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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

1. 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. 
      
2. 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        
    
3. 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.