Chapter 4 (The Informed Writer) Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the primary function of a summary?
To reproduce another writer’s essential ideas in shortened form without distorting meaning.
How does a summary differ from a paraphrase?
Summary omits less important details and aims for compactness; paraphrase retains all original nuances.
What must one do before writing a summary?
Read the full text attentively to grasp its structure, vocabulary, and core arguments.
What is required when using the original author’s words in a summary?
Use quotation marks unless the summary is a standalone piece with proper citation.
What are the five canonical steps in summary writing?
(1) Read deeply, (2) Select material, (3) Choose summary type, (4) Write coherently, (5) Cite source.
What distinguishes an informative summary from a descriptive summary?
Informative conveys content directly; descriptive outlines the text’s structure and tone.
What is the ‘selection and deletion’ method of summarizing?
Emphasize central points by retaining keywords and eliminating digressions, examples, and repetitions.
What is the ‘note-taking’ method in summary practice?
Outline key ideas per paragraph to reveal the logical progression of thought.
Define the ‘miniaturizing’ method of summarization.
Constructing a scaled-down version that mirrors the original structure and flow proportionally.
Why is coherence vital in a summary?
Without clear transitions and structure, the summary devolves into disconnected fragments aka “word salad”
What governs the appropriate length of a summary?
The original’s density, summary’s purpose, and required clarity for audience.
What is the moral imperative in summary writing regarding attribution?
To omit source acknowledgment is to commit plagiarism.
When is summary preferred over paraphrase in academic writing?
When only essential ideas are needed to advance an argument.
