Choose one of the articles we have read in this class. Then, write a short summary of this article.
Goal: Write a concise narrative summary that conveys the author’s argument. Your goal is to summarize the major points about this passage or idea, as briefly as possible, without leaving anything important out, into a coherent narrative.
Method:
Reread the relevant passage(s).
Group ideas in a way that reconstructs the author’s reasoning (you summary need not follow the exact order of the text).
Describe for yourself the author’s point in one sentence.
Write a cogent narrative – as opposed to a list of points discussed in the article.
Target: 350 words
Other Requirements: Use at least one (not too long) quote.
Advice:
Quotes can be especially helpful in explaining how an author defines a term or what their main view is. But be sure you are able to put the idea of the quote in your own words.
Write as if your reader were intelligent but unfamiliar with the topic you are writing about.
Explain the author’s thinking, not simply their conclusion.
Do not editorialize (i.e., do not include your own opinion – stick to explaining the author’s argument).
