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How to summarize

A model summary
In Forgiveness, June Callwood explores forgiveness in two
main parts. The first section offers readers reasons not to
forgive. She begins by providing examples of people who refuse
to apologize. Because these people have suffered extreme pain,
Callwood seems to suggest that their refusal to forgive is
understandable. Then, she suggests that some apologies are
actually meaningless, while others may even be unethical if they
condone evil acts. Callwood also presents two strong reasons in
favour of forgiveness. First, she offers evidence that claims
forgiveness is actually good for peoples health. Finally,
Callwood suggests that overcoming the desire for revenge can
be profoundly inspiring for others. She supports this idea with
examples of people who have forgiven terrible atrocities.
Although Callwood makes clear that forgiveness is not easy, her
conclusion seems to suggest that it is worth the trouble.
Step 1: Identify key details
Begin with the title of the text, the authors name, and a statement of the main focus
and (if possible) organizational structure

In Forgiveness, June Callwood explores forgiveness in two main parts.

Note #1: The title appears first, then the authors full name. If you want to identify the
type of text, the patterns remains the same:

In her short essay Forgiveness, June Callwood explores...

Note #2: Pay particular attention to the verb that describes the authors purpose. It
should be specific and accurate. In this case, the author looks at both sides of an
issues, so explores is more accurate than, say, argues.
Step 2: Present the first main supporting point
Dont rush. Use 2-3 sentences to explain how this point relates to and/or supports the
main idea. If possible, indicate where it fits into the organizational structure. Although
specific details are not necessary here, the logic of the point does need to be clear.

The first section offers readers reasons not to forgive. She begins by providing
examples of people who refuse to apologize. Because these people have
suffered extreme pain, Callwood seems to suggest that their refusal to forgive is
understandable. Then, she suggests that some apologies are actually
meaningless, while others may even be unethical if they condone evil acts.

Note #1: Ordinal numbers help to establish the authors organizational structure.

The first section...

Note #2: Transitional words can also indicate the progression of ideas

Then, she suggests...

Note #3: Although the text has already been written, we refer to it as if it exists in the
present. Note that the verbs above are all in the present tense:

offers... begins... seems to suggest...


Step 3: Explain any additional supporting points
As above, make clear what the author is saying here and how it relates to the main
focus or argument of the text. Use a similar structure and development style to the
first main point, and indicate whether these additional points emphasize, contradict, or
complicate other supporting points.

Callwood also presents two strong reasons in favour of forgiveness. First, she
offers evidence that claims forgiveness is actually good for peoples health.
Finally, Callwood suggests that overcoming the desire for revenge can be
profoundly inspiring for others. She supports this idea with examples of people
who have forgiven terrible atrocities.

Note #1: Once you have identified the author by her full name in the introductory
sentence, you can simply refer to her by last name. Never refer to her by only her first
name. Vary your reference to the author by alternating between proper name and
pronoun. The phrase the author is unnecessarily vague if you know her name.

Callwood...she...Callwood...she

Note #2: Add depth, accuracy, and clarity to your summary with transitional words
that help the reader to understand the relationship between the authors main points

Also...first...actually...finally...
Step 4: State the authors conclusion
Tell the reader what they should take-away from the article. Try to avoid simply
repeating the main idea from the first sentence.

Although Callwood makes clear that forgiveness is not easy, her conclusion
seems to suggest that it is worth the trouble.

Note #1: Indicate that youre wrapping up by naming the article or identifying the
author by name.

Although Callwood makes clear...

Note #2: Use key words to signal the ending of your summary.

Her conclusion...
How not to paraphrase
Original
They allow developing countries to expand their exports and
consequently to improve their economies.

Plagiarism wording is almost identical


Sweat-shops permit developing nations to increase their exports and
so improve their economies.

Basic paraphrase still follows too closely


Sweat-shops can have several benefits, including allowing developing
nations to improve their economies by increasing their exports.

Improved?
Original
Workers (usually women) choose to work in sweatshops because they are
often the only means by which women can further their own ends. By working
in a sweatshop, women make a small income, learn about business practices,
and benefit from the improved social and economic conditions that come
with economic growth.

Plagiarism wording is almost identical


Workers in those countries choose to work in sweatshops in order to improve
their lives by making a small income and learning about employeremployee
relations.

Basic paraphrase still follows too closely


People who decide to work in sweatshops do improve their lives by gaining a
small income, learning about business relations, and benefiting from the
improved standard of living that is part of economic advancement.

Improved?
Original
Arnold and Hartman explain that as the economy grows, more jobs are
created, so the labour market tightens, and companies are forced to
improve their working conditions in order to attract employees (23).

Plagiarism wording is almost identical


In addition, successful sweatshops increase the demand for workers,
and as the labour market tightens, companies are forced to improve
conditions in order to attract workers.

Basic paraphrase still follows too closely


An improved economy creates more jobs, thereby forcing companies
to compete for workers by improving wages and conditions.

Improved?

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