Short Discussion

As we read this week, take notes on the essay. Make a note every time you see a new point made, a new example given. For the Discussion this week, you will be asked to summarize the article.

Writing the summary

State what the terms of the argument are before you can argue whether one side or the other is right. Remember that a summary is an objective restatement of someone else’s argument.

This means you should not use first person pronouns in a summary. State everything objectively. When we write about texts, the texts exist in the present tense.

This means we write that the author argues, suggests, complains etc. Notice that these verbs are precise. The author is not talking, and the article does not “talk about” anything. Use present tense, precise verbs in a summary.

Lastly, try to organize your summary based on the hierarchy of information.

Your first sentence should also include the author’s name and the title of the essay. From there, you should give your reader the major supporting points. Remember that you are not picking a side in a summary; you are objectively restating the author’s argument.

For Discussion 5, write a two paragraph summary of this week’s reading assignment. Include the author’s name, essay title, and claim in your first sentence. Use present tense, precise verbs throughout, and avoid the use of first person pronouns.