Discussing what you read

When we discuss a book we have read, we talk or write about it in detail.

We give our opinions about the book and reasons for our thoughts.

A discussion is about ideas and opinions.

For example:

I think it was naughty of Goldilocks to go into the bears' house because she doesn't know them.

A summary is when you report on key information.

For example:

Goldilocks liked the baby bear's porridge the most.

In the next video, paralympic basketball player and sports presenter Ade Adepitan discusses a book called Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce.

Ade explains why he loves the book so much and how it captured his imagination. Listen carefully – he summarises the book at the start, then goes on to give his opinions about it.

Some children have read a book called Tower of Terror and written some sentences about it.

Read the sentences in this quiz and decide whether they are summarising the book or discussing it.

Remember: a summary tells you what happens, whereas a discussion is all about thoughts, opinions and reasons.

Write down your answers to two of these questions and give reasons for your opinions.

1. Do you think fairy tales should always have happy endings?

2. Do you think fairy tales should still be popular with children?

3. What is your favourite fairy tale?

Top tip!

Use ‘I think…’ and ‘because…’ in your answers to show that it’s your opinion

When he talked about Tom's Midnight Garden, Ade gave reasons for liking the book. He said things like:

'I suppose I was a little bit like Tom, always looking for adventures.'

When you give an opinion, you need to give your reasons too.

You’re going to write a short review discussing a book you have read or listened to.

It could be one you really liked, or one you didn’t like – it’s up to you!

If you can’t think of a book, you could write about a film, TV show or a computer game instead.

The important thing is that you have an opinion about it and reasons why you think that way.

Aim to write at least five sentences.

Use these sentence starters below to help you.

• The book I would / would not like to recommend to other readers is … because…

• It’s all about…

• I would describe this book as…

• I enjoyed / did not enjoy this book because…

• The best part was when … because…