The+Big+Thaw

When writing your summary, consider the following:

 * Read the article carefully
 * For each paragraph and or section, write in your notes key information, key claims or other evidence that will help your reader understand the message of the article
 * Take note of key terms that are used in the article and accurately incorporate them in your summary
 * Once you have taken your notes, go back through them and begin to synthesize the information, condensing ideas and purposefully selecting information for the summary
 * Evaluate the purpose of the article (Is the author making an argument, delivering information, exploring an idea, etc.)
 * The summary should be in your own words, but you are welcome if not encouraged to use direct quotations when necessary
 * Approximate length: 100-200 words
 * Begin your summary with the type of work (in this case it is an article), the title of the work, and the author's name (Example: //In the article, "Learning about Summary Writing," Jonathan LeMaster states...//)

__Use the following template to help guide your thinking:__


 * In** **the article,** (//title of work// //(comma) author’s first and last name)//


 * argues or explains that**... (//insert direct quotation or paraphrase//) [include paragraph reference: ex. (par. 3)]


 * He/ she claims or reports that**... (//paraphrase the author's argument or provide essential details//)

(//author’s last name//) (chose an appropriate verb)...


 * Then.**.. (//use this section to elaborate on ideas or information//)


 * He or she explains that.**..

(//author’s full name//)’s **purpose is to**... (//use this section to explain why the writer wrote this article//)


 * in order to**...


 * This work is significant because**... (//explain why someone might want to read this article//)