A book essay on The Battle of The Labyrinth
Independent Reading Essay Format — THEME
Introductory Paragraph – 10 sentences minimum
Begin with a sentence that includes the book title (italicize titles) and the author’s name.
Include the genre of the book (mystery, realistic fiction, science fiction, fantasy, romance, adventure, historical fiction, dystopian, biography….etc.)
Include the AR book level and points value. (Look up books at www.arbookfind.com) Or how many pages long, or how many hours long if it’s an audio book.
State the reason(s) you decided to read this book. Typical reasons might be: you like the author; you like this genre; someone recommended the book to you; you liked the cover. These reasons do not have to be complicated. Many people choose the books they read because they like the author or somebody recommended it to them. If you chose the book because you like the author, then state why you like that author.
Write a brief summary (4-5 sentences or so) of the book’s plot — who are the main characters and what are the main events of the book?
End the paragraph with a thesis statement that identifies, in your opinion, one or more of the book’s key themes. Can this book teach us anything about life? Were there important messages for readers?
Theme Development Paragraph – 8 sentences minimum
In at least eight sentences, address one of the themes and explain in detail how the novel developed this important message.
Include at least one quotation from the novel to provide evidence for how the theme was developed. Use page number citations for the quotes you choose, like this (54).
Explain quotations in detail.
You can also provide evidence from the book in summary or paraphrase form. Explain your evidence.
Another Theme Development Paragraph – 8 sentences minimum
Address another theme of the book, or if you choose, address the same theme from the last paragraph with greater detail and new evidence.
How did the novel develop this important message?
Include at least one quotation from the novel to provide evidence for how the theme was developed. Use page number citations for the quotes you choose, like this (54).
Explain quotations in detail.
You should also provide evidence from the book in summary or paraphrase form. Explain your evidence.
Another Theme Development Paragraph – 8 sentences minimum
Address another theme of the book, or if you choose, address the same theme from the last paragraph with greater detail and new evidence.
How did the novel develop this important message?
Include at least one quotation from the novel to provide evidence for how the theme was developed. Use page number citations for the quotes you choose, like this (54).
Explain quotations in detail.
You should also provide evidence from the book in summary or paraphrase form. Explain your evidence.
Personal Impressions and Concluding Paragraph – 5 sentences minimum
This paragraph should summarize your overall impressions of the book. Don’t be afraid to give your honest impressions of the book. After all, since you read it, you’re entitled to your opinion of it.
Discuss the book’s good points and weak points.
End by stating whether you would recommend the book to others, and why.
