Summarizing and Avoiding Plagiarism

Summary

Plagiarism ◦ Watch the video on plagiarism◦ What are the different types of plagiarism?◦ Which form of plagiarism is debated most?◦ What do you need to cite?◦ How do you cite exact words?◦ What is common knowledge?◦ What are some common citation styles?

Video on Plagiarism

Summarizing involves ◦ putting the main idea(s) into your own words,

including only the main point(s). ◦ It is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to

the original source. ◦ Summaries are significantly shorter than the

original and take a broad overview of the source material.

Summary

A summary is a brief report of something that was written or spoken. A summary should do the following Identify the source by name and author Include a few supporting details, if important Be shorter than the original Identify the author of the ideas Include paraphrasing, or rewording of ideas in

the summary writer’s own words Be objective (not include your own opinion; just

the facts)

Summary Writing

The first step involves writing a one sentence summary statement. This can include

the title of the article the author’s name and the main idea of the text

Summary process

The 2nd step is to make a concept map, or graphic organizer, that shows the main ideas of the article.

You can write a summary just by looking at a concept map.

Summary Process #2

The next step in writing a summary is to paraphrase, or express what someone has written or said in a way that is shorter and easier to understand.

Summary Process #3

Read through at least 2 summaries in the packet.

Identify the important parts of the summary◦ Does it mention the author and the source (name of

the publication or the type of publication)? ◦ Does it mention the year of publication? ◦ Does it include important facts, details, statistics, or

other ideas related to the topic?◦ Is the topic or main idea of the summary clear? ◦ Write down 1-2 things that stood out to you about this

summary.◦ Write down 1-2 things that you have questions about or

would like to know more about with this summary.

Work with a partner

Now remember to include important information about the web site you are using for your summaries.◦ Include the author’s name◦ Include the name of the publication ◦ Include the web site name◦ Include important facts or details from the source◦ Include a main idea that expresses the important

facts or details from the source.

Remember