G O O D H O P E E L E M E N TA RY

SUMMARIZING EXPOSITORY TEXT

• Writing a summary of an expository text is an authentic writing task that follows the reading of the text. An effective summary of an expository text is an accurate, concise restatement of the text’s main ideas and important details. A summary should be paraphrased or written in one’s own words—not copied verbatim (word for word) from the original text.

In order to do this properly, one must:

• Carefully read the text (preferably more than once) • Determine the topic• Identify the overall text structure being used by

the author (concept and definition, sequence, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and/or problem and solution) Look for signal words to help you with this

• Draw or select the most appropriate graphic organizer, then record ONLY key ideas and details

GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS

• See handout.

Remember, graphic organizers aren’t always going to look the same. What you need to remember is the purpose for each one.

Once you’ve completed your graphic organizer, it’s time to start drafting.

General outlines to follow:-Adhere to the writing process (prewrite, draft, revise, edit, publish)-Your summary should be approximately 1/3 length of the text being summarized-Always flash back to your graphic organizer when you’re feeling a little lost

DRAFTING

• Step #1: Begin with a clear and concise topic sentence that reflects the overall meaning of the original text.

What does this mean? A summary of an expository text typically opens with a topic sentence that explains what the text is about and suggests the contents of the summary. A summary usually does not begin with a traditional introduction.

• Step #2 Includes all the main ideas and important supporting details in the body of the summary.

What does this mean? A summary of an expository text distinguishes the important from the less important information in the text.

• Step #3 Does not repeat any information.

What does this mean? Surprise! A standard conclusion is not needed in a summary of an expository text. A simple concluding statement might be more appropriate.

• Step #4 Does not include any trivial or unimportant information.

What does this mean? Simple. Leave out all the fluff. You’re only including key ideas and details.

• Step #5 Use purposeful and precise words to suggest a category, rather than listing all the examples or details in the original text.

What does this mean? For example, if summarizing a passage about sports, use the word exercising, instead of listing all the different actions, such as biking, jogging, and weightlifting. Or use the word equipment, rather than listing all the exercise items, such as a bike, running shoes, mats, and weights.

REVISING

• Has an appropriate thesis statement• Make sure the writing is appropriate for your intended

audience• Look for ways to make your writing even more concise

without omitting any key ideas or details• Make sure writing stays on topic• Is written in 3rd person• Uses transition words and phrases in a way that makes

sense• Mention the author’s name, if provided• Ends with an appropriate concluding statement

EDITING

• Check all sentences for correct capitalization and punctuation• Make sure subjects and verbs agree• Check spelling

PUBLISH

• Type your summary in Pages, or rewrite in your finest printing• Include graphs, charts, or any other visual aids if

necessary• Be prepared to share your summary with others

LET’S LOOK AT AN EXAMPLE

Chemical and Noise Pollution

Many types of pollution affect whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The differences between noise pollution and chemical pollution are vast, but they have similar effects on these marine animals. Chemical pollution may cause disease and destroy food supplies and natural habitats. Some chemicals are so toxic that they may even cause death. Chemical pollutants hurt marine animals by accumulating in the body tissue while they are feeding and are passed on through mother’s milk. Most affected are those who are found along coastlines and feed on other animals in the food chain that may also have been affected by the chemical pollution.

Noise pollution in the form of underwater blasts from military sonar or seismic testing can travel more than 60 miles. These loud noises are more damaging to whales, porpoises, and dolphins than previously thought. Research suggests that seismic blasts can kill marine animals that are too close. In addition, some blasts have been documented to cause lung and sinus hemorrhages, disease, or maybe even death of the marine animal. Perhaps the most documented detriment of noise pollution is the interruption of the marine animal’s sonar capabilities. This interference threatens the marine animals’ survival. Although noise and chemical pollution are very different, they are similar in nature because both harm the health and well being of ocean dwellers.

• The topic is “pollution in the ocean and how is harms ocean life”• Clearly this is an example of compare/contrast

text structure. I would use a venn diagram to record similarities and differences of the two different types of pollution.

• *Complete a Venn Diagram with your teacher highlighting the key details.

ANNOTATED SUMMARY

Noise and Chemical pollution in our oceans pose serious problems for marine life [Thesis]. Chemical pollution disrupts the natural food chain and can destroy ocean habitats across entire oceans [para. 1]. When reproducing, babies are also effected through consumption of their mother’s milk [para. 1]. On the other hand, noise pollution harms animals only within a certain radius of the blast [para. 2]. The blast could cause hemorrhaging and damage to animals’ sonar capabilities [para. 2]. Clearly, some human activity is having tremendous negative effects on ocean animals each and every day [concluding statement].

PUBLISH

• Noise and Chemical pollution in our oceans pose serious problems for marine life. Chemical pollution disrupts the natural food chain and can destroy ocean habitats across entire oceans. When reproducing, babies are also effected through consumption of their mother’s milk. On the other hand, noise pollution harms animals only within a certain radius of the blast. The blast could cause hemorrhaging and damage to animals’ sonar capabilities. Clearly, some human activity is having tremendous negative effects on ocean animals each and every day.