* Choose 1-2 significant plot points: Don't try to retell the whole story. Select pivotal moments and explain their importance to the overall narrative. Mention the specific characters involved.
* Discuss a memorable character: Describe a character's personality, motivations, and how they changed throughout the story. Mention specific actions or dialogue that illustrate your point.
* Identify a key theme: What was the book *about*? Did it explore a particular social issue, relationship dynamic, or philosophical question? Explain how the author conveyed that theme.
* Offer a brief opinion: Did you enjoy the book? What did you like or dislike about it? A genuine, even slightly critical, opinion sounds more authentic than empty praise.
Important Considerations:
* Avoid jargon: Don't try to impress with literary terms you don't understand. Simple, clear language is best.
* Be prepared for follow-up questions: Your teacher might ask you to elaborate on specific points. Be ready to answer honestly (even if you didn't understand everything perfectly).
* Be genuine: Authenticity is key. If you're caught in a lie, it will damage your credibility far more than admitting you struggled with parts of the book.
In short: Focus on a few key aspects you *can* discuss intelligently and honestly, rather than trying to fake a complete understanding. This is far more effective than memorizing plot points or trying to bluff your way through a conversation. If you truly haven't read it, it's better to admit it and explain why. There might be ways to make up for it.