First Assignment: A Summary
For your first assignment, you are going to do something that hardly anyone in the world knows how to do anymore: summarize what something is about BEFORE FORMULATING AN OPINION OR RESPONDING. In other words, to be OBJECTIVE and FACTUALLY STATE WHAT SOMEONE ELSE HAS SAID rather than spout your own response or opinion. We now live in such a narcissistic-self-absorbed culture, people have forgotten that others have something valid to say and we should listen to them before judging them or spouting our own reaction.
Thus here we go:
Write a ½ page summary of the article in your course materials folder. Although the article is long, your summary, obviously is to be very short. When I wrote a 270-page dissertation for my Ph.D., I had to take that whole thing and summarize it in less than one page. Taking something really long and making it really short forces you to consolidate your thoughts, focus, and think clearly. These are valuable traits for anyone to have.
Do the best you can. I will allow you to revise it even up to three times if you so choose. I know this is a difficult task to begin the class with, but I have every confidence you will do your best to complete. I am a very flexible and understanding and easy teacher to work with AS LONG AS YOU TRY TO DO YOUR VERY BEST.
Any takers on that?
Here are a few pointers to get you started:
#1. A summary focuses on the big overall points, while still combining this with a few specific details.
#2. A summary is concise, well-written and to-the-point making sure to definitely get the MAIN IDEA OF THE TEXT.
#3. A good summary uses excellent grammar, excellent transitions and makes sense from beginning to end.
Your book is an excellent way to increase your understanding of summaries. Explore your books beyond the pages I have assigned if you want extra help with writing an effective summary.
The first draft is due Tuesday, January 19th 2015
