Summarizing a Reading

In a Summary:

· Identify author (full name)

· Identify title (in quotation marks)

· Identify main idea (in your own words)

*The above three should all appear in one sentence.

· Identify the supporting points (in your own words)

*When referring to the supporting points, use author tags so your reader knows that the ideas are not yours

(says Riskin; she also notes; the author further states)

Rules:

· Respect the author’s original order

· Change the original wording and sentence structure without changing the idea

· Do not give an opinion, use “I,” or add anything

· If you use any of the author’s words

1. For three words or more, put them in quotes

2. For striking language, put it in quotes

Process:

· Read and gloss the ¶s (main idea of each)

· On a separate sheet of paper, list out the ideas in the order in which they appear

· Using only your sheet (not the essay), write a summary of the article

· Go back and add ideas for clarification after you have the skeleton written

Summary Example:

In “Here’s Looking at You: Is Body Image Being Taken Too Seriously,” Annie Bradford Rispin, graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, explores the many issues surrounding body image, addressing causes, effects, and solutions. According to Rispin, problems with body image often arise in college, a function of the media, a belief that attractiveness is equivalent to goodness, and a desire to achieve an impossible standard put forth by designers and models. (¶s 1-5) She states that this is a problem afflicting both genders. Men, too, may diet, compulsively exercise, and fall victim to eating disorders. However, men may have trouble getting help due to these things being seen as “female” problems. (¶s 6-7) Athletes are also afflicted, Rispin says, and in their desire to lower body fat actually cause “impaired performance” and other health issues. (¶9) Rispin states that there are now programs for students and organizations that fight for more realistic portrayals of the human body (although these have not yet had any real effect). (¶11) Addressing one reason why we fall victim to these unrealistic expectations, Rispin suggests that because we are constantly barraged with technologically altered images, we have come to see them as the norm. This is exacerbated by much of our contact with other people being electronic: we see more perfect bodies than imperfect ones. (¶13) Rispin finally says that what should matter is actual health, but people who have been made to hate their imperfect bodies see no reason to take care of them. (¶s 14-15) Rispin closes by suggesting that we need to raise awareness of this issue, but she leaves the question of how unanswered. (¶16). (56-60) 12 sentences