Source Summary Prewriting
Include specific information as it pertains to your chosen source below.
Theme: (Choose: Education, Technology, Family, Health and Wellness.)
Topic: (Choose one of the Course Project topics listed under the column for each theme.)
Title: (List the title and what the title tells you about the point of view of the author.)
Intended audience: (Based on what you can tell about the publication, who do you think is the intended audience?)
Writer background: (What kind of authority does the author have to write on the topic?)
Writer's angle: (Write one to two sentences on whether the topic presents an arguable claim. Is there more than one side?)
Part 1: The one-sentence summary
In your own words and in just one sentence, summarize the overall main point of the source.
Frame your summary using a signal phrase. See Chapter 26, pp. 496-500 for examples. The signal phrase indicates to a reader that you are preparing to introduce source information.
Part 2: The one-paragraph summary
Using the same source, write a full-paragraph summary in your own words. In this version, state the main point but also key supporting points that are used in the source material. Use a signal phrase to present the source. In the paragraph, you can emphasize a key point that the author makes. You can also rephrase the main point of the source material in simpler terms. Do not add your opinion or reactions.
Part 3: The multiple-paragraph summary
Using the same source, in your own words write two to three paragraphs to state the main point and supporting points. In this version, you may use selective quoting, additional paraphrase, and in-text citations for any quoted material. Note the way the source material is organized for ideas on how to divide the paragraphs of your summary. Do not add your opinions or reactions.
Part 4: Your reaction
In this section, provide your positive or critical reader reaction to your source. The purpose is to respond directly to the published issue, story, or opinion. Your reactions should be specific, precise, and well-supported. State your purpose, which is typically to agree, disagree, analyze, interpret, or clarify an idea in the original (i.e., "I agree with [topic/issue/author] because..." OR "I do not agree with [topic/issue/author] because..."). Avoid errors in logic and monitor your tone to avoid seeming biased in your presentation of the information.
Use the bullets below as considerations to further develop your reaction section:
• Is the author persuasive in arguing the main point?
• How does the publication meet the needs of the intended audience?
• Do you trust the author(s)? Why or why not?
• Are there statements of fact and specific examples? Are these persuasive?
• Do you detect any appeal to your emotions such as fear, anger, or contentment?
• How is the document designed? Does it use headings? Does it use graphics? Are these effective?
Part 5: References
Type the APA Reference information for your source at the end of your assignment. Refer to the APA formatting information in the syllabus and resources in Doc Sharing. Points will be deducted for APA formatting this week because the Reference citation already models correct APA citation format for you.