In 3-4 pages, students will summarize a text that clearly articulates the problem, the complexities within the problem, and any possible resolutions that have been tried or should be tried.

In the opening paragraph, students should introduce the author of the text. Give some history on this author (what are his or her credentials?) Discuss the problem, and if possible the history. The thesis statement should be the author’s thesis statement and not your own.

The body of a summary essay (one or more paragraphs):

First Section:

Summarize the original text. If it’s a book, paraphrase and condense each chapter relevant to your objective. Remember only key details including history and important dates which establish the problem. Avoid minor information. If the author provides an example, it is okay to use it. Choose one that supports his/her point.

Second Section:

In this section, use breakdown key areas within the problem. For example, Dyson discusses controversial positions, critiques within and out the culture. The writer would then cover this in in this section, by again summarizing the author’s main points about these positions. Remember to avoid your opinion.

Section Three:

Solutions or Resolutions (* if broached by the text). If not, then in this position, you can briefly offer your perspective on the problem, without giving an indication of your position. Remain objective as you are merely summarizing the problem as pinpointed by a primary source. So you don’t want to provide your position just yet. If you have read other sources, who support or disagree with the author, you can include them here. Make sure to include the author and the title of the text (s).

Conclusion

Your conclusion does not have to be elaborate, it should encapsulate the main ideas as put forth in the original source.

Make sure you write it in MLA format and include a Works Cited Page. See guidelines in Moodle for drafting Works Cited Page