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SUMMARY EXERCISE (practice – not for final grade)

Read the article below "Students brave angry elephants in Africa" and write a summary of about 150 words.

Presentation:

Instructions:

1. Read carefully the article "Students brave angry elephants in Africa" .

2. Write a list, in brief sentences, of its main points. Include this before the summary.

3. Write a one-paragraph summary of about 150 words:

· The summary should be in your own words

· Mention the source and title of the article and the overall topic in the first sentence

· You may include brief quotations from the article (in quotation marks) if you wish.

· You can add a few of the more important details if you have space.

· The content does not have to be in the same order, but the development must be logical.

4. Give the word count at the end.

The summary will be assessed according to the following:

Content:

Inclusion of major points and choice of any supporting details

Clear and logical development, with connectors as necessary

Balanced representation of the original article

Clarity for the reader; no unanswered questions

Language:

Appropriate level of formality reflecting that of the original

Use of correct grammar and punctuation

Varied vocabulary with avoidance of repetition

Students brave angry elephants in Africa

Gulf News, 31 October 1990

Four students from the Dubai Men's Higher College of Technology have successfully completed a series of community projects in Africa under the "Operation Raleigh" youth programme.

They braved marauding elephants and bush fires during a 10-week mission to Zimbabwe and Botswana in southern Africa to carry out a variety of tasks benefiting isolated villagers in the region. The 'Venturers' – as participants in Operation Raleigh are known - were part of separate groups at base camps scattered along the valley of the Zambesi River, one of Africa's longest, which feeds the famous Victoria Falls.

Operation Raleigh was established in 1984 to provide opportunities for young people to take part in expeditions designed to increase their leadership ability and sense of service. It was inspired by the Prince of Wales who felt that youth should be stimulated by constructive challenge. So far, Operation Raleigh has had 4,000 participants from different cultures and backgrounds in 40 countries.

Matar Rashed Al Suweidi, 19, who is studying engineering technology, traveled with his group to the newly created Mavuradonna Wilderness Area, two hours north of Zimbabwe's capital Harare. Here his group conducted a survey establishing the route of an electric fence to prevent elephants destroying the crops of local villagers. In apparent protest at this encroachment of their territory, 40 elephants entered the camp area one night and had to be vigorously shooed away by the startled fencers.

The group also constructed bashas – small huts – for visitors to stay in as part of a scheme to encourage tourism in the area. Matar said they emerged from the experience as skilled thatchers and craftsmen who could construct roofs of reed or straw.

Saeed Mohammed Mattar, also 19 and an electronics student at the Dubai Men's College, joined a group which conducted a dental survey in 13 villages and taught oral hygiene techniques to the local population. Saeed said the villagers were so impressed by their visitors that after the dental lessons, they wanted to know"everything else under the sun."

His group also worked on the re-opening of old bush routes. Whilst engaged in the clearing they were faced with a fire – believed to have been started by hunters – that burned for two days along an eight kilometre front. The Raleigh team managed to put it out, making do with only 45 minutes' sleep throughout.

The other two students, Jamal Zaal Mohammed, 18, studying electronics and Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, 18 and also an electronics student, were involved in projects including the construction of a meeting hall and a medical consulting room.

Despite the hard work the four did find time for recreational activities. These included canoeing – using local Makoros dug-out boats – and traditional dancing. (446 words)