.
• Develop a rough outline.  By the time you finish  reading the book , you will have recorded several possible themes or approaches to your objective. Review your notes and find points that you can back up with good examples (symbols). 

Your Book Report Introduction

The start of your book report provides an opportunity to make a solid introduction to the material and your own personal assessment of the work. You should try to write a strong introductory paragraph that grabs your reader's attention. Somewhere in your first paragraph , you should also state the book's title and the author's name.

High school-level papers should include publication information as well as brief statements about the book's angle, the genre, the theme , and a hint about the writer's feelings in the introduction.

First Paragraph Example: Middle School Level

" The Red Badge of Courage ", by Stephen Crane, is a book about a young man growing up during the Civil War. Henry Fleming is the main character of the book. As Henry watches and experiences the tragic events of the war, he grows up and changes his attitudes about life.

First Paragraph Example: High School Level

Can you identify one experience that changed your entire view of the world around you? Henry Fleming, the main character in "The Red Badge of Courage", begins his life-changing adventure as a naive young man, eager to experience the glory of war. He soon faces the truth about life, war, and his own self-identity on the battlefield, however. "The Red Badge of Courage", by Stephen Crane, is a coming of age novel published by D. Appleton and Company in 1895, about thirty years after the Civil War ended. In this book, the author reveals the ugliness of war and examines its relationship to the pain of growing up.

The Body of the Book Report

Before you get started on the body of the report, take a few minutes to jot down some helpful information by considering the following points.

• Did you enjoy the book?
• Was it well written?
• What was the genre?
• (fiction) Which characters play important roles that relate to the overall theme?
• Did you notice reoccurring symbols?
• Is this book a part of a series?
• (nonfiction) Can you identify the writer's thesis?
• What is the writing style?
• Did you notice a tone?
• Was there an obvious slant or bias?

In the body of your book report, you will use your notes to guide you through an extended summary of the book. You will weave your own thoughts and impressions into the plot summary . As you review the text, you'll want to focus on key moments in the storyline and relate them to the perceived theme of the book, and how the characters and setting all bring the details together. You'll want to be sure that you discuss the plot, any examples of conflict that you encounter, and how the story resolves itself. It can be helpful to use strong quotes from the book to enhance your writing. 

The Conclusion

As you lead to your final paragraph, consider some additional impressions and opinions:

• Was the ending satisfactory (for fiction)?
• Was the thesis supported by strong evidence (for nonfiction)?
• What interesting or notable facts do you know about the author?
• Would you recommend this book?

Conclude your report with a paragraph or two that covers these additional points. Some teachers prefer that you re-state the name and author of the book in the concluding paragraph. As always, consult your specific assignment guide or ask your teacher if you have questions about what is expected of you. 

• How to Find the Main Idea
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• 10 Steps to Writing a Successful Book Report
• The Red Badge of Courage Book Summary
• How to Start a Book Report
• What Does Critical Reading Really Mean?
• Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice
• How to Find the Theme of a Book or Short Story
• How to Compare Two Novels in Comparative Essay
• How to Design a Book Cover
• Symbols and Motifs in Literature
• How to Outline a Textbook Chapter
• How to Write and Format an MBA Essay
• How to Write a Response Paper
• How to Write a Critical Essay
• How to Study for an Open Book Test

• How to Order

Book Report Writing

Book Report Writing Guide - Outline, Format, & Topics

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Guide to Craft an Outstanding Book Report Outline

Creative and Excellent Book Report Ideas for Students

Writing a book report can be a challenging task for students at all levels of education. Many struggle to strike the right balance between providing a concise summary and offering insightful analysis.

The pressure to submit a well-structured report often leaves students feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. Unlike a book review that is longer and more detailed, the purpose of writing a book report is to summarize what happened in the story. 

In this blog, we will learn the book report writing, providing you with step-by-step instructions and creative ideas. Whether you're a reader or just starting your literary journey, this guide will help you write book reports that shine. 

So, let's dive in!

• 1. What is a Book Report?
• 2. How to Write a Book Report Outline?
• 3. How to Write a Book Report?
• 4. Book Report Formatting
• 5. Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 
• 6. Book Report Templates for Different Grades
• 7. How to Write a Book Report for High School?
• 8. How to Write a Book Report for College Level?
• 9. Book Report Examples
• 10. Book Report Ideas

What is a Book Report?

A book report is a written summary and analysis of a book's content, designed to provide readers with insights into the book's key elements. It's a valuable exercise for students, offering a chance to look deeper into a book's characters, and overall impact. Why are book reports important? They serve as a way to not only showcase your reading comprehension but also your critical thinking skills. They help you reflect on the book's strengths and weaknesses, and they can be a great tool to start a discussion.

How to Write a Book Report Outline?

Before you start writing a book report, it's crucial to create a well-organized outline. A book report outline serves as the roadmap for your report, ensuring that you cover all essential aspects. Here's how to create an effective book report outline:

How to Write a Book Report?

Writing an effective book report is not just about summarizing a story; it's a chance to showcase your analytical skills.

Let’s go through the process of creating a compelling book report that will impress your instructor.

How to Start a Book Report

To start a book report follow the steps below:

• Pick the Perfect Book  Selecting the right book for your report is the first crucial step. If you have the freedom to choose, opt for a book that aligns with your interests. Engaging with a book you're passionate about makes the entire process more enjoyable.
• Dive into the Pages Reading the book thoroughly is non-negotiable. While summaries and online resources can be helpful, they can't replace the depth of understanding gained from reading the actual text. Take notes as you read to capture key moments and insights.
• Document Key Insights Keeping a physical notebook for jotting down important points and insights is a tried-and-true method. This tangible record allows for quick reference when you're ready to write your report.
• Collect Powerful Quotes Quotes from the book can be the secret sauce that adds weight to your report. Choose quotes that align with your report's themes and ideas. These quotes will serve as evidence to support your analysis and perspective.
• Craft Your Report Outline An book report outline serves as your roadmap for creating a structured and coherent report. Ensure it includes all the vital elements, from basic book information to your in-depth analysis. An organized outline keeps your writing on track.

Writing Your Book Report

Now that you've completed the preliminary steps, it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Follow these guidelines for an exceptional book report:

• Introduction: Open with a captivating introduction that introduces the book, its author, and your main thesis. This initial "hook" draws readers in and sparks their interest.
• Plot Summary: Concisely summarize the book's plot, including key events, main characters, and the overall narrative. Offer enough information for understanding without revealing major spoilers.
• Analysis: The core of your report, where you dissect the book's themes, characters, writing style, and any symbolism. Back your insights with book quotes and examples, revealing the author's intentions and how they achieved them.
• Conclusion: Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and share your overall evaluation of the book. End with a thought-provoking statement or recommendation to leave readers engaged and curious.

Book Report Formatting

When it comes to formatting a book report, simplicity and clarity are key. Here's a straightforward guide on the essential formatting elements:

Book Report vs. Book Review - How Do they Differ from Each Other? 

The table below highlights how is a book report different from a book review :

What are the SImilarities between Book Report and Book Review?

Here are the things that are added in both a book report and a book review.

• Bibliographic details
• Background of the author
• The recommended audience for the book
• The main subject of the book or work
• Summary of the work and the only difference is that in the review, a critical analysis is also added

Due to the similarities, many students think that both of these are the same. It is wrong and could cost you your grade.

How to Write a Nonfiction Book Report? 

Writing a nonfiction book report may seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can craft an informative report. Here's a streamlined guide:

• Read Actively: Carefully read the chosen nonfiction book, highlighting key information. For instance, if you're reporting on a biography, mark significant life events and their impact.
• Introduction: Begin with the author's name, the book's publication year, and why the author wrote the book. Create an engaging opening sentence, such as "In 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,' Rebecca Skloot delves into the fascinating world of medical ethics."
• Focused Body: Structure the body into three paragraphs, each addressing crucial aspects. For instance, in a report on a science book, one paragraph could cover the book's key scientific discoveries.
• Concluding Thoughts: Share your personal opinion, if applicable. Would you recommend the book? Mention reasons, like "I highly recommend 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari for its thought-provoking insights into human history."

Writing a nonfiction book report requires adhering to facts but can still be enjoyable with a strategic approach.

How to Write a Book Report without Reading the Book?

Short on time to read the entire book? Here are quick steps to create a book report:

• Consult Summary Websites: Visit websites providing book summaries and analyses. For instance, SparkNotes or CliffsNotes offer concise overviews.
• Focus on Key Details: Select 2-3 crucial aspects of the book, like major themes or character development. Discuss these in-depth.
• Consider a Writing Service: Utilize professional writing services when time is tight. They can craft a well-structured report based on provided information.
• Offer a Unique Perspective: Differentiate your report by approaching it from a unique angle. For example, explore a theme or character relationship that hasn't been extensively covered by peers.

While challenging, writing a book report without reading the book is possible with these strategies.

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Book Report Templates for Different Grades

Students studying at different levels have different skills and ability levels. Here is how they can write book reports for their respective academic levels.

How to Write a Book Report for an Elementary School?

The following are some book report templates that you can use for your primary or elementary school.

How to Write a Book Report for Middle School

Here are the book report worksheets that you can use to write your middle school book report.

How to Write a Book Report for High School?

Writing a high school book report includes the following steps:

• Read the book thoroughly and with purpose.
• Make an outline before writing the report as a pre-writing step.
• Follow the guidelines and the given format to create the title page for your report.
• Add basic details in the introduction of your book report.
• Analyze the major and minor characters of the story and the role they play in the progress of the story.
• Analyze the major and significant plot, events, and themes. Describe the story and arguments and focus on important details.
• Conclude by adding a summary of the main elements, characters, symbols, and themes.

How to Write a Book Report for College Level?

Follow this college book report template to format and write your report effectively:

• Understand the Assignment: Familiarize yourself with the assignment and book details to ensure proper adherence.
• Read Thoroughly: Read the book attentively, noting essential details about the plot, characters, and themes.
• Introduction: Craft an informative introduction with bibliographic details. 

• Summary: Summarize key aspects like setting, events, atmosphere, narrative style, and the overall plot. 

• Plot: Cover the entire story, highlighting essential details, plot twists, and conflicts. 

• Conclusion: Summarize the story and assess its strengths and weaknesses. Unlike a review, a book report provides a straightforward summary.

Book Report Examples

Book Report of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Book Report of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

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Book Report Ideas

Basic ideas include presenting your narrative and analysis in simple written form, while more creative ideas include a fun element. Some notable books to choose from for your book report writing assignment are mentioned below:

• "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
• "1984" by George Orwell
• "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
• "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger
• "The Lord of the Rings" by J.R.R. Tolkien
• "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling
• "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
• "The Diary of Anne Frank" by Anne Frank
• "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

Need more ideas? Check out our book report ideas blog to get inspiration!

To Sum it Up! Crafting a good book report involves striking the right balance between introducing the book, summarizing its key themes, and avoiding spoilers. It's a delicate art, but with the right guidance you can grasp this skill effortlessly. 

Need expert assistance with writing your book report? MyPerfectWords.com is here to help you out!

If you're asking yourself, "Can someone write my essays online ?"Our professional writers have the answer. We can write a custom book report according to your personalized requirements and instructions. Get a high-quality book report to help you earn the best grades on your assignment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the parts of a book report.

A book report often contains different sections that describe the setting, main characters, and key themes of the story. A common type is an expository one which details what happened in detail or discusses how people feel about it.

Is a report a summary?

No, a summary is more detailed than a book report. A book report is usually based on a short summary of the book, while a standalone summary is more detailed and could have headings, subheadings, and supporting quotes.

How many paragraphs should be included in a book report?

The book report is a typical assignment in middle and high school, usually with one introduction, three body, and one conclusion paragraph.

The number of paragraphs could vary depending on the academic level, with an expert or professional book report having more than three body paragraphs.

How long is a book report?

It should not exceed two double-spaced pages, be between 600 and 800 words in length. Your book report is a written reflection on the content of a novel or work of nonfiction.

How do you end a book report?

Sum up your thesis statement and remind the readers of the important points, one final time. Do not add any new ideas or themes here and try to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Writing a Book Report

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Book reports are informative reports that discuss a book from an objective stance. They are similar to book reviews but focus more on a summary of the work than an evaluation of it. Book reports commonly describe what happens in a work; their focus is primarily on giving an account of the major plot, characters, thesis, and/or main idea of the work. Most often, book reports are a K-12 assignment and range from 250 to 500 words.

Book reviews are most often a college assignment, but they also appear in many professional works: magazines, newspapers, and academic journals. If you are looking to write a book review instead of a book report, please see the OWL resource, Writing a Book Review .

Before You Read

Before you begin to read, consider what types of things you will need to write your book report. First, you will need to get some basic information from the book:

• Publisher location, name of publisher, year published
• Number of Pages

You can either begin your report with some sort of citation, or you can incorporate some of these items into the report itself.

Next, try to answer the following questions to get you started thinking about the book:

• Author: Who is the author? Have you read any other works by this author?
• Genre: What type of book is this: fiction, nonfiction, biography, etc.? What types of people would like to read this kind of book? Do you typically read these kinds of books? Do you like them?
• Title: What does the title do for you? Does it spark your interest? Does it fit well with the text of the book?
• Pictures/Book Jacket/Cover/Printing: What does the book jacket or book cover say? Is it accurate? Were you excited to read this book because of it? Are there pictures? What kinds are there? Are they interesting?

As You Read

While reading a work of fiction, keep track of the major characters. You can also do the same with biographies. When reading nonfiction works, however, look for the main ideas and be ready to talk about them.

• Characters: Who are the main characters? What happens to them? Did you like them? Were there good and bad characters?
• Main Ideas: What is the main idea of the book? What happens? What did you learn that you did not know before?
• Quotes: What parts did you like best? Are there parts that you could quote to make your report more enjoyable?

When You Are Ready to Write

Announce the book and author. Then, summarize what you have learned from the book. Explain what happens in the book, and discuss the elements you liked, did not like, would have changed, or if you would recommend this book to others and why. Consider the following items as well:

• Principles/characters: What elements did you like best? Which characters did you like best and why? How does the author unfold the story or the main idea of the book?
• Organize: Make sure that most of your paper summarizes the work. Then you may analyze the characters or themes of the work.
• Your Evaluation: Choose one or a few points to discuss about the book. What worked well for you? How does this work compare with others by the same author or other books in the same genre? What major themes, motifs, or terms does the book introduce, and how effective are they? Did the book appeal to you on an emotional or logical way?
• Recommend: Would you recommend this book to others? Why? What would you tell them before they read it? What would you talk about after you read it?

Revising/Final Copy

Do a quick double check of your paper:

• Double-check the spelling of the author name(s), character names, special terms, and publisher.
• Check the punctuation and grammar slowly.
• Make sure you provide enough summary so that your reader or instructor can tell you read the book.
• Consider adding some interesting quotes from the reading.

How to Start a Book Report?

Starting a book report can feel like opening the door to a whole new world of storytelling. In this article, we'll show you how to kick off your writing in a way that grabs your reader's attention and sets the stage for an awesome analysis. Whether you're a senior student or just getting started, we've got you covered. Let's dive into how to start a book report essay and learn how to make it shine! In the meantime, you can ask us, ‘ do my paper ,’ so your assignment is handled while you’re reading.

Useful Tips on How to Start Off a Book Report

Starting a book report requires setting the stage effectively to engage your audience from the outset. Begin with a concise summary of the plot, focusing on the main events and characters. This summary should provide enough context to orient your reader without giving away too much detail. Following the summary, delve into your initial thoughts and reactions. Share your overall impressions, such as what intrigued you or what you found particularly compelling about the story. This personal touch adds depth to your introduction and sets the tone for your analysis to come.

After providing a brief overview and sharing your initial impressions, transition smoothly into your thesis statement. Your thesis should clearly state the main argument or interpretation you will be presenting. This statement serves as a roadmap for your analysis, guiding both you and your audience through the key points you will be discussing. By establishing your thesis early on, you not only provide a clear focus for your content but also capture your reader's interest and invite them to explore your perspective. Another useful tip is asking our writers, ‘ write my book report ,’ so they can take this task off your shoulders.

Brainstorm Topic Ideas

Generating ideas for an introduction can be an invigorating process, sparking creativity and critical thinking. To initiate this brainstorming journey, immerse yourself in reflection. Begin by contemplating the overarching topics explored. Consider the characters, plot twists, and underlying messages. Identify elements that resonated with you emotionally or intellectually.

Next, explore your personal reactions. What questions arose while reading? Did you experience moments of surprise, curiosity, or confusion? These emotional responses can unveil potential angles.

Engage in a mental dialogue with the characters. Reflect on their motivations, conflicts, and transformations throughout the narrative. Ponder the book's broader societal or historical context, examining how the author might be commenting on contemporary issues or timeless subjects.

As you reflect, jot down your initial thoughts, impressions, and any potential areas of interest. This organic brainstorming process encourages a deeper connection with the material and lays the foundation for a nuanced and engaging paper. Here’s a list of interesting topic ideas for you:

• Explore the main character's development and traits.
• Analyze a central theme and its influence on the narrative.
• Break down the plot into key events for a concise summary.
• Investigate symbols or motifs that carry deeper meanings.
• Examine the significance of the story's setting.
• Compare the book to others with similar themes or genres.
• Evaluate the author's distinctive writing style.
• Highlight impactful quotes from the book.
• Offer a brief review of the book's strengths and weaknesses.
• Share your personal reflections on the reading experience.

To boost your academic prowess, review our guide on how to write an abstract for a lab report that contains additional tricks of the trade professional scholarly writers use on a daily basis.

Write an Engaging Book Report Introduction

Writing an engaging introduction involves capturing the reader's interest while providing essential context for the analysis ahead. Begin by crafting an opening sentence that hooks the attention. This could be a thought-provoking quote, a startling fact related to the story, or a captivating anecdote that sets the tone for the report. For instance, "In the heart of a bustling city, a mysterious figure lurks in the shadows, waiting to unveil a tale of intrigue and deception."

Following the hook in the introduction, provide a brief overview of the book's plot and main characters. However, avoid delving into too much detail; instead, offer a tantalizing glimpse that leaves people wanting more. For example, "Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, 'The Road' follows the journey of a father and son as they navigate through a desolate landscape haunted by the remnants of humanity." This sets the stage for the story while maintaining a sense of mystery. Have you already contacted our service with a ‘ write my lab report for me ’ request? Do it now if you want to have an evening free from homework strain.

After providing an introduction overview, transition smoothly into your thesis statement, which should encapsulate the main argument or interpretation you'll be presenting in the report. This thesis statement acts as a roadmap for your analysis, guiding both you and your teacher through the key points you'll be discussing. For instance, "Through its stark imagery and poignant storytelling, 'The Road' explores motifs of survival, resilience, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity." This statement not only establishes the focus of your paper but also invites your peers to delve deeper into the analysis.

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Writing a Book Report Introduction in 5 Simple Steps

When tackling a college book report, the goal is to infuse maximum engagement into your work. To achieve this, consider implementing a set of key tips aimed at making your introduction irresistibly captivating. At this point, you can easily try our report writing service to save yourself the trouble of burning the midnight oil.

Think of a Captivating Opener

Begin your introduction with a compelling hook. This could be an intriguing quote, a striking fact, or a brief narrative that draws readers into the world of the book. For example, "In the heart of the enchanted forest, a young protagonist embarks on a journey that will unravel the secrets of a mystical realm."

Offer a Brief Overview

Offer a concise snapshot of the setting, main characters, and central plot. Avoid giving away too much detail, aiming to create curiosity rather than complete understanding. For instance, "In this tale of magic and mystery, 'The Enchanted Grove' introduces the audience to a world where ancient prophecies and mythical creatures converge."

Set the Tone

Set the tone for your analysis by conveying your initial impressions or emotional responses to the book. This personal touch adds depth and helps the listener connect with your perspective. For example, "As I delved into the pages of this enchanting story, I found myself captivated by the vivid descriptions and characters that seemed to leap off the page."

Hint at Themes or Significance

Provide a subtle indication of the motivation or significance you'll be exploring in your composition. This serves as a teaser, encouraging readers to anticipate the deeper layers of your analysis. For example, "Beneath the surface of magical adventures, 'The Enchanted Grove' invites learners to ponder themes of courage, friendship, and the timeless struggle between good and evil."

Write a Strong Thesis Statement

Conclude your introduction with a strong thesis statement that outlines the main argument or interpretation you'll be presenting in your paper. This statement acts as a guide for both you and your professor throughout the analysis. For example, "Through its enchanting narrative and rich symbolism, 'The Enchanted Grove' invites the audience to explore the enduring power of friendship and the transformative nature of courage in the face of adversity." If this is too difficult for you, just say, ‘ write my report for me ,’ and our writers will include a powerful thesis statement in addition to all other sections of the paper.

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How Do You Start an Introduction for a Book Report?

Begin by establishing a connection between the reader and the book, whether through a thought-provoking question, an intriguing quote, or a brief anecdote related to the motif. By providing a glimpse into the essence of the book, you pique the tutor's curiosity and set the stage for the analysis that follows. The key is to create an opening that not only grabs attention but also introduces the central elements of the book.

What Is a Good Opening Sentence for a Book Report?

A good opening sentence for a book report should encapsulate the essence of the story while enticing the student to delve deeper. It can effectively highlight a significant event, a key character, or a central theme in a concise and compelling manner. For instance, "In the bustling streets of Victorian London, the mysterious figure of Sherlock Holmes emerged, solving crimes with unparalleled brilliance and capturing the imaginations of book fans worldwide." Such an opening sentence provides a glimpse into the book's setting and introduces a central character, setting the tone for the composition.

How Do You Write a Good Hook for a Book Report?

Try using a striking quote, a surprising fact, or an engaging question related to the book. For example, "Have you ever pondered the thin line between sanity and madness? In 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' Ken Kesey invites teachers to explore the boundaries of the human mind in a gripping narrative that challenges preconceptions." By posing a thought-provoking question and alluding to a central theme, the hook encourages readers to continue and discover more about the book's complexities.

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How to Start a Book Report

By: Angelina Grin

«Can someone write my book report for me ?» Yes! But first, let's get a handle on what that is. Figuring out how to start a book report essay is one of the most challenging parts of writing a book report paper. You want something that’s going to immediately grab your reader’s attention whilst still being informative, letting them know some of the essential facts about the work.

How to Write an Introduction for a Book Report

Brainstorming ideas.

• ✒️  Mention the title and author of the book
• 🔎  Explain why you chose to write about this particular book
• 📖  Introduce the book to your readers
• 🎭  Describe the setting of the book
• 💡  Grab your reader’s attention with some interesting facts about the book

➤ Draw Your Audience in with a Hook

• ➤ Summarize the Book
• ➤ Include a Thesis Statement

➤ Read Quality Book Reports for Ideas

What is a good first sentence for a book report introduction, how long is a book report intro, how detailed should your book summary be, how do you start off an essay about a book, what is a good intro sentence, what is a good way to start a paper.

A book report isn’t the same thing as a review or an analytical paper , so you don’t have to worry about presenting your analysis or opinion in the introduction. Just try to familiarize your reader with the book before moving on to your body paragraphs.

This article will explain how to begin a book report. So, if you have such a paper due and are looking for some top tips, read on!

So, you’ve chosen your book. You’ve read it thoroughly, annotating and taking notes as you go. You’re all ready to start your essay — except now you’re wondering how to write an introduction for a book report.

There are some key steps to follow when you’re writing an introduction for a book report. This section will explain how to write a good introduction for a book report , giving you an idea of some of the most important things to include in your introductory paragraph.

Before you start writing, your first step should be to brainstorm ideas . Referring to your notes, think about the main points of the book. What are the most important moments in the narrative? What themes does the text cover? What is the setting and who are its main characters?

Once you have everything written down, go through your list and think about what you should write in your essay . You won’t have room to write about every last piece of the book, so you should focus on the most important points. Brainstorming and writing down all your thoughts can help you filter them more easily before you begin the writing process.

If you’re unsure of what type of information to include in your intro, perhaps consider looking at a book report introduction example to get a better idea.

Writing a Book Report Introduction

Once you’ve brainstormed ideas, it’s time to write your book report intro and outline . There are a few key points your introduction should tackle. If you’re wondering how to start a book report introduction, read on for some of our best advice!

✒️ Mention the title and author of the book

It’s important that you include the title and author of the book you’re writing about. After all, the book is the entire point of your report.

Mention the book’s title and author early in your introduction—in the first sentence, if possible. This means that your reader will know from the start what the focus of your report is.

Example 1 : J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings is arguably the most influential piece of modern fantasy literature to date.

Example 2 : The battle between good and evil is the main theme of Robin Jenkins’ 1955 novel The Cone Gatherers , most clearly exemplified in the characters of Calum and Duror.

🔎 Explain why you chose to write about this particular book

Next, briefly explain why you chose to write on that particular text. What made it stand out to you compared to other works? Is it a particularly notable example of a work from a genre? Does it do an especially good job of laying out its theme? Is it a book you’ve read before, one that left a significant impression on you?

Whatever your reasons for choosing the book, spell them out clearly in your introduction.

Example 1 : Frankenstein is one of the most important works to come out of the 19th century. Often referred to as the world’s first science fiction novel, many of its themes still resonate with a contemporary readership. Even two centuries later, it is still often central in conversations about bioethics.

Example 2 : When asked to write about a feminist piece of literature, The Handmaid’s Tale makes for an obvious choice. With its dystopian portrayal of a patriarchal, totalitarian United States, Margaret Atwood’s masterfully written novel forces us to question the sexism deeply embedded within our own culture today.

📖 Introduce the book to your readers

Be sure to introduce your readers to the book as well. Include the date of publication, a summary, and any cultural context that might be relevant to your report. If you’re not sure what sort of information to include, try to find a good example of how to start a book report on which to base your introduction.

Example 1 : Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe is considered by many to be the first novel in the English language. The book tells the tale of the titular Robinson Crusoe, a castaway who is left stranded on a tropical island for almost thirty years.

Example 2 : Despite the author’s claims that the book is no more than a story about rabbits, Richard Adams’ Watership Down is interpreted by many as an allegory for communism. Published in 1972, the novel tells the tale of a colony of rabbits who must leave their warren to settle in a new location, miles away from home.

🎭 Describe the setting of the book

Give your readers an idea of when and where the book is set. These are essential pieces of information, especially if the book deals with real-life events.

Example 1 : Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s The Dance Tree is set in Strasbourg during the dancing plague of 1518 — an epidemic which has a wide-reaching impact on the family life of our heroine, Lisbet.

Example 2 : The Great Gatsby is set in the so-called Roaring Twenties — more specifically, in 1922, four years after the end of the Great War — in glamorous New York.

💡 Grab your reader’s attention with some interesting facts about the book

Finally, if you want to make sure that your report grabs your reader’s attention, it’s a good idea to include an interesting fact or two about the book. For example, you might mention whether it’s a bestseller, or whether it’s won any awards.

Example 1 : Not only is And Then There Were None one of Agatha Christie’s most popular works, but it is also one of the most popular novels of all time. With more than one hundred million copies sold, the book has established itself as the world’s best selling mystery novel.

Example 2 : Praised for its use of Black English Vernacular, as well as its portrayal of female characters, The Colour Purple is one of the most popular books of all time, even having won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize.

How Do You Start Off Writing a Book Report?

When you’re working on a college book report , you want to make sure that you do everything you can to make it as engaging as possible. Here are a few top tips to help you make your introduction as gripping as you can.

Make sure to include a hook in your first paragraph. This could be an interesting piece of trivia about the book, a rhetorical question to get your reader thinking or a piece of interesting information about the cultural context of the book.

➤ Summarize the Book

It’s also a good idea to include a summary of the book in your introduction. If not, then your reader is likely to get lost trying to follow your report. Don’t over-explain every plot point; just try to deliver the essential pieces of information and convey the important points of the book. If the book you’re working on is a piece of nonfiction, try to summarize the topic in one or two sentences.

➤ Include a Thesis Statement

Doing assignments , though not all, will require you to include some of your own analysis. If your report is for a high school or university assignment, then your teacher or professor will make this clear to you in the report brief. Make sure that you include a thesis statement with a summary of your main argument if you do have to include an analysis.

Sometimes it can be easier to write an paper after reading a couple of good examples yourself. See if you can find some examples of introduction paragraphs for book reports to draw ideas from for your own work. Just make sure that when you do so, these examples come from a reliable source.

A good first sentence for a book report is one that will draw your author in but also will convey a lot of information about the book you’re writing on. It should include the title and author of your book.

However, the average length of a book report for high school students is usually less than one thousand words. The length of a book report will depend on the grade level and the assignment itself. Your teacher should let you know how much you have to write.

Your introduction shouldn’t be too long—ideally, no longer than a paragraph. So, while you should make sure your summary contains all the necessary information, you shouldn’t make your book summary too detailed.

When starting a book report, you want to make sure that you capture the reader’s attention from the very beginning. You also want to make sure that you include all the necessary information your reader will need to follow along with the rest of your paper.

When thinking about how to start off a book report, you should think about how you can grab your reader’s attention in the first line. This might be with an interesting fact about the book, a rhetorical question, or—where appropriate—a thought-provoking piece of analysis.

If you’re wondering how to write a good introduction for a book report, first ask yourself how you would start any other paper. No matter what sort of essay you’re writing, you should always hook the reader, introduce your topic, and, if you’re including analysis, make your thesis statement.

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We are very interested to know your opinion

As a linguistics student, I have no trouble figuring out how to begin a book report. It's how to finish that's the issue :) And how to organize the resources I've been using. It is also difficult to fit the character analysis onto a single page. I enjoy the process of weighing the pros and cons and providing an honest evaluation so that the reader can decide whether or not it is worth their time.

To be honest, I despise writing reviews. You are being asked to identify the author's arguments and how they are made. As far as I can see, there's no good way for me to break them down into relevant elements that matter.

It's great fun to discuss book characters with our teachers. Sometimes our approaches and viewpoints diverge so much.

Non fiction is considerably more difficult for me to review than fiction. It's hard to get into a story that lacks interesting details, a compelling plot, and a distinctive writing style.

I liked the article. Different aspects of writing a book review are explained in detail. You didn't say that even at the college level, it's not necessary to fill it with long direct quotes and unnecessary details about where the story takes place. It is better to say what you think in general terms.

I was lucky in middle school to have a great teacher who taught us how to write a good book report, including a personal opinion and specific examples.

Non fiction book reports differ from conventional book reviews in that students should focus on details like the plot, main characters, or key ideas instead of their own opinions.

I couldn't think of much more than a plot summary when I needed to write a book review, so I had to look up a compendium of writing resources for fiction reviews. It's not as trivial as it appears.

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How to Start a Good Book Report

How to Write a Controlling Idea Essay

A good book report should begin with a strong introductory paragraph that catches the reader’s interest, presents the book to be reviewed and introduces the writer’s basic argument or thesis. To accomplish all these goals in a few sentences, you might need to revise a draft of your introductory paragraph several times. You’ll want to indicate the direction of your book report without providing information that you’ll repeat later.

Brainstorming and Preparing to Write

Summarize the book you’ve chosen to write about. To help get yourself started, you might write a paragraph-long summary, but you’ll want to shorten it for inclusion in your introductory paragraph.

Select a thesis statement or general argument for your book report. Depending on your grade level, your thesis will be more or less complex. In some cases, your thesis could simply be that you liked or did not like the book. In other cases, you might want to make a more specific argument about the book’s characters, setting, plot or other elements and the effect they have on the reader.

Select several ideas or details that support your thesis statement. Each of your body paragraphs will focus on one of these ideas. You might want to focus on characters in the first paragraph, setting in the second and plot in the third, for example.

Writing the Introductory Paragraph

Write a strong first sentence that catches the reader’s interest and introduces the book. Give the book’s title and author, as well as an interesting fact about the book or a reason why you chose to read it.

Provide a short summary of the book, no longer than two sentences, based on the summary you came up with earlier.

Write your thesis statement in one clear sentence, and place it after the summary. Your thesis statement should include your argument, as well as the supporting reasons or details you will explore further in your paper. Thus, the thesis statement serves as an outline of your paper.

Conclude the introductory paragraph with a transitional hook that leads into the next paragraph.

• Read a draft of your introductory paragraph aloud to yourself to see how it sounds. You might notice mistakes that you didn't catch when you were reading the paragraph on paper.

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• Factmonster.com: How to Write a Book Report

Lisa Porter began writing professionally in 2009. She writes for various websites and has a Bachelor of Arts in English literature.

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Non Fiction Book Report: How to Write the Perfect Paper

The thought of a non fiction book report may bring to mind early school days. In fact, a parent could easily use this article to help their kids complete one of these report assignments. However, even college students may be asked to review or report on a nonfiction book. Thankfully, the standards for what makes a perfect analysis paper doesn’t change across grade levels. The content itself becomes more complicated but the principles stay the same.

There are two main principles to writing a perfect book report: describe and evaluate. Knowing how to perform each and how to balance them can help you, your students, or your kids write the best paper they can.

Describe: The Facts of the Non Fiction Book Report

Description in a book report includes names and major points in the book. This is not the time to state your analysis of the work but simply to list the relevant information so the reader knows where your analysis will go.

The information in the description portion of a nonfiction book report includes background on the author and relevant information on the creation of the book. State how the book has been assembled or organized, especially if it takes a unique genre form. This includes the author’s intention with the book as a thesis or a statement of purpose. Let the reader know that you have a big picture of the nonfiction book being discussed.

Finally, offer a summary of the nonfiction book to get your readers on the same “page” for your evaluation. By selectively summarizing information, the reader (or grader) knows what they should take from your analysis.

Evaluate: Make Your Points

When you begin evaluating, use the information you reviewed and summarized in the description section. Evaluation involves your opinion, but a supported opinion that includes relevant scholarship. This means that other writers’ reviews and journal articles that discuss the nonfiction book you’re studying can come in handy to back up your points.

You can observe the strengths and faults of the book based on your observations and experience. However, the more you can support your statements with the words of others and of the book itself, the better your report will be.

How to Start Writing a Book Report

As you read, you have to read the right way ! This means observing the author’s purpose quickly, learning the background information that will go into your report beforehand, and taking notes. As you read, note the author’s expertise and how they incorporate their thesis. When you see quotes that support the author’s ideas (or yours), take note of where they occur. This can only make writing the report easier in the long run.

The Takeaway

A non fiction book report sounds like a hefty obligation. However, whether it’s a college paper or a child’s school project, a book report doesn’t have to be a burden. Get the two qualities of description and evaluation clearly distinct in your head so that when you read, you can already sort and note the informtation that will make your paper work.

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4 Tips For Writing A Book Report

Throughout grade school, your kids may be asked to write book reports about fiction and nonfiction books they’ve read. These assignments can seem daunting—it’s challenging to write a short summary about something as long as a book!

But when you break it down, writing a book report is not so different from other types of informational writing.

A book report is an informational essay summarizing the events and important themes and facts of a text, either fiction or nonfiction. Generally speaking, a book report is a description of the text from an objective point of view. In other words, you’re not giving your personal opinion on the book.

In order to write a good book report, you have to provide enough information to give the reader an understanding of the book without giving so much information that it’s overly long and, well, boring. It’s all about balance.

We’ve broken down how to write a top-notch book report step-by-step, so you can guide your kids through the process with ease.

1. Read the book

There’s no shortcut to writing a book report. You have to read the book first. Resources like CliffsNotes can be helpful as a support, but they are no substitute for the real thing. If you’re reading a book you will be writing a book report about, it’s good to take notes as you read.

Ways to take notes in the book itself (often called annotating ):

• underlining important events
• circling main ideas or arguments
• highlighting when a new character is introduced
• drawing a star at moments of conflict

If you can’t write in your book, you can always use sticky notes (that can be removed easily) or take notes in a separate notebook as you read. If you’re using this method, be sure to keep track of the page numbers in your notes (e.g., new character: Timothy, friend of Sandra, p. 7).

2. Outline your book report

Preparing an outline before you write is important for any kind of informational writing, but especially when it comes to book reports. If you dive right in to writing a book report, you risk missing important details.

The kind of outline you need will depend on the kind of book you’re reporting on. If you’re writing about a fiction book, like a mystery novel or an adventure, your book report will focus on summarizing the plot, important characters, and sometimes the themes of the book. If you are writing about a nonfiction book, like a history, you will want to focus on the important facts and arguments in the text.

Your outline will also depend somewhat on the assignment. Some book reports are long, others are short. Some focus more on plot, others want to know more about characters or setting. Make sure your outline includes the specific details that the assignment asks for. And, of course, feel free to use our fiction and nonfiction book report outlines below to help you get started. That’s what we are here for.

Ideally, for every part of the outline, you should have a specific example or citation from the book to back it up.

Fiction book report outline:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

• Name of book
• Main character(s) and short description
• Setting(s): where and when the story takes place

Paragraphs 2–3: Summary

• Rising action : what happens before the climax
• Climax: the most tense, action-packed, or pivotal part of the plot
• Falling action : what happens after the climax
• Resolution: how the conflict is resolved

Paragraph 4: Analysis

This is where you should include the specific analysis the assignment is asking for. For example, some fiction book reports might require additional information about or insights into:

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

• Summarize the moral or resolution of the story
• Would you recommend this book? (optional)

Nonfiction book report outline:

• Main idea or claim of book

Paragraph 2–3: Summary

• Description of how the book was organized
• Main fact 1
• Main fact 2
• Main fact 3

This is where you should include the specific analysis the assignment is asking for. For example, some nonfiction book reports might require additional information about or insight into:

• the people featured in the book
• comparing and contrasting the book to another book
• what you found most interesting or surprising

3. Write your book report

Once you have your book report outlined, writing it can be a snap. It is just like most other informational essays. Use mostly declarative sentences. Describe things from an objective point of view. In other words, back up your ideas with examples, quotations, and citations from the book itself.

Remember to always use quotation marks when you are citing the book word-for-word. Here are some guidelines on MLA style citations (which is just one style of making citations, but it’s a very common one!) Don’t use too many quotes, though! You should try to use your own words as much as possible.

Also try to incorporate transition words and phrases into your writing. Some examples are:

• for instance/example

Example outline and paragraph:

Have you read the classic Hatchet by Gary Paulsen? Even if you haven’t had a chance to yet, you should get the gist of it from our outline for paragraph 2 of our book report:

Paragraph 2: Summary

• Conflict: Brian’s plane crashes into a lake in the Alaskan wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack.
• Rising action: Brian learns to build a shelter and where to find food. He learns to survive in the wilderness.

Here’s how we wrote this paragraph in our book report:

In the beginning of the story, Brian is on a plane flying above the Alaskan wilderness when the pilot has a heart attack. The plane crash lands in a lake. Brian learns to build a shelter using a rocky ledge. He discovers how to find food that is safe to eat, like turtle eggs, and not safe, like certain berries. He also learns how to make a fire, which he calls “a hungry friend, but a good one” (p. 86). Over time, he learns how to survive in the wilderness.

We backed up all of our ideas with specific details, like Brian building a shelter using a rocky ledge . You might notice that we incorporated some transitions into our writing, such as also and over time . We also used a direct quote from Hatchet , inside quotation marks, to back up our detail about fire.

We didn’t include our own opinion about the book or the character Brian in our summary. Like every informational report, our goal is to be impartial . Just the facts.

And a pro tip: don’t plagiarize !

4. Edit your book report

Like any report, your first draft of a book report is never going to be perfect. We recommend reading through it a few times while you edit. Read carefully for:

• specific facts or details from the book to back up every example;
• logical flow: did you use transitions and complete sentences to help guide the reader?;
• and spelling and grammar mistakes.

You might also want to ask an adult, teacher, or friend to read over your book report before you hand it in. It can help to get another opinion about your work, because others often see things we might miss.

Writing a book report can feel like a big task. But you can make it easier by doing the following:

• take notes while you read
• prepare an outline
• write using transitions and specific examples
• edit carefully

Oh, and don’t skip actually reading the book. That part is really important …

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How to Start Writing a Report

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Diane Stubbs and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman . Diane Stubbs is a Secondary English Teacher with over 22 years of experience teaching all high school grade levels and AP courses. She specializes in secondary education, classroom management, and educational technology. Diane earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Delaware and a Master of Education from Wesley College. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 28,196 times.

Reports are a useful way to relay information back to an audience. However, since this type of writing is so broad, it can be difficult to know how to begin. Before you start writing, set aside some time to choose a great topic that will engage your audience. Next, support your topic with research that comes from credible sources. Once you’ve chosen a report structure that will convey your information in an efficient and effective way, you’re ready to draft your ideas into an outline. With just a little focus, you’ll be ready to submit a clear and thought-out report to your teachers, peers, and superiors!

Picking a Topic

• For example, a book report or IT report will likely be read by just a professor or teacher, while a business report might be read by several individuals.

Tip: Keep in mind that not all reports will necessarily be assigned. In the event of a car accident or random crime, you might have to report to your insurance company or fill out a police report . For these documents, try to approximate the likely audience of your report, like an officer or insurance agent.

• For instance, many reports are written to describe the results of a project or long-term assignment. In a report of those events, you only want to go over the highlights—not each and every detail of the project.

• For example, if you’re filling out a lab report, you’d want to include an introduction, apparatus, procedure, body, and conclusion section. If you’re having difficulty filling out each of these sections in detail, then you might want to re-evaluate your report’s content.

• For example, if you have to write a book report, choose a book in a genre that interests you.

Finding Good Research Sources

• Use Google’s “scholar” feature to find credible sources on certain topics.

• If you’re a student, take advantage of your school’s library.

• Overall, “.org” just indicates that the source is run by a nonprofit group. While there are many credible nonprofit groups out there, check to make sure that the website is founded in facts and credibility.

• If you’re having difficulty finding a lot of sources for a certain topic, start with a crowd-sourced site like Wikipedia. While the information itself shouldn’t be used or referenced in a report, see if the site credits any reliable sources within the article.

Tip: Try to look for academic sources that are peer-reviewed. [9] X Research source

• Additionally, search for any spelling or grammatical errors in the text. You don’t want to reference information in your report that’s riddled with spelling mistakes.

Determining the Best Structure

• Informal is an umbrella term used for a variety of different documents. Short memos, letter reports, and informal lab reports all fall under this category.
• For example, a short memo or letter report includes a heading, introductory statement, finding, and recommendation section.

• The preliminaries section refers to any content that appears at the beginning of the document. While this varies per assignment, some example preliminaries could include a letter of transmittal, acknowledgments, a table of contents, a title page, and/or a list of figures and tables.

• For instance, if you’re comparing the current period of time to a previous period, use a compare and contrast type of format to portray the differences between these 2 times. A self-evaluation at a university is a good example of this.

• If you’re giving the report to a client, try to avoid using any fancy terminology that wouldn’t make sense to the average reader.

• In some cases, progress reports are easier to complete as a collaborative effort.
• For instance, you might have to fill out a progress report for a class to show how much you’ve completed in a cumulative project.

Outlining the Report

• If you want to save room for the content of your introduction, use the letter “A” to create a sub point where you’d write out your thesis.

• These outlines will look very different depending on the structure. For instance, an outline for a scientific report would have separation sections/numerals for key graphs experimental design, as well as data exploration.

• If you flesh out more in your outline, then you’ll have an easier time later when you’re writing the report.

• For instance, a sample introductory sentence on an outline could like: “Throughout the summer, a continued study showed that the placebo effect was 60% effective in curing symptoms of motion sickness.”
• It will be easier to write your introduction after you've done your research and have identified your thesis, since that is going to be your guiding idea.

• Work through one point at a time. If it helps, work through your report outline chronologically.

Expert Q&A

• When writing academically, look to your rubric to make sure that you’re meeting all necessary guidelines of the assignment. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/common_writing_assignments/research_papers/choosing_a_topic.html
• ↑ https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/organization-and-structure/creating-an-outline.html
• ↑ https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/finding-databases-and-articles
• ↑ https://shepard.libguides.nccu.edu/c.php?g=287999&p=1914642
• ↑ https://www.utep.edu/extendeduniversity/utepconnect/blog/march-2017/4-ways-to-differentiate-a-good-source-from-a-bad-source.html
• ↑ https://louisville.edu/writingcenter/for-students-1/common-writing-questions-1/i-can2019t-find-good-sources-for-my-research-paper
• ↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq/reliable
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_engineering/handbook_on_report_formats/reports_and_memos.html
• ↑ https://www.e-education.psu.edu/styleforstudents/c6_p10.html
• ↑ https://www.herzing.edu/blog/herzing/5-steps-create-perfect-outline
• ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
• ↑ https://bacwritingfellows.commons.gc.cuny.edu/using-an-outline/

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You don't have to be Reese Witherspoon to start a book club: Follow these 6 tips

Looking for a way to reach your yearly reading goal? Join a book club.

Belonging to a book club can hold you accountable and help you branch out from your normal reading choices . According to survey results provided to USA TODAY by the Bookclubs app , 75% of their nearly one million members said they joined a group to discover new books. 

“We are lonelier and more divided than ever and I think this age-old practice of reading and discussing books with others helps to unlock shared interests ... and helps us get to know one another on a deeper level,” says Anna Ford, the co- founder and CEO of Bookclubs . 

How to start a book club

Ford is currently in six active book clubs and leads four of them. She's learned that you get out of a book club what you put in.

“That doesn’t mean organizing and logistics,” she says. “It’s really being a thoughtful and respectful, engaged member, reading the books always, bringing thoughts and ideas and openness to the meeting.”

But you don’t have to be a seasoned leader to create a book club. Liz Montesano started Open Book Club in New York City because she wanted to form a community around reading.

Here are their tips to get started:

1. Ask friends to join

Montesano started her club by posting on TikTok , asking book lovers to meet her on a Wednesday night.

“I just pushed myself to … figure out all of the details along the way and just start it by saying ‘I’m going to read this and at this time, I’m going to talk about it. And if people want to come, you’re more than welcome,’” she says. 

Start by asking friends, family members and coworkers to join you. Have them bring a friend along. Spread the word on social media or by word of mouth. Bring your book club up in conversations. But if you want to keep it intimate, don’t be afraid to start small, Montesano says: “A group of two people is still a book club." 

2. Know your purpose

After you get a good group together, define your purpose as a club. Do you want to make new friends? Learn about a new topic? Bring people with different beliefs together? Strengthen a pre-existing friend or professional group?

3. Set the ground rules

As you build membership up, make sure everyone has the same expectations. Is your club an open invite? Or do you want to create a small, intimate atmosphere? 

Though Open Book Club is public, Montesano typically caps the events at 30 people. Any more than that, she feels, would make it "hard to open up and be vulnerable.”

4. Get organized: Choose a book and when to meet

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution – every book club is different. You can rotate who picks the book or do a group poll system. Bookclubs found that clubs that conduct polls to choose books have higher engagement, Ford says.

Deciding when to meet tends to be the biggest roadblock, Ford says. That’s why she created Bookclubs – to take the burden off of members. The platform includes polling, calendar scheduling, digital shelving, reading reminders and embedded video software. 

5. Host your first meeting

If you’re meeting in person, host your book club somewhere with plenty of seating options so people can get comfy and discuss. 

Montesano hosts hers at a coworking space in New York. She has members contribute money toward food and wine “to make it feel like you’re hanging out with friends and breaking bread.” She always keeps plenty of water on hand for all the talking. 

You can opt for a free-for-all discussion or prepare questions as a jumping-off point. 

Montesano has members break up into small groups and rotate after 30 minutes to discuss with someone new since her club is bigger.

Good questions can help drive lively discussion. Successful questions have prompted members about fan theories or characters, Montesano says. Sometimes she’ll look at reviews and ask members if they agree or disagree with what critics said about the book.

6. Schedule your next meeting

After the meeting wraps is the perfect time to capitalize on that energy and schedule the next one.

“Minimizing the time between the end of the meeting and scheduling your next meeting is another key to success,” Ford says.

How often should a book club meet?

Every club is different, and you may have to find your footing before you find the best flow for your club. Clubs that meet with a certain “cadence and frequency,” say, monthly, are more likely to stay together, Bookclubs data found.

Because Montesano’s Open Book Club is both a social event and a space for discussing books, she hosts sessions two to three times a month. But your club might decide once a month or once every other month is more feasible. 

It’s important to gauge how quickly your members can read the book selection and be realistic.

What is a good book club book?

Any genre makes for a good book club pick, says Ford. It just depends on what your members like to read. The most popular genre on Bookclubs is literary fiction, followed by mystery and thriller . 

Here are the top 10 most popular book club books on Bookclubs:

• "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus
• "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens
• "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• "The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig
• "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides
• "Verity" by Colleen Hoover
• "The Vanishing Half" by Britt Bennett
• "Remarkably Bright Creatures" by Shelby Van Pelt
• "Educated" by Tara Westover
• "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin

Montesano says she gravitates toward books that are relatable to members. That could mean the main character is of a similar age or lives in the same state as you.

“It provides such good fodder ... as an icebreaker question: ‘Have you been to any of the places that are mentioned in the book’ or ‘Do you think the book would have been different if it was set in another city?’”

You’ll want to pick a book that’s a conversation starter. A book that’s universally loved is not necessarily a good book club pick, Montesano says. Dislike and disagreement are grounds for a good book club debate. Check out USA TODAY’s list of the best book club choices to spark a lively discussion . 

Just Curious for more? We've got you covered.

USA TODAY is exploring the questions you and others ask every day. From "Where to buy cheap books?" to "How many Harry Potter books are there?" to "What is the healthiest wine?" – we're striving to find answers to the most common questions you ask every day. Head to our Just Curious section to see what else we can answer for you. 

As Biden team suggests there can be no alternative, DNC rules provide a path if Biden were to step aside

WASHINGTON — As President Joe Biden’s campaign tries to calm nervous Democrats, the Democratic National Committee is circulating  talking points  that misleadingly suggest, according to some sources, there is no procedural means of replacing the president at the top of the party’s ticket — without sharing the path ahead if he were to step aside.

"Joe Biden will be the Democratic Party's nominee for president," the talking points read, according to a copy provided by a source who received them. "Any other discussion is a distraction and 'brokered' conventions are a thing of the past."

They go on to say that "the only person eligible for nomination is Joe Biden."

Biden has been firm in saying he will stay in the race, and the "DNC Talking Points for Convention Nomination Rules" that are being circulated within the party are mostly accurate — up until the party's August convention ends.

But as the party’s rules stand now, according to three people who are familiar with them and the DNC’s 2022 document outlining procedures for the convention, there is a process for replacing Biden if he voluntarily chooses to step aside after the convention ends on Aug. 22.

Under the existing rule, Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison would name a new nominee, in consultation with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Democratic Governors Association Chair Tim Walz of Minnesota. Their choice would be presented to DNC members — a group of party leaders much smaller and more elite than the delegates to the convention — for ratification or rejection.

Biden’s nomination is expected to occur before that, in a virtual roll call of state delegations in late July or early August. The convention's rules committee is expected to set a date at a meeting July 19.

The Biden campaign wants everyone to think “chaos would reign” if Biden stepped aside, said a person familiar with the DNC process. “Thats why they’re not admitting there’s a rule.”

A Democratic staffer in a battleground state called the talking points "beyond f----ed up."

"This is what MAGA Republicans do, not us. DNC needs to get a grip," the person said.

Harrison said in a statement: “The primary is over, and in every state the will of Democratic voters was clear: Joe Biden will be the Democratic Party’s nominee for President. Delegates are pledged to reflect voters’ sentiment, and over 99% of delegates are already pledged to Joe Biden headed into our convention."

The Biden campaign did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

Democrats have been agonizing over Biden's fitness for the top of their ticket since his blundering debate performance Thursday, when he repeatedly struggled to make cogent arguments and often looked lost. A handful of them have called on him to step aside to preserve or improve their chances of defeating former President Donald Trump and win majorities in the House and the Senate.

Based on Federal Election Commission rules governing how money can be transferred if there is a substitute candidate, Democratic National Committee rules and the political optics of a fight that would imperil support from Black voters and women, most Democratic insiders say it is hard to see how anyone other than Vice President Kamala Harris would end up as the nominee if it is not Biden.

Before the convention, several thousand elected convention delegates — almost all of whom are pledged to Biden — have the power to choose the party's nominee.

"Because there was no primary opponent, the overwhelming majority of the elected delegates are Biden delegates ... so on the first ballot he would be the nominee," a DNC member said. But, this member said, that would change if Biden left the nomination vacant after having received it.

"In the case of that historic moment, the members of the DNC will choose the nominee for the party," the DNC member said.

It is also still possible for the convention delegates to change the rules at the convention, which occurs after the nomination by a virtual roll call.

“It all could make for a more orderly convention” if Biden is nominated through the virtual roll call and then releases his delegates before the actual convention and Harrison uses the rule.

But there is also a chance it would backfire with some members of the party, who felt there should be an open convention.

“You could argue you don’t want a coordination at this point, either, because that could backfire at some point," the source said.

Campaign-finance law experts say that it is likely that Biden's campaign war chest could be transferred to Harris because she is his running mate and appears as such on filings with the FEC. But any other candidate would most likely have to raise new money for his or her campaign.

There are other complications for any scenario that does not include Biden as the nominee: 50 state laws govern the printing of ballots, and it might be difficult to get a new candidate on some of those ballots.

And yet, the Biden campaign and its allies are concerned enough about discord within the party that they are actively asserting that Biden is the only candidate who could carry the party's standard in November.

At the same time, some prominent Democrats have emphasized both names on the ticket — Biden and Harris — in recent interviews and opened the door to the idea that Harris could be the party's presidential candidate.

“I’m a Biden-Harris person, so I’m not getting away from that," Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., whose endorsement helped fuel Biden's support among Black voters in the 2020 primary, said after the debate . "I’m for Biden-Harris. I’m going to be for Biden if Harris ain’t there, and I’m going to be for Harris if Biden ain’t there."

Jonathan Allen is a senior national politics reporter for NBC News, based in Washington.

Carol E. Lee is the Washington managing editor.

Natasha Korecki is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

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2024 presidential debate fact-check: how accurate were joe biden, donald trump.

From left, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden debate June 27, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP)

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Democratic and Republican presidential nominees, shared a debate stage June 27 for the first time since 2020, in a feisty confrontation that — thanks to debate rules — managed to avoid the near-constant interruptions that marred their previous meetings.

Biden, who spoke in a raspy voice at the debate’s start, struggled at times, at one point saying that his administration "finally beat Medicare." After the debate, during a stop at a Waffle House, Biden told reporters he had a sore throat, according to the pool report.

Trump, meanwhile, repeated numerous falsehoods, including that Democrats want doctors to be able to abort babies after birth.

Trump attacked Biden’s record, blaming inflation and other issues on Biden’s "insane and stupid policies." Biden questioned Trump’s conduct, noting that Trump is a convicted felon and saying he has the "morals of an alley cat."

CNN hosted the debate, which had no audience, at its Atlanta studio. CNN anchors Jake Tapper and Dana Bash moderated. The debate format allowed CNN to mute candidates’ microphones when it wasn’t their turn to speak.

Biden and Trump clashed on the economy, immigration and abortion, and revisited discussion of their ages. Biden is 81; Trump is 78.

Read by topic: 

Immigration Abortion Inflation and economy Jobs Trump legal cases Social Security, Medicare and taxes Checking the record on Hitler comment and Charlottesville Crime Health care Foreign policy and terrorism Election denial and Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol Worst president rankings The golf moment

Trump: Biden "allowed millions of people to come in here from prisons, jails and mental institutions."

Pants on Fire! Immigration officials arrested about 103,700 noncitizens with criminal convictions (whether in the U.S. or abroad) from fiscal years 2021 to 2024, federal data shows. That accounts for people stopped at and between ports of entry.

Not everyone was let in. The term "noncitizens" includes people who may have had legal immigration status in the U.S. but were not U.S. citizens.

The data reflects the people that the federal government knows about, but it’s inexhaustive. However, immigration experts said despite the data’s limitations, there is no evidence to support Trump’s statement.

Biden: "I've changed (the law) in the way that now you're in a situation where there are 40% fewer people coming across the border illegally."

Mostly True . The Department of Homeland Security announced that illegal immigration encounters dropped by 40%, to fewer than 2,400 each day , in the weeks after Biden announced a policy largely barring asylum access for people entering the U.S. at the southern border. The policy was announced June 4.

But immigration experts caution that it’s difficult to pinpoint a single reason for any change in border crossings. For example, other factors, such as hot weather , can affect migration patterns.

Since the policy was announced only a few weeks ago, it’s unclear whether the drop in illegal immigration will continue . 

Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, associate policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, told PolitiFact the policy could have a short-term deterrent effect. But Adam Isacson, defense oversight director at the Washington Office on Latin America, a research group, told PolitiFact, that no crackdown in the past decade has had a lasting impact.  

Trump: "We had the safest border in the history of our country."

Mostly False . Illegal immigration between ports of entry at the U.S. southern border dropped in 2017,  Trump’s first year in office, compared with previous years. Apprehensions then rose, and dropped again in 2020. When the COVID-19 pandemic started, immigration dropped drastically worldwide as governments enacted policies limiting people’s movement.

In the months before Trump left office, illegal immigration was rising again. A spike in migrants , especially unaccompanied minors , started in the spring 2020 during the Trump administration and generally continued to climb each month.

Illegal immigration during Trump’s administration was higher than under both of former President Barack Obama’s terms. 

Biden: While talking about a bipartisan border bill, "by the way, the Border Patrol endorsed me, endorsed my position."

Half True . The National Border Patrol Council — the U.S. Border Patrol’s union endorsed a bipartisan border security bill in February. But it didn’t endorse Biden.

Here's what Brandon Judd, the union’s president, said about the bill in February:

"While not perfect, the Border Act of 2024 is a step in the right direction and is far better than the current status quo. This is why the National Border Patrol Council endorses this bill and hopes for its quick passage."

Biden also supported the bill and said he would sign it into law if it passed. The bill failed in the Senate on a 49-50 vote .

However, Judd and the Border Patrol union have been critical of Biden and his immigration policies and endorsed Trump in the 2020 election.

"To be clear, we never have and never will endorse Biden," the National Border Patrol Council said in an X post during the debate.

Trump: Biden allowed in "18 million people."

False . Immigration officials have encountered immigrants illegally crossing the border 9.7 million times under Biden’s presidency. When accounting for "got aways" — people who aren’t stopped by border officials — the number rises to about 11.4 million. 

But encounters don’t mean admissions . Encounters represent events, so one person who tried to cross the border twice counts for two encounters. Also, not everyone encountered is let in. Many encounters result in deportations. The Department of Homeland Security estimates about 4 million encounters have led to expulsions or removals.

Trump: "The problem (Democrats) have is they're radical, because they will take the life of a child in the eighth month, the ninth month, and even after birth." False. Willfully terminating a newborn’s life is infanticide and is illegal in every U.S. state. 

Most elected Democrats who have spoken publicly about this have said they support abortion under Roe v. Wade’s standard, which provided abortion access up to fetal viability. This is typically around 24 weeks of pregnancy, when the fetus can survive outside of the womb. Many of these Democrats have also said they support abortions past this point if the treating physician deems it necessary. Medical experts say situations resulting in fetal death in the third trimester are rare — less than 1% of abortions in the U.S. occur after 21 weeks — and typically involve fatal fetal anomalies or life-threatening emergencies affecting the pregnant woman. For fetuses with very short life expectancies, doctors may induce labor and offer palliative care. Some families choose this option when facing diagnoses that limit their babies’ survival to minutes or days after delivery. Some Republicans who have made claims similar to Trump’s point to Democratic support of the Women’s Health Protection Act of 2022 , citing the bill’s provisions that say providers and patients have the right to perform and receive abortion services without certain limitations or requirements that would impede access. Anti-abortion advocates say the provisions in the bill, which failed to advance 49-51, would have created a loophole that eliminated any limits to abortions later in pregnancy. Alina Salganicoff, director of KFF’s Women’s Health Policy program, said the legislation would have allowed health providers to perform abortions without obstacles such as waiting periods, medically unnecessary tests and in-person visits, or other restrictions. The bill would have allowed an abortion after viability when, "in the good-faith medical judgment of the treating health care provider, continuation of the pregnancy would pose a risk to the pregnant patient’s life or health."

Trump: "He caused this inflation. I gave him a country with … essentially no inflation. It was perfect."

Mostly False . When Biden was inaugurated, year-over-year inflation was about 1.4%. However, that was shaped by the still-weak economy during the coronavirus pandemic, which was still a serious threat when Biden was inaugurated.

As the pandemic conditions improved, the economy accelerated. Consumers were ready to buy products, but the pandemic had prompted supply chain shortages. This, combined with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which raised gasoline prices, led to inflation, peaking at 9% about a year and a half into Biden’s presidency. That was the highest in about four decades. 

Economists generally say Biden’s coronavirus relief plan, the American Rescue Plan, did exacerbate inflation by putting more money into consumers’ hands at a time when supplies were running short. But they do not believe that Biden caused high inflation single-handedly.

Trump: "You look at the cost of food, where it's double, triple and quadruple."

False.  Food costs have risen faster under President Joe Biden than under any of his five most recent predecessors. However, the 21% increase in food prices on Biden’s watch is well below what Trump claimed. Quadrupling food costs would be an increase of 300%, or more than 10 times larger than what Trump said.

Specific categories of food have spiked more than food prices overall. For instance, egg prices are 84% higher today than when Biden took office. But for every food category that has outrun overall food inflation, there’s another category that has risen more slowly than average.

Also, this increase was spread over three and a half years, making the annual increase about 6%, part of which has been offset by rising wages .

Biden: "Economists say (Trump’s proposed tariffs are) going to cost the average American $2,500 a year or more."

Mostly True. Most economists expect that Trump’s proposed 10% across-the-board tariff on foreign products will force consumers to pay more. The specific size of that hit is open to debate, though Biden offered a figure somewhat higher than current estimates.

Just days before the debate, the American Action Forum, a center-right think tank, projected additional costs per household of $1,700 to $2,350 annually.

The Peterson Institute of International Economics, another Washington, D.C.-based think tank, projected that such tariffs would cost a middle-income household about $1,700 extra each year.

Biden: Semiconductor jobs "to build these chips … pay over $100,000. You don’t need a college degree for them."

Mostly False . The average semiconductor industry salary is around $170,000, figures from Oxford Economics and Semiconductor Industry Association, a trade group, show. But this figure includes all jobs within the industry and doesn’t single out jobs requiring no college degree.

To earn a salary of $110,000 or higher, employees in the semiconductor industry need undergraduate or graduate-level degrees, the groups say.

The most a person would make without a four-year degree is about $70,000, according to a 2021 report from the Semiconductor Industry Association and Oxford Economics.

Biden: "Black unemployment is the lowest level it’s been in a long, long time."

Mostly True .  The record for low Black unemployment rate was set under Biden in April 2023, at 4.8%. It has risen modestly since then to 6.1% in May 2024, but that’s still lower than it was for much of the first two years under Trump. 

Overall, Trump had success on this statistic, too. When Biden set the record, the record he was breaking was Trump’s: 5.3% in August and September 2019.

Trump: "The only jobs (Biden) created are for illegal immigrants and bounce-back jobs, bounce-back from the COVID."

False . Since Biden took office in early 2021, the number of foreign-born Americans who are employed has risen by about 5.6 million. But over the same time period, the number of native-born Americans employed has increased by almost 7.4 million. (There are many more native-born Americans than foreign-born Americans, so on a percentage basis, the increase for foreign-born Americans is about 22%, compared with 6% for native-born Americans.)

It’s also wrong to say that all the foreign-born employment gains (much less all the employment gains) stem from migrants here illegally. The data for foreign-born Americans includes anyone born outside the U.S., including immigrants who have been in the United States legally for decades.

Employment on Biden’s watch passed its prepandemic level by June 2022, about a year and a half into his term. Since then, the U.S. economy has created an additional 6.2 million jobs.

Trump: Biden "indicted me because I was his opponent."

False . The Manhattan district attorney’s investigation into Trump’s business records began before Biden was president, but Biden was president by the time Trump was charged in 2023.

After Michael Cohen, who had been an attorney for Trump, pleaded guilty to federal charges in 2018, then-Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. began investigating the payments, Politico reported . That was before Biden was president. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg hired a former Justice Department prosecutor in 2022. But experts told us that doesn’t prove Biden was involved.

Trump has also been indicted by a Fulton County, Georgia, grand jury and two federal grand juries. Biden is not responsible for state or federal prosecutors’ decisions to present cases to grand juries.

Trump: "Social Security, he's destroying it, because millions of people are pouring into our country, and they're putting them onto Social Security. They're putting them onto Medicare, Medicaid."  

False . It’s wrong to say that immigration will destroy Social Security. Social Security’s fiscal challenges stem from a shortage of workers compared with beneficiaries. 

Immigration is far from a fiscal fix-all for Social Security’s challenges. But having more immigrants in the United States would increase the worker-to-beneficiary ratio, potentially for decades, thus extending the program’s solvency, experts say.

Most immigrants in the U.S. illegally are also ineligible for Social Security. However, people who entered the U.S. illegally and were granted humanitarian parole — a temporary permission to stay in the country — for more than one year, are eligible for Social Security. 

Immigrants in the U.S. illegally also are generally ineligible to enroll in federally funded health care coverage such as Medicare and Medicaid. (Some states provide Medicaid coverage under state-funded programs regardless of immigration status. Immigrants are eligible for emergency Medicaid regardless of status.)

Biden: Trump "wants to get rid of Social Security, he thinks there's plenty to cut in Social Security."

False . Biden went further than previous attacks to say Trump would cut the program entirely. In a March CNBC interview , Trump said of entitlement programs such as Social Security, "There’s a lot you can do in terms of entitlements, in terms of cutting." 

However, Trump quickly walked that statement back. Also, his campaign website says that not "a single penny" should be cut from Social Security, and he’s repeated similar lines in campaign rallies.

Before the 2024 campaign, Trump said about a half dozen times that he’s open to major overhauls of Social Security, including cuts and privatization.

Trump: "He wants to raise your taxes by four times. He wants to raise everybody's taxes by four times."

False . Biden proposed a tax increase of about 7% over the next decade, which is far lower than the 300% increase that former President Donald Trump claimed. (Doubling would be a 100% increase and tripling would be a 200% increase.)

About 83% of the proposed Biden tax increase would be borne by the top 1% of taxpayers, a level that starts at just under $1 million a year in income. 

Taxpayers earning up to $60,400 would see their yearly taxes decline on average, and taxpayers earning $60,400 to $107,300 would see an annual increase of $20 on average.

Biden: "I said I’d never raise the tax on anybody if you're making less than $400,000. I didn’t."

Mostly True . Biden has said repeatedly that he will not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000, a promise he campaigned on in 2020 .

He has not raised any individual income taxes on Americans earning less than $400,000 a year. It’s always possible that individual taxpayers could see increases because of changes in their personal circumstances.

Some corporate tax increases enacted on Biden’s watch have a small projected pass-through effect on taxpayers. Economists generally allocate a portion of the tax burden from corporate taxes to shareholders and partly to consumers, who often pay higher prices as corporations factor the higher taxes into pricing of goods and services.

The White House has told PolitiFact that Biden would let the tax cuts Trump signed in 2017 expire for wealthier taxpayers, but would not let Americans making less than $400,000 see any tax increase. 

Trump: "I gave you the largest tax cut in history."

False . When it was passed in 2017, Trump’s tax cut was, in inflation-adjusted dollars, the fourth-largest since 1940. And as a percentage of gross domestic product, it ranked seventh in history, according to figures published by the Treasury Department.

Biden: Trump said, "I don't want to go in (a World War I cemetery in France), because they're a bunch of losers and suckers." 

Trump called this a "made-up quote." Both statements need context.

A September 2020 article in The Atlantic cited unnamed sources as saying that Trump called Americans who died in wars "suckers" and "losers" when he canceled a trip in 2018 to the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery near Paris. 

"Why should I go to that cemetery? It’s filled with losers," The Atlantic reported Trump said, citing multiple unnamed sources. In a separate conversation, also according to unnamed sources, he said U.S. Marines who lost their lives in World War I’s Battle of Belleau Wood were "suckers" for getting killed.

John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff, confirmed elements of The Atlantic’s story three years later in an October 2023 statement to CNN , including that Trump referred to military members who were killed or wounded as "suckers" and "losers."

But Trump has long denied these allegations.

Biden: "This is a guy who says Hitler's done some good things." 

This is a reference to a passage in a book by CNN anchor Jim Sciutto in which Kelly, Trump's former chief of staff, described a conversation he had with Trump.

"He said, ‘Well, but Hitler did some good things,’" Kelly said . "I said, ‘Well, what?’ And he said, ‘Well, (Adolf Hitler) rebuilt the economy.’"

According to the book, Kelly also told Sciutto that Hitler had the "loyalty" of his senior staff, unlike Trump.

There is no independent verification of this conversation. Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told CNN in March that Kelly suffered from "a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome," but didn’t address the specific allegations. 

Biden: Trump called Nazis protesting in the crowd in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017 "very fine people."

Trump vehemently denied Biden’s characterization. Here’s what happened. In comments to reporters following violent protests in Charlottesville, Virginia, over the removal of a Confederate general’s statue, Trump said of marchers who protested the removal, "You had some very bad people in that group, but you also had people that were very fine people, on both sides." 

During back-and-forth remarks with reporters, Trump separately condemned the "neo-Nazis and the white nationalists."

"But not all of those people were neo-Nazis, believe me," Trump said. "Not all of those people were white supremacists by any stretch."

Trump also said that counterprotesters had similar makeup of "good" and "bad" people — "some fine people" and also " troublemakers" and "bad people."

Trump: "What he's done to the Black population is horrible, including the fact that for 10 years, he called them super predators … in the 1990s."

False . In a 1993 Senate floor speech, Biden, then a U.S. senator from Delaware, spoke about doing something for young people who lacked supervision, structure or opportunities. He said the country needed to focus on them, because otherwise, a portion of them would "become the predators 15 years from now."

Biden did not single out any racial or ethnic group. In a 1998 speech at an attorneys general conference, Biden also used the term "predators." He didn’t say he was talking about Black youth.

Biden: "We brought down the price (of) prescription drug(s), which is a major issue for many people, to $15 for an insulin shot, as opposed to $400."

Half True . Biden touted his efforts to reduce prescription drug costs by referring to the $35 insulin price cap his administration instituted as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. But he flubbed the number during the debate, saying it was lowered to $15. In his closing statement, Biden corrected the number to $35.  

The price of insulin for Medicare enrollees starting in 2023 dropped to $35 a month, not $15. Drug pricing experts told PolitFact when we rated a similar claim that most Medicare enrollees were likely not paying a monthly average of $400 before the changes, although because costs vary depending on coverage phases and dosages, some might have paid that much in a given month.

Biden: Trump "wants to get rid of the ACA again."

Half True . In 2016, Trump campaigned on a promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, or ACA. In the White House, Trump supported a failed effort to do just that. In the years since, he has repeatedly said he would dismantle the health care law in campaign stops and social media posts throughout 2023.

In March, however, Trump walked back this stance, writing on Truth Social that he "isn’t running to terminate" the ACA but to make it "better" and "less expensive." Trump hasn’t said how he would do this.

Trump: "I'm the one that got the insulin down for the seniors."

Mostly False . When he was president, Trump instituted the Part D Senior Savings Model , a program that capped insulin costs to $35 a month for some older Americans in drug plans that chose to participate. 

But because it was voluntary, 38% of all Medicare drug plans , including Medicare Advantage plans, participated in 2022, according to KFF. Trump’s voluntary plan also covered only one form of each dosage and insulin type. 

Biden points to the Inflation Reduction Act’s mandatory $35 insulin cap as a major achievement. This cap applies to all Medicare prescription plans. It also expanded the cap to all covered insulin types and dosages. Although Trump’s model was a start, it did not have the sweeping reach that Biden’s mandatory cap achieved. 

Biden: "I’m the only president this century that doesn't have any, this decade, that doesn’t have any troops dying anywhere in the world like he did."

False . Some U.S. service members have died in combat abroad during Biden’s presidency.

In August 2021, 13 U.S. service members were killed in an attack as the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan under Biden’s administration. No U.S. service member deaths were reported in 2022, Defense Department data shows. Full government data for U.S. active duty military deaths is not available for 2023 or 2024. This January, three U.S. soldiers were killed in a drone strike in Jordan.

During Trump’s presidency, from January 2017 to January 2020, 65 U.S. service members were killed in combat, Defense Department data shows.

Trump: "We had no terror (attacks) under my administration."

False . During Trump’s presidency, there were several major terror attacks, some linked to extreme global jihadist ideology. 

In 2017, there were two separate attacks in New York City, which Trump himself acknowledged as "terrorist attacks" during his 2018 State of the Union address.

There was also a December 2019 mass shooting by a member of Saudi Arabia’s air force who was studying at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida. Three U.S. service members were killed and eight were wounded by the gunman, who had expressed anti-American and anti-Israel sentiments on social media. Trump’s Attorney General William Barr described the shooting as "an act of terrorism."

Trump’s Justice Department also prosecuted several cases of domestic terrorism.

Excluding unsuccessful attacks and those for which officials doubt motive, there were 220 terror incidents in the United States of varying severity during Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2020, according to the Global Terrorism Database at the University of Maryland, which tracks incidents of terrorism.

Trump: Regarding the 2020 election, "the fraud and everything else was ridiculous."

False . There is some fraud in every election, but it was not enough to change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. And some fraudulently cast ballots involved defendants who were either registered Republicans or said that they supported Trump .

Federal and state officials , including Republicans in Georgia , said the 2020 election was legitimate. Trump’s own attorney general, William Barr, said that he had not seen fraud on a scale that would invalidate Joe Biden’s victory. 

As Trump faced reelection in 2020, he said Biden could win only if the election was rigged. Numerous investigations, court cases and reviews yielded no evidence of widespread rigging in the 2020 presidential election.

Elections are administered in thousands of local areas nationwide, each with safeguards, making any attempt to "rig" a national election highly improbable.

Trump: Pelosi said "I take full responsibility for Jan. 6."

False . That’s not what former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said.

In a 41-second video taken on Jan. 6, 2021, Pelosi said, "I take responsibility for not having them just prepare for more," referring to U.S. Capitol security. She did not say she took responsibility for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Records show that Pelosi approved a Jan. 6, 2021, request to seek support from the National Guard and pushed to get National Guard troops to the U.S. Capitol when their deployment was delayed by hours that day.

Biden: Presidential historians "voted who was the worst president in American history. From best to worst. They said (Trump) was the worst in all of American history."

True . The 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey, released in February, collected responses from 154 presidential historians, which included current and recent members of the American Political Science Association. The survey ranked Biden as the 14th best president in U.S. history, and put Trump last.

The historians were asked to give every president a score, from zero to 100. Abraham Lincoln topped the list with an average score of 95, while Biden scored an average of 62.66. Trump averaged just under 11 points.

Somehow the presidential debate turned into a fight over who’s the better golfer. Biden said he would have a driving competition with Trump and claimed he was a 6 handicap while serving as vice president.

Trump scoffed. "He can hit a ball 50 yards."

Joe Biden is currently listed with the United States Golf Association as holding a 6.7 handicap playing out of Fieldstone Golf Club in Delaware. Biden hasn’t logged a score in the system since 2018. Scores are typically self-reported, and a handicap comes from an average of the lowest 8 of the most recent 20 posted scores.

The lower the handicap you have, the better golfer you are. Ivanka Trump, for instance, is a 20.9 handicap and Eric Trump is listed as a 13.6 (without a round since 2015). Donald Trump is in the system as a member of the prestigious Winged Foot Golf Club in New York. He lists a handicap of 2.5 but hasn’t posted a score since 2021.

PolitiFact PolitiFact Executive Director Aaron Sharockman, Chief Correspondent Louis Jacobson, Senior Correspondent Amy Sherman, Staff Writers Grace Abels, Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu, Maria Briceño, Jeff Cercone, Madison Czopek, Marta Campabadal Graus, Ranjan Jindal, Mia Penner, Samantha Putterman, Sara Swann, Maria Ramirez Uribe, Researcher Caryn Baird, KFF Health News Senior Correspondent Julie Appleby and KFF Health News Mountain States Editor Matt Volz​ contributed to this story. 

Our debate fact-checks rely on both new and previously reported work. We link to past work whenever possible. In some cases, a fact-check rating may be different tonight than in past versions. In those cases, either details of what the candidate said, or how the candidate said it, differed enough that we evaluated it anew. 

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