STUDY METHODS

I. General Introduction to Study Methods

1. Why we need to study method?
2. Hypothesis
3. Sources: Primary and Secondary
4. What is Research – Types of Research

II. Hints on How to Study

1. A Right Start
2. Plan for Study
3. Good Health
4. Study Environment
5. Study Habits
6. Reading Skills
7. Remembering
8. Notes Taking and Notes Keeping
9. Examinations

III. How to use Library?

1. Locating Books
a. Card Catalogue
b. Dewey Decimal Classification System

IV. Writing Footnotes and Bibliography

1. Plagiarism
2. Footnotes
a. Author-Date System
b. Author-Title System
3. Bibliography

V. Quotations
1. Run in Format – Short Quotations
2. Set off Format – Block Quotations

VI. Writing Skills

1. Writing Book Report
 a. What is Book Report
A book report is a written summary of a book’s content and your analysis of it.
It includes an introduction, plot summary, analysis, and conclusion. A book
report is typically assigned to students in middle or high school, but it can also
be assigned in college. Book reports are typically 250–500 words long.
b. Purpose of a Book Report
The purpose of a book report is to demonstrate your understanding of the book
and its themes. It is a way for you to practice critical thinking skills and develop
your writing ability. Additionally, a book report can help a teacher assess a
student’s reading comprehension and analytical abilities.
c. Elements of Book Report
A good book report should include the following elements:
Introduction: This section should include the book’s title, its author, and any
other relevant information.
Plot summary: This section should provide a summary of the book’s plot,
including the main characters, setting, and conflict.
Analysis: This section should provide your analysis of the book, including its
themes, symbolism, and other literary devices.
Conclusion: This section should summarize your thoughts on the book and its
relevance.
d. How to Write a Book Report
Writing a book report might feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into
smaller steps can make it more manageable. Here is a detailed guide on how to
write a book report that will help you get started:
i. Read the Book: Read the book thoroughly, taking note of the significant
plot points, characters, themes, and tones. It’s important to read the
book carefully to identify these things.
ii. Take Notes: As you read, take notes on the plot, characters, and themes.
This will help you organize your thoughts and keep track of important
information.
iii. Create and Outline: Use your notes to create an outline for your book
report. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all
the major points.
 iv. Write the Introduction: The introduction should include the book’s title,
its author, and any other relevant information. It should also include a
thesis statement that summarizes your overall opinion of the book.
v. Write the Plot Summary: The plot summary should provide a summary
of the book’s plot, including the main characters, setting, and conflict.
Be sure to include any major plot twists or events that affect the story.
vi. Write the Analysis: The analysis explores your insights into the book,
including its themes, symbolism, and any other literary devices. Use
specific examples from the book to support your analysis and provide
evidence for your arguments.
vii. Write the Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize your overall
thoughts on the book and its relevance. Be sure to restate your thesis
statement and provide a final analysis of the book.

e. Tips for Writing a Book Report

When writing a book report, it is important to keep a few things in mind. First,
avoid repetition by adding a new perspective about the book. Second, be
concise and keep your analysis focused on the content your readers are looking
for. Third, support your claims and positions with insights from the book and
provide evidence for your arguments.
Remember, there are no firm requirements for what should be included in a
book report. However, it’s important to pay attention to elements with specific
formatting rules, such as the title page, table of contents, page numbers,
headings and subheadings, citations, and the works cited page. Always refer to
the assignment for specific guidelines and formatting requirements.
If you follow these steps and keep these tips in mind, you can write a thorough
and thoughtful book report that will impress your readers. Don’t be afraid to
share your opinion and insights into the book and remember to support your
arguments with evidence from the text.
f. Book Report vs Book Review
A book report and a book review are often confused, but they are not the same
thing. A book report is a summary of a book’s content and analysis, while a
book review is a critical evaluation of a book’s content, style, and merit. A book
review is typically written for a more advanced audience and is often published
in a literary journal or newspaper.
g. Example of Book Report
To provide a clear example of a book report, we’ll look at one on To Kill a
Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
Introduction: To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel written by Harper Lee and
published in 1960. The book is set in the 1930s in the small town of Maycomb,
Alabama, and follows the story of a young girl, Scout Finch, as she learns about
the injustices of the world around her. The novel explores themes of racism,
prejudice, and the loss of innocence and is a powerful commentary on the social
issues of its time.
Plot summary: The book revolves around the trial of Tom Robinson, a Black
man accused of raping a white woman. Scout’s father, Atticus Finch, is the
defense attorney for Tom Robinson and faces opposition from the town’s
residents for defending a Black man. Throughout the story, Scout and her
brother Jem learn about racism and prejudice and the importance of standing up
for what is right. The trial serves as a catalyst for the children’s moral growth
and understanding of the world around them. The plot also features Boo Radley,
a reclusive neighbor who becomes a mystery for the children to solve.
Analysis: To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful commentary on racism and
injustice in America. The book highlights the importance of empathy and
understanding and shows the devastating effects of prejudice. The characters in
the book, especially Atticus Finch, serve as examples of how to stand up for
what is right, even in the face of opposition.
Conclusion: To Kill a Mockingbird is more than just a story; it is a window into
a time and place that many of us have never experienced firsthand. It is a
reminder that racism and prejudice still exist today, and it challenges people to
examine their own biases and beliefs. The book’s themes of justice, equality,
and empathy are as relevant today as they were when the book was first
published. To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that will continue to
resonate with readers for generations to come.
2. Writing Book Review
3. Writing Verbaling
4. Writing Reports

VII. Basic Elements of a Research Proposal and Outline of a Thesis

1. Numbering
2. Introduction
3. Body
4. Conclusion