1. ASManager2_6.zip Driver
2. K_SUMMAR.txt File Contents

K_SUMMAR.txt Driver File Contents (ASManager2_6.zip)

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"Summarize" Essay Questions

Essay questions will sometimes ask you to summarize something. Questions that ask you to review are asking for a similar answer. Summarize or review means to give the main points in a condensed form. Your organization should be step-by-step. You should not dwell on small details.

Summarize the digestive process.

Summarize the events leading up to World War I.

Summarize the character traits of Jim in the novel Lord Jim.

Strategy

The clustering method used in "describe" essay questions can be used here. Take the cluster one step further and select only the major ideas to include in your summary. Start by listing (brainstorming) everything you know about the subject.

"Summarize" (or "Review") Essay Question

Summarize the ways in which humans have caused some species to become endangered.

Topic: Ways in which humans have endangered species of animals.

Ideas

1. We poison insects that are food for other animals.

2. We cause plants to become extinct, which destroys some animals' food sources.

3. We build homes and farms on animals' habitats.

4. We cut down forests.

5. We crowd into their territory; animals quit bearing young if people are too near.

6. We release chemicals that poison food supplies into the air and water.

7. Rain washes poisons that we improperly dispose of into the rivers.

8. We let sheep eat the grass so close to the ground that the grass won't grow back.

9. We brought rats and mongooses to Hawaii by sailing ships and they ate the eggs of groundnesting birds.

10. We use snakeskins to make boots, belts, and purses.

11. We sell rhino horns for $6,000 a pound.

12. We use whales for fertilizer and dog food.

13. We take exotic birds for pets.

Now it should be easier to answer the question.

Step 1

Rephrase and incorporate the question into your topic sentence.

I will summarize the ways in which man has endangered the survival of many species of animals.

Step 2

Look at your list of information and select the main topics. Keep the others to illustrate your ideas. The main ideas seem to be destruction of habitat through farming, lumbering, and housing; the use of animals for clothing, decoration, and pets; destruction of the food supplies by poisoning, removing them, or making them inaccessible. These key ideas can form topic sentences for several brief paragraphs.

First paragraph topic sentence: Animal habitat is being destroyed by man through creation of farms, lumbering of forests, and building of houses.

Second paragraph topic sentence: Animal skins, furs, other body parts, and the animals themselves are purchased by people.

Third paragraph topic sentence: Destruction of animal food supplies through poisoning, harvesting, and removal has resulted in the deaths of many animals.

Step 3

Now go back and fill out the thoughts in your topic sentences. Use a few examples from your brainstormed list. You should then have the three major points described and illustrated.

Step 4

Write a summary sentence or paragraph.

As people demand more and more living space, agricultural space, natural resources, and decorative items, greater numbers of animals will be forced out of their habitat, starved, hunted, and eventually made extinct.

Make a list of ideas about each topic below. Then choose the main two or three main ideas and write topic sentences for paragraphs that will answer the essay question.

Summarize the process of falling in love.

Topic: Falling in love

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Summarize the most effective way to swat a fly.

Topic: Fly swatting

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Summarize the most interesting book you have read in the past year.

Topic: Book

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Summarize the most significant political events which have affected your life.

Topic: Political events

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Name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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Choose one of the essay questions and write a summarize essay answer for it.

1. Type your chosen topic here.

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2. Scroll up and copy your list of supporting ideas down to this space.

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3. Select the two or three main ideas from your list. Form them into topic sentences for paragraphs which will answer your essay question. Type them below.

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4. Now complete your essay by writing the paragraphs. Be sure to avoid writing about minor details. Remember these important tips.

a) Include the question in the topic sentence at the very beginning.

b) Organize your ideas so they follow each other logically.

c) Provide enough details and examples to make your answer interesting and original.

d) Make sure each detail or example relates to the topic.

e) Write an interesting summary or completing statement.

"Summarize" Essay

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Retype or copy your essay answer in the space below. Then share the essay with a friend or with your writing support group and make revisions. Think about the following questions.

1. How clearly do you state the purpose of your essay?

2. How orderly is your presentation?

3. Do you present interesting examples?

4. Do the examples relate to the main topic?

5. Is your closing statement a good summary?

Revised "Summarize" Essay

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If you haven't done so already, name and save this file now. (Press ctrl+S, type a name for the file, and press enter.)

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