Sample Format of Summary Starter Sentence

 Sample Format of Summary Starter Sentence

In the previous section, you were instructed to write down one sentence, in your own words, that conveys the main idea [purpose]. Start the sentence using the name of the author and title of the article (see format below).

Sample Format

Author Tag: You need to start your summary by telling the name of the article and the author. Here are three examples of how to do that (pay close attention to the punctuation):

·       In “How the Civil War Began," historian John Jones explains...

·       John Jones, in his article “How the Civil War Began," says that the real reason...

·       "How the Civil War Began," by historian John Jones, describes....

First Sentence: Along with including the article's title and author's name, the first sentence should be the main point [purpose] of the article [or VIDEO]. It should answer the question: What is this essay [or VIDEO] about? (thesis).

Example:

In "How the Civil War Began" by John Jones, the author argues that the real reason for the start of the Civil War was not slavery, as many believe, but was instead the clash of cultures and greed for cash.

Rest of Summary: 

The rest of your essay is going to give the reasons and evidence for that main statement.

In other words, what is the main point the writer is trying to make and what are the supporting ideas he or she uses to prove it?

Does the author bring up any opposing ideas, and if so, what does he or she do to refute them?

Here is a sample sort of sentence:

___________ is the issue addressed in “(article's title)” by (author's name). The thesis of this essay is ___________. The author’s main claim is ___________ and his/her sub claim is ___________ . The author argues ___________ . Other people argue ___________ . The author refutes these ideas by saying ___________ . His/her conclusion is ___________ .

Content in blue boxes are the words of J. Dick.

Furthermore, elaboration/corrective content within Kearney’s writing can be found in [brackets].  These brackets are not Kearney’s ideas.  The bracketed content is infused by J. Dick for the edification of ENGL101 students.

To see Virginia Kearney’s full article about writing a response paper—without my notes and guidance for our specific assignment—you can follow THIS LINK. 

Table of Contents                                       Next Page

1. OVERVIEW: Summary, Analysis, and Response Assignment
2. PURPOSE: Summary, Analysis, and Response Assignment
• Step 1: Summarize the Source [Purpose, Audience, and Context]
• Step 2: Analyze the Source
• Step 3: Respond to the Source