Writing a Summary-Response
Learning Objectives: - Summarize a reading in one complete, concise summary paragraph.
- Respond to a reading with a complete, concise response paragraph using a thesis statement.
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LESSON
In this lesson, you will learn to write a summary-responseA writing that combines a summary of a reading with personal thoughts and opinions about the reading., which combines both a summaryA brief restatement of an author’s main idea and major supporting details. Summaries are factual and should be written in the third-person with an objective point of view. of a readingA piece of writing to be read. A reading can either be a full work (i.e., a book) or partial (i.e., a passage). with your personal thoughts and opinionsPoint of view that shows a personal belief or bias and cannot be proven to be completely true. about the reading. It is not a formal paperAn academic essay that usually includes research and citations. or essayA short piece of writing that focuses on at least one main idea. Some essays are also focused on the author's unique point of view, making them personal or autobiographical, while others are focused on a particular literary, scientific, or political subject. in the sense that it will not have an introductionThe first paragraph of an essay. It must engage the reader, set the tone, provide background information, and present the thesis., bodyThe main portion of a writing that contains the main ideas and supporting details of the writing. This is where the author's purpose and thesis statement are supported and/or developed., or conclusionThe end portion of a writing that contains a summary or synthesis of the idea in the work. This includes a recap of key points and reminders of the author's purpose and thesis statement.. Instead, it consists of two distinct parts: a summary of the reading followed by your responseA written analysis of a reading that shows understanding and fosters deep thinking about a work. to the reading. Each part is usually a paragraphA selection of a writing that is made up of sentences formed around one main point. Paragraphs are set apart by a new line and sometimes indentation. and the length of each paragraph depends on the length of the reading being addressed. For instance, if a reading is only a few paragraphs long, the summary-response would be two paragraphs, each with approximately four to five sentences.
It is important to keep in mind that the two paragraphs are distinct. The summary paragraph is a brief restatement of the author's main ideaThe most important or central thought of a reading selection. It also includes what the author wants the reader to understand about the topic he or she has chosen to write about. and supporting detailsStatements within a reading that tie directly to major details that support the main idea. These can be provided in examples, statistics, anecdotes, definitions, descriptions, or comparisons within the work. . It does not include your opinion. Your opinion goes in the response paragraph where you state your thoughts about the authorA person who wrote a text.'s main idea and use supporting details from your own experience to explain your thoughts.
Summary-Response Process
Use a four-step process to write a summary-response of a reading.
Step 1: Identify the main idea of the reading. For the summary paragraph, create a topic sentenceA sentence that contains the controlling idea for an entire paragraph and is typically the first sentence of the paragraph. that identifies the main idea of the reading. Then, for the response paragraph, create a separate thesis statementA brief statement that identifies a writer's thoughts, opinions, or conclusions about a topic. Thesis statements bring unity to a piece of writing, giving it a focus and a purpose. You can use three questions to help form a thesis statement: What is my topic? What am I trying to say about that topic? Why is this important to me or my reader? that states your opinion about the author's main idea.
Step 2: Identify the supporting details for the summary and for the response. The next step is to identify the supporting details of the reading. In the summary paragraph, it is important to maintain the order of these supporting details. Once you note these points, consider how they relate to the author's main idea. Then, develop the supporting details for the response paragraph, showing how your own personal experience supports the thesis statement created in Step 1.
Step 3: Identify the author's purposeThe reason the writer is writing about a topic. It is what the writer wants the reader to know, feel, or do after reading the work. for writing. As part of the summary paragraph, ask yourself, "Why did the author write this? What did the author want me to know, think, or do after reading this?" As part of the response paragraph, address whether or not the author was successful achieving his or her purpose.
Step 4: Write a summary-response of the reading. Bring Steps 1, 2, and 3 together to write the summary and the response paragraphs. The following is one way you could do this:
Summary Paragraph
Sentence 1: Introduce the reading, stating the title and the author's name. You should also state the author's main idea. This may be as simple as adding the title and author to your topic sentence from Step 1.
Sentence 2: Write supporting sentences (or sentence) describing the supporting details of the reading you noted in Step 2 in order.
Sentence 3: Write a sentence that brings this information together and states the author's reason for writing that you noted in Step 3.
Response Paragraph
Sentence 1: Clearly state your opinion or thoughts about the author's main idea. Use the thesis statement you created in Step 1. Ask yourself, "How does my own thought/opinion about the reading relate to the author's main idea?"
Sentence 2: Write supporting sentences (or a sentence) describing how your personal experience supports your opinion or thought about the author's main idea.
Sentence 3: Write a sentence that brings this information together and states how your opinion or thought relates to the author's main idea.
+ PRACTICAL APPLICATIONWriting a summary-response is a skill you can use when thinking critically about an articleA non-fiction, often informative writing that forms a part of a publication, such as a magazine or newspaper. in a newspaper, an editorial blogA website that hosts a series of articles, photos, and other postings, sometimes by a single writer (blogger) or by a community of contributors., or any assigned reading in a class. In fact, it is a common assignment in many college classes. You can also use the same skills to help you write a cover letterA letter that is sent along with a resume that provides context and more information for the reader. when applying for a job where you must not only show an understanding of the job you are applying for, but also show how your experience makes you the best candidate for that position.
+ EXAMPLERead the following passageA short portion of a writing taken from a larger source, such as a book, article, speech, or poem. and see an example of how to use the Summary-Response Process to summarize and respond to a reading with complete, conciseDescribes writing that only uses words that are necessary for clarity, meaning, and interest. paragraphs.
Mile-High Home
By Douglas Peters
There are many cities throughout the world that are alluring and exotic, but if you're looking for the best place to raise a family in the United States, Denver, Colorado is the place you want to be. From skiing in the winter to camping and hiking in the summer, there are plenty of year-round outdoor recreation activities for the entire family. It also has a strong local economy with many job sectors represented, so that even when the economy goes down elsewhere, Denver remains stable with plenty of good jobs that support the financial needs of any family. Finally, it has great public and private schools and many colleges and universities within a short drive of downtown so that people of all ages can fulfill their educational goals. All this, plus seven professional sports teams and an exciting urban nightlife—it's no wonder people from all over the world make Denver a new home for their families.
Step 1: Identify the main idea of the reading.
First, create a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the reading.
Topic sentence: Denver is a good place to raise a family.
Now, create a separate thesis statement that states your opinion about the author's main idea.
Thesis statement: I agree with the author because I like Denver and have lived there most of my life.
Step 2: Identify the supporting details of the reading and for the response.
Next, identify the supporting details of the reading for the summary paragraph.
Supporting details of the reading for the summary: Denver has great outdoor recreation, good jobs and schools, and lots of entertainment options.
Now, develop the supporting details for the response paragraph, showing how your own personal experience supports the thesis statement created in Step 1.
Supporting details for the response paragraph: I do all the activities the author lists. I have a ski pass for the winter and try to go mountain biking every weekend. I am also a Broncos football fan. I am a graduate of the schools there and now I work as a realtor in the downtown area.
Step 3: Identify the author's purpose for writing.
In this step, answer the questions, "Why did the author write this? What did the author want me to know, think, or do after reading this?" Then, write down whether or not the author was successful achieving his purpose.
These are all good things to have for a family and the author thinks that people ought to consider moving to Denver. I think the author was successful in pointing out some good things about living in Denver.
Step 4: Write a summary-response of the reading.
Finally, bring Steps 1, 2, and 3 together and write the summary paragraph and the response paragraph. Remember to introduce the reading in the first paragraph by stating the title and the author's name.
"Mile-High Home," by Douglas Peters, describes Denver, Colorado as an ideal city for people to raise a family. The article points out that the city has great outdoor recreation, good jobs, and good schools, all of which are important to families. It makes it seem ideal and Mr. Peters seems to encourage people to move there to raise their families.
I agree with the author because I like Denver and have lived there most of my life. In fact, I do all of the things listed in the article; I have a ski pass for the winter and I try to go mountain biking every weekend. Of course, I cheer for the home team and am an avid Broncos football fan. I am also a graduate of the schools there and now work as a realtor in the downtown area. I can definitely say that Denver is a great place for families.
+ YOUR TURNRead the following passage and then complete the Summary-Response Process to summarize and respond to the reading with complete, concise paragraphs.
Time in School
By Douglas Peters
Choosing to go to college is a good choice, but many people fail to take into account how much time is required outside of class in order to succeed. The main confusion is found in what I like to call the 80/20 rule. In high school, 80 percent of instruction and learning is done in the classroom and 20 percent is done at home. In college, this ratio flips to where just 20 percent of instruction and learning is done in the classroom while a full 80 percent is expected to be done at home. Planning for this kind of commitment requires students to take an honest look at what they do every day and exactly where they will fit all the work into their schedules. With so many students balancing work and family with college careers, it has become even more important for students to make sure they plan accordingly so they can do their very best in college.
Step 1: Identify the main idea of the reading.
Create a topic sentence that identifies the main idea of the reading.
Going to college takes more time than most people expect.
Create a thesis statement that states your opinion about the author's main idea.
I agree with the author because I found out the hard way and fell behind my first semester.
Step 2: Identify the supporting details of the reading and for the response.
Identify the supporting details of the reading for the summary paragraph.
The author points out the "80/20 rule," which states that college classes require much more homework than people are used to in high school. Since many students work and have families, the author encourages future college students to schedule time to do homework before starting classes.
Develop the supporting details for the response paragraph including your opinions.
I was working at a restaurant and they would not respect the time I needed for school and would even schedule me during my classes. This meant that not only did I not have time to do homework, but I would miss class often, as well. I was able to find a different restaurant to work at and I am now able to schedule my shifts to fit my school schedule, which is what the author suggests.
Step 3: Identify the author's purpose for writing.
Identify the author's purpose and whether or not he was successful achieving his purpose.
Students should be prepared for the time commitment of college.
Step 4: Write a summary-response of the reading.
Finally, combine the steps to write the summary-response.
"Time in School," by Douglas Peters, shows how college usually takes a greater time commitment than most people expect. The author points out the "80/20 rule," which basically states that college classes require much more homework than people are used to in high school. Since many students work and have families, the author encourages future college students to schedule time to do homework before starting classes.
I completely agree with the author because I found out the hard way that college takes more time than I thought it would and fell behind my first semester. I was working at a restaurant and they would not respect the time I needed for school and would even schedule me during my classes. This meant that not only did I not have time to do homework, but I would miss class often, as well. Luckily, I found a different restaurant to work at and I am now able to schedule my shifts to fit my school schedule, which is exactly what Mr. Peters suggests.
+ METACOGNITIVE QUESTIONSIn a summary-response, how are the topic sentence of the summary paragraph and the thesis statement in the response paragraph alike?
The topic sentence in the summary paragraph says what the author thinks about the topic. The thesis statement is what I think about the topic.
Where else besides college might you see a summary-response to a book, song, or piece of art?
You would see book and art reviews in newspapers or culture magazines, movie and TV reviews are written by bloggers online, and album reviews can be found in magazines or online, as well.
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