Start Reading and Writing

Remember, the best way to complete a book report is to write as you read. Here are a few tips:

1. Fold the outline and keep it and a pencil with the book, as a bookmark. When you are halfway through the book, take the outline to the computer and type the information you collected into a word processing document like Microsoft Word or Apple Works.
   
2. Hit return a few times after each entry. Print a copy and use it to finish taking notes on the rest of the book.
   
3. Don't forget to 'Save' after you add to your outline.
   
4. Keep adding to the outline. You might want to add a bit after each chapter or every couple of chapters. Part of your outline could be brief notes on each chapter if it is easier to keep track of the action that way. If you like taking notes chapter by chapter, use the Chapter Summary Sentence Pre-Outline.
   
5. When you've finished the book, you'll have a rough draft of your book report right in your word processor.

Click here to see a Story/Novel Pre-Outline and a Chapter Summary Sentence Pre-Outline filled out.

Finish reading? Why not try to talk it out before you do your rough draft?