Purpose Writing a summary of another argument is a first step toward joining an

Purpose
Writing a summary of another argument is a first step toward joining an academic conversation and finding our voice within it. Writing a summary encourages us to understand another point of view fully and describe it precisely so others can understand.
Writing Task
Write a detailed and accurate summary of the text you choose. The argument can be an opinion piece from a credible newspaper or a magazine. I recommend using the Opposing Viewpoints in Context Links to an external site.on LAVC Library database or Academic OneFile.
Include the article you summarized as an attachment.
Requirements:
The summary should be at least 2 pages long.
Describe the key ideas discussed in the argument, including the main claim, key reasons, counterarguments, rebuttals, and limits.
Focus on the author’s ideas without giving your opinion.
Choose phrases like “Alsultany argues…” throughout to show the writer’s purpose at each point.
Write most of the summary in your own words, but consider using the occasional direct quote where the original word choice is critical.
The introductory paragraph should include the title of the argument, the author’s full name, and the argument’s main claim.
Use MLA format for in-text citations whether paraphrased or quoted. You do not need to do a Works Cited page for this assignment.
Suggestions for the Writing Process
Read or reread the chapters. Chapter 2: Reading to Figure out the ArgumentLinks to an external site. and Chapter 3: Writing a Summary of Another Writer’s ArgumentLinks to an external site. are meant to guide you through the steps of this assignment. They include examples of summary writing and suggested sample phrases.
Read one or more sample summariesLinks to an external site. to get an idea of what you are aiming at.
Reread the argument you have chosen and make notes as you go on its claims, reasons, counterarguments, rebuttals, and limits.
Make an argument map and/or answer the brainstorming questions. Note: Making an argument map can be helpful, but it can be tricky, especially if you are summarizing a complex longer argument. If you are getting stuck working on the map, the brainstorming questions will also help you think about the structure of the argument.
Write a draft.
Seek feedback from a tutor, classmate, friend, or teacher.
Revise the content.
Proofread for grammar and punctuation.
Essay assignment created by Natalie Peterkin, edited by Anna Mills, and offered under a CC BY-NC licenseLinks to an external site..
Rubric
Summary Essay Rubric
Summary Essay Rubric
CriteriaRatings
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe introduction mentions the author and title of the argument summarized.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe introduction describes the main claim of the argument summarized.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe summary presents the key ideas of the chapter, leaving out nothing important.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe summary represents the argument’s claim, reasons, and handling of counterarguments accurately.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe summary introduces ideas with well-chosen phrases like “Alsultany argues…” to show the writer’s purpose at each point.
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDoes each paragraph focus on one central idea, supporting it with specifics and explanation?
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDo the sentences follow the major conventions of Standard English, including grammar, word choice, and punctuation?
Full Marks
No Marks
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDoes the essay meet the length and MLA formatting requirements?
Full Marks
No Marks
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