Summarizing

1
Summarizing Paragraphs
Developed by Professor Jean Van Meter
2
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease
are potentially dangerous diseases carried by
ticks. Recently, a new virus, West Nile Virus,
which is carried by mosquitoes, has been added to
the dangers of walking in bushy, grassy areas.
If you are planning to go into the woods or to
be near grassy areas, you should take special
precautions to avoid insect bites. First, pay
particular attention to how you are dressed.
Wear khaki clothing, if possible, because it is a
pale color that does not attract insects, and it
is tightly woven to keep insects from stinging
through the material. Be sure to wear long pants
and pull socks up over the pants wear a
long-sleeved shirt, and tuck it into the pants at
the waist. Be sure to wear a hat to keep insects
out of you hair. Another precaution is to avoid
using perfume, scented lotions, (even scented
deodorant), or hair spray as insects are
attracted to fragrances. In addition, use insect
repellent. Spray not only exposed skin, but
also clothing and shoes. Finally, shower as
soon as you return from a tick-infested area. Be
especially careful to scrub your scalp and
around your hairline.
Paraphrased topic sentence ???
3
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease
are potentially dangerous diseases carried by
ticks. Recently, a new virus, West Nile Virus,
which is carried by mosquitoes, has been added to
the dangers of walking in bushy, grassy areas.
If you are planning to go into the woods or to
be near grassy areas, you should take special
precautions to avoid insect bites. First, pay
particular attention to how you are dressed.
Wear khaki clothing, if possible, because it is a
pale color that does not attract Insects, and it
is tightly woven to keep insects from stinging
through the material. Be sure to wear long pants
and pull socks up over the pants wear a
long-sleeved shirt, and tuck it into the pants at
the waist be sure to wear a hat to keep insects
out of you hair. Another precaution is to avoid
using perfume, scented lotions, (even scented
deodorant), or hair spray as insects are
attracted to fragrances. In addition, use insect
repellent. Spray not only exposed skin, but
also clothing and shoes. Finally, shower as
soon as you return from a tick-infested area. Be
especially careful to scrub your scalp and
around your hairline.
There are several things you can do to prevent
insect bites.
Major details?
4
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease
are potentially dangerous diseases carried by
ticks. Recently, a new virus, West Nile Virus,
which is carried by mosquitoes, has been added to
the dangers of walking in bushy, grassy areas.
If you are planning to go into the woods or to
be near grassy areas, you should take special
precautions to avoid insect bites. First, pay
particular attention to how you are dressed.
Wear khaki clothing, if possible, because it is a
pale color that does not attract insects, and it
is tightly woven to keep insects from stinging
through the material. Be sure to wear long pants
and pull socks up over the pants wear a
long-sleeved shirt, and tuck it into the pants at
the waist. Be sure to wear a hat to keep insects
out of you hair. Another precaution is to avoid
using perfume, scented lotions, (even scented
deodorant), or hair spray as insects are
attracted to fragrances. In addition, use insect
repellent. Spray not only exposed skin, but
also clothing and shoes. Finally, shower as
soon as you return from a tick-infested area. Be
especially careful to scrub your
scalp and around your hairline.
There are several things you can do to prevent
insect bites.
First, dress carefully. Next, dont wear
fragrances. Furthermore, use insect repellent.
Lastly, shower soon after returning from the
woods.
Minor details?
5
Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease
are potentially dangerous diseases carried by
ticks. Recently, a new virus, West Nile Virus,
which is carried by mosquitoes, has been added to
the dangers of walking in bushy, grassy areas.
If you are planning to go into the woods or to
be near grassy areas, you should take special
precautions to avoid insect bites. First, pay
particular attention to how you are dressed.
Wear khaki clothing, if possible, because it is a
pale color that does not attract insects and it
is tightly woven to keep insects from stinging
through the material. Be sure to wear long pants
and pull socks up over the pants wear a
long-sleeved shirt, and tuck it into the pants at
the waist. Be sure to wear a hat to keep
insects out of you hair. Another precaution is
to avoid using perfume, scented lotions, (even
scented deodorant), or hair spray as insects are
attracted to fragrances. In addition, use insect
repellent. Spray not only exposed skin, but
also clothing and shoes. Finally, shower as
soon as you return from a tick-infested area. Be
especially careful to scrub your scalp and
around your hairline.
cover your whole body tightly, preferably with
khaki, and wear a hat
because insects like fragrances
even on your clothes and shoes
especially your hair
6
Sample Summary
There are several things you can do to
prevent insect bites. First, dress carefully
cover your whole body tightly, preferably with
khaki, and wear a hat. Next, dont use
fragrances because insects like fragrances. In
addition, use insect repellent even on your
clothes and shoes Lastly, shower soon after
returning from the woods, especially your hair.

7
One of the most notable differences between our
planet and other planets is our atmosphere which
has components and characteristics that are
distinctive from those of other planetary
atmospheres. One characteristic is that our
atmosphere makes it possible for living things
to breathe on this planet. It supplies most of
the oxygen that animals must have to survive, as
well as the carbon dioxide needed by plants.
Another characteristic of our atmosphere is that
it serves as an insulating blanket to ameliorate
temperature extremes so the temperature is
moderate and, thus, it provides a livable
environment over most of the Earth. The
atmosphere also shields the Earth from much of
the suns ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise
would be fatal to most life forms.
Paraphrased topic sentence?
8
One of the most notable differences between our
planet and other planets is our atmosphere which
has components and characteristics that are
distinctive from those of other planetary
atmospheres. One characteristic is that our
atmosphere makes it possible for living things
to breathe on this planet. It supplies most of
the oxygen that animals must have to survive, as
well as the carbon dioxide needed by plants.
Another characteristic of our atmosphere is that
it serves as an insulating blanket to ameliorate
temperature extremes so the temperature is
moderate and, thus, it provides a livable
environment over most of the Earth. The
atmosphere also shields the Earth from much of
the suns ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise
would be fatal to most life forms.
The special atmosphere around our planet is one
of the main differences between our planet and
other planets.
Major details?
9
One of the most notable differences between our
planet and other planets is our atmosphere which
has components and characteristics that are
distinctive from those of other planetary
atmospheres. One characteristic is that our
atmosphere makes it possible for living things
to breathe on this planet. It supplies most of
the oxygen that animals must have to survive, as
well as the carbon dioxide needed by plants.
Another characteristic of our atmosphere is that
it serves as an insulating blanket to ameliorate
temperature extremes so the temperature
is moderate, and, thus, it provides a livable
environment over most of the Earth. The
atmosphere also shields the Earth from much of
the suns ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise
would be fatal to most life forms.
The special atmosphere around our planet is one
of the main differences between our planet and
other planets.
10
One of the most notable differences between our
planet and other planets is our atmosphere which
has components and characteristics that are
distinctive from those of other planetary
atmospheres. One characteristic is that our
atmosphere makes it possible for living things
to breathe on this planet. It supplies most of
the oxygen that animals must have to survive, as
well as the carbon dioxide needed by plants.
Another characteristic of our atmosphere is that
it serves as an insulating blanket to ameliorate
temperature extremes so the temperature
is moderate, and, thus, it provides a livable
environment over most of the Earth. The
atmosphere also shields the Earth from much of
the suns ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise
would be fatal to most life forms.
The special atmosphere around our planet is one
of the main differences between our planet and
other planets. Our atmosphere allows living
things to breathe. It also insulates the
Earth. Finally, it protects the Earth from
radiation from the sun.
Minor details?
11
One of the most notable differences between our
planet and other planets is our atmosphere which
has components and characteristics that are
distinctive from those of other planetary
atmospheres. One characteristic is that our
atmosphere makes it possible for living things
to breathe on this planet. It supplies most of
the oxygen that animals must have to survive, as
well as the carbon dioxide needed by plants.
Another characteristic of our atmosphere is that
it serves as an insulating blanket to ameliorate
temperature extremes so the temperature
is moderate, and, thus, it provides a livable
environment over most of the Earth. The
atmosphere also shields the Earth from much of
the suns ultraviolet radiation, which otherwise
would be fatal to most life forms.
The special atmosphere around our planet is one
of the main differences between our planet and
other planets. Our atmosphere allows living
things to breathe. It also insulates the Earth.
Finally, it protects the Earth from radiation
from the sun.
provides oxygen for animals and carbon dioxide
for plants
so the temperature is not too hot or too cold
that is lethal to living things.
12
Sample Summary
The special atmosphere around our planet is one
of the main differences between our planet and
other planets. First, it allows living things
to breathe it provides oxygen for animals and
carbon dioxide for plants. It also insulates
the Earth so the temperature is not too hot nor
too cold. Finally, it protects the Earth from
the suns lethal ultraviolet rays.
13
Summarizing Longer Readings
Developed by Professor Jean Van Meter
14
Earthquake Prediction
An earthquake is one of natures worst natural
disasters. An earthquake can result in
collapsed buildings, ruined infrastructure of
cities and towns, and thousands of deaths. If
people were able to predict earthquake
occurrences accurately, they might be able to
save lives. As a result, scientists the world
over are using several different methods to try
to predict the time and the location of
earthquakes.
15
Chinese scientists rely heavily on the idea that
abnormal animal behavior is a good predictor of
earthquakes. They claim to have successfully
predicted fifteen earthquakes by observing
increased restlessness among animals in a
particular area snakes may come out of
hibernation, ants may pick up their eggs and
move to another location, cattle and sheep may
refuse to enter a corral, and fish may jump
above the surface of the water. One explanation
is that animals are more sensitive to the small
changes in the earths magnetic field or to any
number of changes in light, color, odor, or
vibrations.
16
The United States scientists rely more on the
dilatancy theory. This theory is based on the
fact that rock under pressure and stress will
swell before it ruptures. As a result, the
seismic wave speeds and magnetic properties of
the earth will vary. Geologists are then able
to predict an earthquake when their instruments
record such changes. This method can tell that
an earthquake is about to happen, but it is
inadequate to specify the time, location or
magnitude of the quake and, therefore, cannot be
relied upon to save lives.
17
A third method relies more on seismic maps that
show the tectonic plates of the earth. By
watching the activity or shifting of the
tectonic plates, scientists are able to determine
where stress is building. Scientists have now
identified that the Pacific Ring is most
susceptible to earthquakes. Countries around the
Pacific Ocean are more likely to have
earthquakes than those around the Atlantic
Ocean. However, none of these methods of
predicting earthquakes is totally reliable which
leaves us all in the path of an unsuspecting and
deadly disaster.
Thesis Statement???
Adapted from Critical Reading Skills Applied
to Academic Fields, W. Kenneth Hamblin,
Introduction to Physical Geology
18
Earthquake Prediction
An earthquake is one of natures worst natural
disasters. An earthquake can result in
collapsed buildings, ruined infrastructure of
cities and towns, and thousands of deaths. If
people were able to predict earthquake
occurrences accurately, they might be able to
save lives. As a result, scientists around the
world are using several different methods to try
to predict when and where earthquakes may occur.
Paraphrase it!!!
19
Scientists all over the world are using different
ways to tell when and where an earthquake may
occur.
Major details???
20
Chinese scientists rely heavily on the idea that
abnormal animal behavior is a good predictor of
earthquakes. They claim to have successfully
predicted fifteen earthquakes by observing
increased restlessness among animals in a
particular area snakes may come out of
hibernation, ants may pick up their eggs and move
to another location, cattle and sheep may refuse
to enter a corral, and fish may jump above the
surface of the water. One explanation is that
animals are more sensitive to the small changes
in the earths magnetic field or to any number of
changes in light, color, odor, or vibrations.
21
The United States scientists rely more on the
dilatancy theory. This theory is based on the
fact that rock under pressure and stress will
swell before it ruptures. As a result, the
seismic wave speeds and magnetic properties of
the earth will vary. Geologists are then able
to predict an earthquake when their instruments
record such changes. This method can tell that
an earthquake is about to happen, but it is
inadequate to specify the time, location or
magnitude of the quake and, therefore, cannot be
relied upon to save lives.
22
A third method relies more on seismic maps that
show the tectonic plates of the earth. By
watching the activity or shifting of the
tectonic plates, scientists are able to determine
where stress is building. Scientists have now
identified that the Pacific Ring is most
susceptible to earthquakes. Countries around the
Pacific Ocean are more likely to have
earthquakes than those around Atlantic Ocean.
However, none of these methods of predicting
earthquakes is totally reliable which leaves us
all in the path of an unsuspecting and deadly
disaster.
Adapted from Critical Reading Skills Applied
to Academic Fields, W. Kenneth Hamblin,
Introduction to Physical Geology
23
Scientists all over the world are using different
ways to tell when and where an earthquake may
occur.
Chinese scientists rely heavily on the idea that
abnormal animal behavior is a good predictor of
earthquakes.
The United States scientists rely more on the
dilatancy theory.
A third method relies more on seismic maps that
show the tectonic plates of the earth.
Paraphrase them !!!
24
Scientists all over the world are using different
ways to tell when and where an earthquake may
occur.
The Chinese scientists are watching
unusual animal behavior to predict earthquakes.

In the United States,
scientists use the dilatancy theory to predict
earthquakes.
Still other
scientists use the seismic maps of the tectonic
plates of the earth.
Minor Details???
25
Chinese scientists rely heavily on the idea that
abnormal animal behavior is a good predictor of
earthquakes. They claim to have successfully
predicted fifteen earthquakes by observing
increased restlessness among animals in a
particular area snakes may come out of
hibernation, ants may pick up their eggs and move
to another location, cattle and sheep may refuse
to enter a corral, and fish may jump above the
surface of the water. One explanation is that
animals are more sensitive to the small changes
in the earths magnetic field or to any number of
changes in light, color, odor, or vibrations.
26
The United States scientists rely more on the
dilatancy theory. This theory is based on the
fact that rock under pressure and stress will
swell before it ruptures. As a result, the
seismic wave speeds and magnetic properties of
the earth will vary. Geologists are then able
to predict an earthquake when their instruments
record such changes. This method can tell that
an earthquake is about to happen, but it is
inadequate to specify the time, location or
magnitude of the quake and, therefore, cannot
be relied upon to save lives.
27
A third method relies more on seismic maps that
show the tectonic plates of the earth. By
watching the activity or shifting of the
tectonic plates, scientists are able to
determine where stress is building. Scientists
have now identified that the Pacific Ring is
most susceptible to earthquakes. Countries
around the Pacific Ocean are more likely to have
earthquakes than those around Atlantic Ocean.
However, none of these methods of predicting
earthquakes is totally reliable which leaves us
all in the path of an unsuspecting and deadly
disaster.
Concluding Sentence???
Adapted from Critical Reading Skills Applied
to Academic Fields, W. Kenneth Hamblin,
Introduction to Physical Geology
28
A third method relies more on seismic maps that
show the tectonic plates of the earth. By
watching the activity or shifting of the
tectonic plates, scientists are able to
determine where stress is building. Scientists
have now identified that the Pacific Ring is
most susceptible to earthquakes. Countries
around the Pacific Ocean are more likely to have
earthquakes than those around Atlantic Ocean.
However, none of these methods of predicting
earthquakes is totally reliable which leaves us
all in the path of an unsuspecting and deadly
disaster.
Paraphrase them!!!
Adapted from Critical Reading Skills Applied
to Academic Fields, W. Kenneth Hamblin,
Introduction to Physical Geology
29
Minor Details paraphrased
They say they have predicted fifteen earthquakes
by noticing when snakes come out of hibernation,
when ants move their eggs or when fish jump out
of the water because they may notice small
changes in the earth.
The dilatancy theory states that before rocks
break up, they grow bigger and scientific
instruments can detect the changes that result.
This method, however, is not reliable.
Scientists watch the shifting tectonic plates
mainly around the Pacific Ring.
None of these methods is reliable.
Summary???
30
Sample Summary
Scientists all over the world are using different
ways to tell when and where an earthquake may
occur.

The Chinese scientists are
watching unusual animal behavior to predict
earthquakes.
They say they have
predicted fifteen earthquakes by noticing when
snakes come out of hibernation, when ants move
their eggs or when fish jump out of the water
because they may notice small changes in the
earth.
In the United States, scientists
use the dilatancy theory to predict earthquakes.

The dilatancy theory states that before rocks
break up, they grow bigger and scientific
instruments can detect the changes that result.
This method, however, is not reliable.
Still
other scientists use the seismic maps of the
tectonic plates of the earth.

Scientists
watch the shifting tectonic plates mainly around
the Pacific Ring.
None of these methods is totally reliable.
31
To Legalize or Not To Legalize? That is
the Question
The War on Drugs has been going on for years
but we seldom hear about it in the news.
Most people seem to have forgotten that many are
still fighting this battle. However, below
the limelight, a controversy over the
legalization of some narcotics still rages.
In the eyes of some, legalizing narcotics
is a tantalizing cure-all for Americas drug
problem. One reason to legalize narcotics and to
solve some of our problems is that the courts
are overflowing with drug cases waiting to be
tried. Such an overload backs up our legal
system so that other, more important, trials must
wait for years to be resolved. Another reason
is that huge seizures of narcotics stop only a
small fraction of the drugs coming into the
country. Countless dragnets snare only the
small-time pusher, not the drug kingpin.