Assignment:
Informational writing presents facts, explains ideas, or describes events. It is objective, focused on clarity, and includes no personal opinions. This lesson helps you summarize factual content from a news source.
Be sure to submit both the chart AND the article summary to receive full points for this assignment.
Instructions: Summarizing a News Article
Choose a current news article (500-800 words).
READ! -- IMPORTANT: Be sure to select a news article, NOT a new editorial. News articles present only facts, i.e. information that is clearly verifiable. News editorials present information from a distinct point of view, i.e. the tone and language of the article show bias toward a specific point of view.
Most social media content or podcasts that talk about the news are editorials. This isn't bad, but it is biased and bias must be acknowledged. The easiest way to distinguish between news articles and news editorials is if you agree or disagree with the information. When you find yourself agreeing or disagreeing, it's probably news editorials, not news articles. You can't agree or disagree with facts. Facts are provable, documented. Facts happened. What you think about facts is analysis and that's a different kind of writing we learn more about later in this module.
Read and annotate the main idea, supporting facts, and significant quotes in a graphic organizer. (See chart below)
Graphic Organizer: Summary Breakdown
Section Notes/Content Title/Author(s) Date/Source Main Idea Supporting Facts (3) Significant Quotes
Write and submit a 1-paragraph summary (5-7 sentences) including:
The article's topic
The main point or argument
2-3 supporting details
Author/source and date
Neutral tone
Model Summary
In "U.S. Scientists Release Climate Report" (New York Times, April 15, 2025), journalist Jane Doe outlines the key findings of a government climate analysis. The report warns of rising global temperatures and links them to increased wildfires and hurricanes. Scientists urge immediate policy changes. The article includes data from NOAA and expert quotes. The tone of the article aims to inform the public without advocating specific political action. Need Assignment Help?