Writing an Analytical Text Summary

  An analytical text summary is a description of an article,

book, passage, or other reading that is written in your own words. In Units 6-8 of this course, you will write a paragraph summary for the different passages located in the text. To write a text summary, follow these guidelines:

  In the first sentence, identify the main idea of the passage In the body of the paragraph (could be from 3-5

sentences), explain the details that support the main idea (the supporting details).

In the last sentence, include a concluding sentence that reviews the ideas supplied in the rest of the paragraph.

Why does Kaplan want you to do these things in a specific manner?

In this course you are supposed to be learning, not only reading skills, but how to use an online classroom. In later classes you will have to know how to download forms, how to type into, save, and upload MS Word documents, and how to follow specific instructions on how to do assignments. This project is good practice for all those skills.

IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO DOWNLOAD A FORM OR SAVE A MS WORD DOCUMENT TO YOUR COMPUTER OR UPLOAD TO THE DROPBOX BASKETS:

#1 Look at the Virtual Tour again.#2 Contact Tech Support for help.#3 Look for tutorial help in the Writing Center.

Taking Notes on Dates & Events Patterns

When taking notes on reading that involves dates and events, it is critical to include the following:

1.The main idea.2.The dates and events used to develop the

main idea.3.Any other supporting details that may lack

dates, but still appear important/essential to developing and understanding the main idea.

A great method to use when taking notes

on dates and events patterns is to create

a timeline or chronology of events. There

is a great example in the textbook on

page 440!

Time Order: ExampleThe first successful blood transfusion was performed

in the seventeenth century, but the practice was outlawed because of the dangers it posed to the patient. The practice was revived in the nineteenth century, but it was accompanied by terrible risks, like blood clots and kidney failure. Austrian-born Karl Lansteiner however had a theory. He argued that the blood of humans had inborn differences and similarities. The key was to understand both the differences and the similarities. Once they were understood the risks of blood transfusions might be eliminated. To that end, he analyzed numerous blood samples. By 1901, he had classified blood donors into three different categories called A,B and O. (AB was added in 1901. Following that discovery, the transfusion of blood became a relatively safe procedure.

Taking Notes: Using a Timeline –Blood Transfusion Become a Fairly Safe Procedure. 17th Century First successful blood transfusion Practice Outlawed because of its danger 19th Century Practice revived Karl Landsteiner analyzed blood samples 1901 Blood classified as A, B and O 1902 AB added Transfusions Relatively Safe

Process PatternsA process pattern of development is used to tell readers how something works, happens, or develops. This pattern of development is popular in science and business textbooks.

Taking Notes on Process Patterns

When taking notes on reading that involves process patterns, it is essential to include the following:

1.The main idea.2.The specific steps in the process.3.The order in which these steps are presented. 4.Any specialized vocabulary used to describe the

steps or stages, along with the specific definitions!

Flow charts are often used to accompany information containing process patterns.

Step by Step Process of Painting a House

Paint second coat if needed

Assess the house

Scrape loose paint

Paint house

Allow appropriate drying time

Gather supplies:

Scrapers, ladder, tarp, paint, paint brushes, sprayers (if using)

Process Order: Example OneA volcanic eruption begins when lava

becomes charged with steam and gas. The lava then shoots upward and falls back to earth in fragments of stone. In the next stage, the lava in the volcano’s center builds up and flows over the rim. At this point, the volcano’s eruption is at it’s crisis point. After a final massive explosion of lava, the volcano begins to cool. During the cooling stage, it emits gases and vapors. Eventually, the last traces of heat disappears, and cold springs may appear around the volcano.

Graphic Organizer for Example One

Volcanic Eruptions

Lava chargedwith gas and

steam

Lava flows Over rim

Cooling stage – Heat disappears

Lava shoots upward with

stone fragments

Final massive flowOf lava

Cold springs May appear

Eruption of a Volcano

Lava shoots

upward

Lava falls back to earth in fragments of stone

Volcano’s eruption is at its crisis

Lava becomes charged with steam and gas

Final massive explosion of lava

Lava in the volcano’s center builds up and flows over the rim

Network Tree Diagram

Emits gases and vapors

Volcano begins to cool

Followed by appearances of hot springs and geysers

Cold springs may appear.

Process Order: Example TwoThe eggs of the king salmon hatch in

freshwater streams; within a year after hatching, however, the young salmon head out to sea. During their journey, many are killed. Only a small portion of the salmon actually reaches the sea. Those that do, stay for 4 to 6 years, then they return to the river in which they were hatched. When they reach that river, they lay thousands of eggs. Once the eggs are laid, life is over for the salmon. Slowly, they float downstream with their tails forward, and within days, they are dead.

Process Diagram for Example Two

Eggs Hatch

Salmon swim to Sea

Eggs laid

Salmon dies

Salmon swim to River