It happens every day after school across America, kids complain to their parents about another writing homework assignment. I don't remember when I wrote my first paragraph, but kids today are expected to write a paragraph as early as first grade. Even after two decades of working as a writer, I think facing a blank page can be daunting. Fortunately, if you want to write a strong paragraph such as a summary paragraph, just grab your paper and pencil or a laptop and follow this simple recipe.
Here are some tips to help you write a strong summary paragraph:
1) Begin with a topic sentence using the IVF format:
- Identify: In the topic sentence, start with the subject of the summary. (What are you summarizing? Identify the article title, the author, the source.)
- Verb: After you identify the subject add a strong verb (identifies, illustrates, argues, emphasizes, recommends, supports, contradicts, questions, reinforces, undermines).
- Finish: Conclude the topic sentence with a clear statement of a main idea. (What is the main idea of the piece the student summarizes?)
2) Follow the topic sentence with 3 details that support the topic sentence.
Detail One
- Show how the author supports the main idea with a detail.
- Illustrate detail 1 with one or two examples.
Detail Two
- Show how the author supports the main idea with another detail.
- Illustrate detail 2 with one or two examples.
Detail Three
- Show how the author supports the main idea with a third detail.
- Illustrate detail 3 with one or two examples.
3) Conclusion
Finish your summary with an insightful conclusion. Your concluding sentence should not give new information. The conclusion should reinforce, reiterate, but not repeat the main idea from the topic sentence.
(Photo: Pink Sherbet Photography)
