Summary and Analysis
English 1101
Writing Assignment 1: Journal Article Summary and Analysis
Purpose – Ensure You Understand What “They Say” and How to Conduct a Thorough Analysis: Recall that a summary requires you to both completely and concisely (that is, you address ALL the important points made by the author of the original piece and that you do so in a condensed way) as well as in your own words (that is, you take the language of the original and re-state it in your own, unique way) provide your reader with the main ideas of a longer text (film, essay, book, lecture, etc.). In doing so, you not only demonstrate your familiarity with what “they say,” but you also establish ethos with your reader, suggesting to him or her that you are capable of understanding and, by extension, entering into a unique conversation with, another’s ideas.
Remember you are to be objective in your summary, but you can be more subjective in your analysis.
Your Assignment: In class, choose an article on Galileo (that is peer-reviewed and between 10 and 15 pages in length) related to either the Serial podcast, the Adnan Syed case, or the OJ Simpson trial; then cite this article in MLA and actively read the article. Next provide the reader with a summary of the main ideas found in this article. This should be free of direct quotes and should be written in your own words. The summary must be both complete and concise. Remember to make frequent references to the author’s name and to use strong verbs to create an “active” summary. Then you will compose a thorough and concise analysis of the article (see the Ask The Right Questions section below for details on what to include in this section).
Reminders:
· Be concise AND complete
· Avoid “listing” the author’s points (use those action verbs)
· Begin with the author’s ethos
· Avoid simple verbs like "says" or "writes.” Use the template provided (if necessary) and action verbs as you write your summary to make the author's writing come alive.
· Proofread for grammar – over 5 major grammar errors will not earn a passing grade.
The Writing Center: You are required to visit the writing center at least ONCE before submitting this assignment. Be prepared for your appointment with this printed assignment sheet as well as your printed draft/outline. Do not go empty handed! Carefully consider the assignment as well as your writing and have specific questions ready to ask.
Tutor Name & Signature: ____________________________________
Date Attended Writing Center: ___________________________________
Deconstructing a Journal Article
Step 1:
Find article (always double check the parameters set forth by your instructor). Save the article. Read the article. Get a general idea of it.
Step 2:
Make a plan. How are you going to take notes? What things are you looking for? Remember the body parts and sections.
Step 3:
Read the article again. Turn each paragraph into a sentence or two that captures the main ideas. Cite any quotes that you might want to use later in your essay.
Step 4:
Compile your sentences into an outline.
Step 5:
Read your outline and make sure it reflects the article.
Step 6:
Then, turn your outline into a summary and add a thorough analysis.
Remember: A summary is not a restatement of the entire article.
NOW FOR THE ANALYSIS:
To analyze you must read closely. Ask the right questions:
· Who is the author and what qualifies them to make their argument?
· When was the article written and for what kind of audience?
· What was the purpose of the article?
· What is the thesis and how is the thesis proven?
· Is there any data presented?
· Are there any holes in the argument?
· Is it convincing?
· Do you need more information to understand it?
· Is it written with too much jargon?
· What evidence from the article seemed most/least convincing and why? Bring in examples from the text to support your points.
· How does the source change your thinking on the topic?
· What do you understand better now that you have read this source?
· After reading this article, what other possibilities for research do you think exist regarding this topic?
Combine your responses to these (and/or other) analysis questions into a cohesive and thoughtful paragraph.
Sample Outline
Article Title: “Beyond Organic”
Author: Eliot Coleman, organic farmer for 40 years, researcher and writer
Audience: General public Why?: The language used, the broad definitions, the journal
Purpose: Bring awareness to issues about organic farming
Thesis: the term “organic” has been co-opted by big agriculture and therefore a new term—the author suggests “authentic”—needs to be used to indicate what used to be considered organic farming.
**It’s essentially an introduction to the topic and controversy involved with organic farming merging with big agriculture.
Topic 1: Background history about the author’s experience as an organic farmer and what the term used to mean.
Topic 2: Background about how organic farming came to be. “Their goals were to grow the most nutritious food possible” (2).
Topic 3: How organic farming is changing, how the author’s beliefs diverge from the “food giants” that are taking over the organic farming label.
Topic 4: Some potential issues involved with the USDA taking over the organic farming label. “the new standards are based on what not to do rather than what to do” (2).
Topic 5: The author thinks the term “organic” no longer means what it used to. He suggests that those who still grow food locally and responsibly label their food “authentic” instead”
Topic 6: The author then lays out a list of 11 standards that should be met in order to be labeled “authentic.”
***Once your outline is finished, jot down some notes in response to the analysis questions. Then write up the summary and analysis in separate paragraphs and your first writing assignment will be complete. Remember that you can use this assignment again in the annotated bibliography, so do your best work.
Writing Center:
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By appointment: https://ung.mywconline.com/