Book Report #1 - 11th grade
Typed - Please divide your paper into the following sections. Write in complete sentences at all times.
Elements of the Book:
1. Plot - what happens in your book? Give an objective summary of the events.
2. Setting - what was the setting of the book - give a 2-3 sentence summary of it. Also, was it important
to the plot/conflict of the story? Why or why not?
3. Theme/message/symbolism - What did you learn - what was the author's message and purpose of
writing this book? Did he/she utilize any recurring themes or symbols to make the story more complex?
4. Characters - Who are they? (List the top 5-6). Describe them briefly (Remember - full sentences).
Are they dynamic characters? Round characters? Static characters? Flat characters? After your
description, choose one of the characters with whom you connected. Write why you felt a connection
with him her.
Reading Standards addressed:
RL3 - What are the key elements of a story or drama? (Setting choices, character development, point of view, style
and structure of text, symbolism, motif, themes)?
Why is the setting significant (or insignificant) to the story? How do the events unfold? How are the characters
introduced, developed? What are two or more themes in the text? How do I write an objective summary of the story?
How does the author use symbols, motifs, details to provide a complex account of the story? Why does the author
make the choices he/she does to develop the story?
Writing Standards addressed:
Develop topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, definitions, details, quotes, or other
information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge base. Establish and maintain a formal style and
objective tone while paying attention to norms and conventions of the subject matter and discipline in which you are
writing.
Use appropriate language to clarify the relationships among complex ideas and concepts.
Use precise language and vocabulary and techniques (figurative language) to manage complexity of topic
Recommendations:
Two groups 5. I would RECOMMEND this book to THIS group... tell me why, using above 1-4
6. I would NOT RECOMMEND this book to THIS group .... tell me why, using above 1-4.
Your Opinion:
7. Did you like the book? WHy or why not? Give me specifics, relating back to 1-4 above.
Reading Standards addressed: see above
Writing Standards addressed: see above and….
provide a concluding/wrap up statement or section that follows from and supports information presented. Establish
and maintain a formal style and objective tone while paying attention to norms and conventions of the subject matter
and discipline in which you are writing.
Book Report Rubric #1
Informative Explanatory Writing W.2.11-12
Reading Standards Assessed
RL.11-12.2,3 ----What are key elements of a story or drama?
Plot
3
I thoroughly explain the events of the entire story. I am concise, precise and objective with
my summary of events. I evaluate why the author made the choices he/she did to develop the
story.
2
I explain the events of the story, but leave out important details OR I am not completely
objective or precise in my summary (the summary is slightly lengthy and opinionated). I
minimally evaluate why the author made the choices he/she did to develop the story.
1
I mention the events of the story but in no discernable order OR it is a very lengthy and
subjective summary. I do not evaluate why the author made the choices he/she did to develop the
story.
0
I do not address the plot at all.
Setting
3
I thoroughly explain where and when the story takes place and whether or not the setting
contributes to the conflict (significant/integral) or if it is insignificant(backdrop).
2
I explain where and when the story takes place and hint at whether it is important to the
story.
1
I mention where and when the story takes place but I do not discuss the importance of the
setting to the story.
0
I don’t have any discussion of the setting.
Theme/Message/Symbolism
3
I identify a theme/message or two from my story and discussed what I learned from it. I
discussed what the message and purpose of this writing this book and how it made the book more
complex. If apparent, I also discuss any symbols in the story and their significance.
2
I identify a theme/message from my story but do not thoroughly discuss what I learned. I
mention the message and purpose but do not discuss it in detail. I do not mention any symbols.
1
I hint at a theme/message/purpose but do not discuss it in detail. I do not mention any
symbols.
0
I don’t talk at all about any theme/message/purpose/symbolism.
Characters
3
I provide a thorough list of the top characters and their description. I discuss how these
characters are introduced and how they are significant to the story. I also discuss if the characters
are dynamic/static/round/flat. I also discuss which character I connect with.
2
I provide a pretty thorough list of the top characters and their description. I mention how
these characters are introduced and how they are significant, but do not go into detail. I briefly
mention that these characters are dynamic/static/round/flat, but do not tell why. I identify the
character that I connect with but don’t explain why.
1
I give a minimal list of characters with a minimal description. I minimally discuss how
they are introduced and how they are significant. I do not mention if they characters are
dynamic/static/round/flat. I identify the character I connect with, but do not explain why.
0
I do not discuss characters at all.
________Read grade-specific/complex stories
________Comprehend grade-specific/complex stories
Writing Standards– Explanatory/Informative Essay
W.11-12.2.b.d.e.f.
_______I develop the topic thoroughly by selecting the most significant and relevant facts, details
or other information and examples appropriate to the knowledge base of the reader (the elements
of the story).
________Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms
and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing
________Use precise language and vocabulary to manage complexity of
topic (round/flat/dynamic/static, themes, symbols, etc.)
________Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the
information or explanation presented (opinions, recommendations using information from
elements).