Summary Writng for MSPM

8/2/2019 Summary Writng for MSPM

1/26

Writing a summary

MSPM Fall 2011

November 13, 2011


2/26

Before you start writing


3/26

Step 1:Take a few minutes topreview the work.

Take a quick look at the following:

title

subtitle first and last paragraphs

other items:

heads/subheads pictures/charts/diagrams

italic type/boldface print


4/26

Step 2: Read the work througha first time.

1) Do not slow down or turn back.

2) Mark main points and key

supporting details, including:

all items noted in your preview

definitions, examples, and lists


5/26

Step 3: Re-read the importantareas.

1) Re-read main points and key

supporting details you marked the

first time around.2) Mark key points you might have

missed.


6/26

Step 4: Take notes on thematerial

Concentrate on getting down themain ideas and the key supporting

points.


7/26

Writing a summary


8/26

Prepare a rough draft

Identify the main word or idea in eachparagraph.

Paraphrase the main ideaCompile sentence paraphrases

Rough Summary


9/26

Step 5: Write the summary

Identify the author, title, and dateof publication at the top of your

paper.Express the main points and keysupporting details in your ownwords.

Revise your first draft.

Produce a final draft.


10/26

Main components of summarywriting


11/26

What is Main Idea?

Subject of paragraph

Action of paragraph

Theme of paragraph

Key ideas of Paragraph


12/26

What is NOT Main Idea?

Small details

Sub points

Unimportant actions


13/26

What is Paraphrase?

Using the authors ideas but your ownwords and vocabulary.

Change the word order.Change the vocabulary- nouns, verbs,

etc.

Change the lengthIf using more than three or four exactwords of the author, not a paraphrase.


14/26

Example Paraphrase

Students are expected to readcourse texts before class to

prepare for class discussion Do your homework before class.

Read the assigned material.

Preparation is important.Others?


15/26

Paraphrase, Summary, &Quote

About same amount of words (OwnWords)

Less words (Own Words)Quote (Authors Words)


16/26

Organizational Chart Ideas

Syllabus Main idea/key

Being on time is important.

Resources are available.

Appropriate Behavior is expected.

Everyone must take responsibility for actions


17/26

Chart into Sentences

Syllabus Main idea Notes

1. Being on time is important.

Possible Sentences

a) Mrs. Coleman states studentsshouldnt be tardy or turn in latework.

b) The syllabus explains what willhappen if students are not on timewith their presence or work.


18/26

Turning words into sentences

In general cite the writer Ex. The writer explains

Ex. The writer statesOr use the writers name. The first timeuse complete name. After that only lastname Catherine Coleman explains

Coleman states .


19/26

Language of writing


20/26

Academic Language

Some introductory phrases :

1. (The author) states in (this article) that...

2. (The author, in (this article) shows that...3. In (this article), (the author) writes that...

4. As (the author) says in (this article), ...

5. The main idea of (the author's article) is


21/26

Academic Language ReportingVerbs

maintains suggests Explains

observes notes establishes

believes implies contends

asks advises describes

reveals declares proposes

reports Points out finds

insists asserts claims


22/26

Academic Language ReportingVerbs

For example:

Coleman states late work is notacceptable.

Coleman provides specific detailsabout the semesters assignments


23/26

Beginning a SummaryMention the full name of the author andthe title of the piece (text).

In Catherine Colemans ESL 33 Spring 2008syllabus

Introductory sentence should begeneral in one sentence try to providea general overview (consider the

purpose) of the article the instructor provides details for

students' successful completion of the class.


24/26

Beginning ..

In Catherine Colemans ESL 33Spring 2008 syllabus, the

instructor provides details forstudents' successful completion ofthe class.


25/26

Body of Summary (Middle)

After your introductory sentence, insertall of the sentences you wrote.

This will give you a body of thesummary.

Now work with the language. Change

all those says, talks about todifferent verbs describes states,etc.


26/26

Writing a Summary: Points toRemember

Do not write an overly detailed summary: thepoint is to reduce the work to its essence.

Use your own voice. Do not imitate the style of

the work.Quote from the material sparingly to illustratemajor ideas -- stick to paraphrase for the mostpart.

Preserve the balance and proportion of theoriginal work. If 70% of the work is devoted toone idea, 70% of your summary should coverthe same idea.

Documents

Summary Writng for MSPM