How to Write a Great Book Report

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. Whats  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.  Ã‚   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 shouldnt be too hard to do, provided youre prepared, and you can expect to spend, on average, 3-4 days working on the assignment. Check out these tips to ensure youre 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.  Ã‚  Keep supplies on hand when you read.  This is  very  important. Keep sticky-note flags, pen, and paper nearby as you read. If youre reading an eBook, make sure you know how to use the annotation function of your app/program.  Ã‚  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 t he page by placing the sticky note at the beginning of the relevant line.  Ã‚  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 readers attention. Somewhere in your first paragraph, you should also state the books title  and the authors name. High school-level papers should include publication information as well as brief statements about the books angle, the genre, the theme, and a hint about the writers 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 writers 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, youll 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. Youll 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.

The Unique History of Alabama State University Essay

The Unique History of Alabama State University One must return to the past in order to move forward, is an old African proverb that has been used to explain the purpose of studying history. This African proverb not only refers to the study of American history, but also the study of ones family history. Another saying that has been used to refer to the study of history is, You must learn your history, or you are bound to repeat it. These principles can apply to education as well. The purpose of attending college is to receive a formal education. The proper approach to begin college level studies is to learn your schools history. Enlightenment of the difficulties and barriers during the early stages of a schools development; in†¦show more content†¦After these schools were established, it was still hard for a former-salve to obtain an education. Fisk University for example, only admitted those who were the children of a female slave and a white male, normally a slave master. Many schools during this time period adapted t his same entrance criterion. A southern school, Lincoln Normal School, did not have any bias principles rooted in their entrance process. Peyton Finley founded Lincoln Normal School, present-day Alabama State University in 1867, in Marion, Alabama. Peyton Finley is also noted for being the first African American appointed to the Alabama State Board of Education. Finleys involvement with the board of education allowed him to get the American Missionary Association and the Freemens Bureau to provide books, supplies, teachers, and finances for the new school. However, in 1864, the American Missionary Association went bankrupt, and could no longer support Lincoln Normal School. Therefore, the African American community in Marion, Alabama supported the financial needs of the school. In 1874, Lincoln Normal School became the first state supported institution in Alabama. Prior to this significant event in the schools history, George N. Card became the first president of the institution in 1873. George N. Card is mostly noted for serving as president when the Lincoln Normal School became the nations first state supported Liberal Arts College for African American. Card also established AlabamaShow MoreRelatedWhy Forrest Gump Is Very Much An Epic1584 Words   |  7 Pages An Epic is defined as a long poem, typically derivative of ancient traditionally orally related tales that narrated the feats and adventures of heroic or often legendary figures, or the gallant history of a nation. I believe Forrest Gump is very much an epic. When a story transcends multiple lifetimes and incorporates many events across generational lines, it may be then considered epic. Forrest Gump, a tale about a man of slight mind but significant heart who originates from deficiency to becomeRead MoreAnalysis Of John Lewis s The Movement 1666 Words   |  7 Pagespasts of the United States of America. 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Sit. Heel. Whisper. Good Dog

Question: a. Identify what the authors conclusion is; and identify his reasons for concluding as he does. To answer this part correctly, you must be able to list out the differences between statements and non-statements to distinguish between the relevant and nonrelevant? b. Demonstrate and explain the strong and weak points of the authors argument.c. This part of the question requires you to do the following in a single response. State whether you agree or disagree with the authors conclusion? Answer: a. The author concludes that debarking a dog may not be an inhumane thing as many right activists proclaim. He takes the example of Nestle, a dachshund-terrier mix breed dog, owned by Dr. Mike Marder who himself is a practising veterinarian. Due to the many complains launched against Mr Marders dog for loud and noisy barking, he had no choice but to either debark Nestle or disown him. He chose the first as he felt the latter would be much more unethical. As the author searches for more information on debarking and its effects he is consistent with his view of debarking not being totally unjust towards dogs as it is now possible to do so without surgical procedures as well. b: The authors conclusion is based on evaluation of interviews with experts in the field of veterinary sciences, dog breeders and dog owners. He does an extensive study onto the way debarking is taken onto account by different people on terms of profession, activism and rights group. The author successfully puts in the comparative study of owners dilemma when he is forced to choose between disowning his pet and adhere to debarking which is a debatable procedure. The choice of debarking at this point seems just and apt. Also the author goes to explain the procedure of debarking, surgical and non surgical. For both the cases he uses the direct statements from the person concerned to support his conclusion. Although he succeeds in implicitly putting his conclusion with many strong points, his weak notes are also predominant throughout the passage. He chooses not to indulge much onto the reasons of right activists reasons for condemning such procedure. He fails to subdue the question of right to life of pets and their independency over their body. He also leaves the reason of banning of debarking in major hospitals around the US under a shadow of numerous questions. c: To agree to the authors conclusion will be unethical and also inhumane to some extent. Hence this conclusion of the author with regard to debarking must be strongly and unanimously disagreed upon. The first point that the author suggests towards his conclusion is the complains of the neighbours of loud barking noises and he goes on to support it with the number of complaints filed in one area on New York City. It cannot be a definitive view as it is understood that to keep a pet a proper facility and shelter must be provided. An individual cannot just abruptly make a decision of keeping a pet dog unless he or she does the reality check on the key issues. First the compatibility of keeping a dog in the neighbourhood he or she resides and secondly, whether or not this decision affects the neighbours adversely with respect to the natural behaviour of the dog. Hence the authors argument on the owners dilemma does not stand much ground. The procedure mentioned by the author may be pain less and as he mentions Mr Marders statement of no change in Nestles behaviourism it is inconclusive to reach to a conclusion that Nestle is actually unaffected by the sudden change of him from being able to bark to manage just a weak squeak(Arluke, Arnold and Randall Lockwood, 1997:7). It must be noted that animal behaviourists believe that any change in the natural habits of animals have an immense psychological effect on their life expectancy (Beirne, Piers. 2003:8). So even if Nestle may not show signs and symptoms of any adverse effect he may experience shorter life expectancy due to psychological strain. Lastly, the authors claim for the procedure of debarking being painless as it can be done without surgical methods do not suggests clearly whether or not this procedure is at a direct or indirect violation of the regulations of the city with regards to animals. American constitution revolves greatly around rights of individuals. It can be argued that most of the amendments in the constitution can be applicable to pet dogs as well. It may again be argued that by having a pet one is put at a direct responsibility to protecting its individuality, health, and life as it is. Hence the argument that an owner of a pet may very well have the same responsibilities as that of foster care parents do have a substantial weight. The rights group has for decades have provided examples and situations to express these arguments. Finally the authors subdued take on the professional view of established veterinary hospitals makes the conclusive theory as given into a cloud of doubts. References 1. Koch, P. 1964: Wood machining processes. New York: The Ronald Press Co.2. Krilov, A., 1980. Debarking of Eucalypts a re-appraisal ,Vol. 43(4),pp-1451493. Williston, E. M., 1976. Lumber manufacturing: The design and operation of sawmills and planer mills. San Francisco: Miller Freeman Publications Inc.4. Arluke, Arnold and Randall Lockwood, 1997. Guest Editors Introduction: Understanding Cruelty to Animals. Society Animals, Vol.5 (3).5. Ascione, Frank R., 2001. Animal Abuse and Youth Violence. Juvenile Justice Bulletin6. Beirne, Piers. 2003. From Animal Abuse to Interhuman Violence: A Critical Review of the Progression Thesis. Society Animals, Vol.12 (1).

Othello And Aristotelian Poetics Essays - Othello,

Othello And Aristotelian Poetics Tragedies frequently focus on a tragic hero that has a flaw that ultimately leads to his downfall. That flaw is commonly referred to as a tragic flaw that is inborn to the person and can reflect his background. In Aristotle's Poetics, he discusses the theory of tragedy and what criteria is essential in an ideal tragedy. According to Aristotle, the tragic flaw is the most important part of the hero and the events that occur in the work is a reflection of that flaw. A tragic flaw is essential in a true tragedy. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Othello is a prime example of an Aristotelian tragic hero. His gullibility and jealousy are the main reason of his downfall. Othello deals with love lost because of gullibility and jealousy. Aristotle's theory of tragedy, found in the Poetics, deals with the characteristics of plays that make them a true tragedy. Those characteristics are essential in giving a play its true definition. According to Aristotle, the life and soul of tragedy is plot. Incidents in the plot have the best effect if they occur unexpectedly, and in consequence of one another. A great tragedy grips the audience with the plot. Aristotle also states that the sense of the inevitable must be present in tragedy. The tragic hero is also another important factor in an Aristotelian tragedy. The central character must be noble and have a higher stature than most men. The tragic hero must also have better qualities than secondary characters but must also exhibit flaws. The most important part of an Aristotelian tragic hero is the tragic flaw. The flaw is inborn to the person. He must have that flaw throughout his life and it will play the primary role in his downfall. The flaw can also reflect the tragic hero's background. Another part of the central character is that he is destroyed by himself, not by others, bad luck, or depravity. These are the criteria necessary to be classified as a ideal tragedy. Othello meets the criteria to be called an Aristotelian tragedy. The main character of Othello is a classical example of a tragic hero. His basic elements matches him up to a true hero as defined by Aristotle. Othello was a soldier all his life. Due to his Moorish descent, he experienced many things that a normal Venetian didn't experience. His nobility and rank of a general made him of a higher stature than anyone else. His nobility and background made him a greatly respected person. That nobility also what attracted Desdemona, his wife. Othello also exhibited great leadership qualities that he earned in the field of battle and by being a leader in Venice. Othello's background also was of a unsophisticated one. He came from a land of bartering and barbarians. His background affected his attitude. Othello was a person that was innocent and base in nature. He was influenced by the way his life was going on. Othello's statement, "Perdition catch my soul but I do love thee. And when I love thee not, chaos is come again."(act 3, sc. 3, line 100), showed that he felt his life was only in order if he is loved. His innocence and lack of sophistication is revealed in this statement. The people around him also knew of Othello's attitude. Iago was very quick to see this. In his first soliloquy, Iago said "the moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest that but seem to be so." (1,3,442) Iago knew of Othello's weakness. Othello's innocence and baseness made him susceptible to being undermined by people. Iago also reveals his plan to use the moor's gullibility against him. Othello was clearly a person who believed appearances versus reality. When Othello was told about an affair between Desdemona and Cassio, he started to become jealous. Being that person who believes appearances, he wanted ocular proof of Desdemona's infidelity. Even a superficial piece of evidence would have been sufficient. In his statement, "Give me a living reason she is disloyal."(3,3,446), Othello revealed that he would believe in anything he saw. This is a clear example of his gullibility and that appearances could fool him. Othello's words is the underlying statement that determined his feelings. The tragic flaw of gullibility would lead his feelings to make bad judgments. All of his characteristics made him a clear Aristotelian tragic hero as discussed in the Poetics. Othello's tragic flaw of gullibility is exposed throughout the course of the play. He also developed a jealousy that was