Paper: Summarize, Quote, Critique, 750-1000 words)
Choose one of the readings we discuss during the next several weeks. In the first part of your paper, write an extended summary of this reading (300-400 words)
Then, in the same paper, follow up your summary with your critique of her arguments. Your critique should focus on the essay's strengths or weakness as an argument (rather than on whether or not the author agrees with you.) In other words, simply pointing out that you agree with her (or disagree with her) is not a critique unless you also indicate WHY you agree or disagree with her. What in her argument is flawed or what is particularly well argued and why?
In your summary section, you should not quote at all. You should be able to state her argument in your own words. In the critique section, however, make sure you include at least two quotations, and make sure you "sandwich" them properly, as described in Chapter 3 of They Say, I Say.
Whether you are summarizing or critiquing, make sure you use synonyms for "say." Use at least five different verbs listed in pages 38-39. Be sure you know what they mean so you can use them correctly!
In addition to the general writing criteria that is applicable to all of the papers in this course (introduction and conclusions, focus, audience, thesis, organization, development, language, grammar and mechanics, proper citation of outside sources ), this paper will be graded on the following criteria:
For the summary portion
- Accuracy of your summary. In other words, did you understand the main points the author was trying to make? This is the most important criterion.
- The objectivity of your summary. Make sure you give the writer a fair hearing, even if you disagree with her.
- Ability to distinguish between the main points and supporting or minor points of the text. Your summary should include ALL of the main points and ONLY the main points.
- The ability to summarize the contents in your own words.
For the critique portion:
- Clear statement of argument's strength and weaknesses
- Clearly stated support for why you consider the argument strong or weak
- Evidence that you have read and considered the argument carefully (rather than skimming and making assumptions
This assignment connects to these University Outcomes of Writing: Relate content to an audience, to develop and organize material, to construct fluent sentences using standard grammar, mechanics and references.
For a more detailed assignment description and the grading rubric, please see Blackboard.