Writing an Objective Summary

Writing an Objective Summary Follow along in your textbook p. lvi-lvii (Roman numerals mean it’s before p.1) or on mrscthompson.com – choose “More” then “Notes”

Writing an Objective Summary Records key ideas of the text Demonstrates your understanding of the text

Characteristics of an Objective Summary Focused – contains main idea and specific, relevant details only Brief – short, but includes all important information Accurate – captures the big picture of the original Objective – contains no opinions or reactions

Checklist for Writing an Objective Summary Use your own words; don’t copy sentences from the original or use quotes. Read the text carefully until you understand it. Look up words you don’t know Establish the beginning, middle, and end Prioritize ideas and details. Include only the main ideas and key supporting details Identify the author’s audience and purpose. Be sure you know why the author wrote, and whom he intended to read it

Read the Model Objective Summary Read the model objective summary on p. lvii of your textbook. Identify two reasons it is an effective objective summary. Be specific. Identify one reason that the editor deleted part of a sentence. Why was it removed?

Comprehending Complex Texts

Comprehending Complex Texts Follow along in your textbook on p. lviii-lxiii

Comprehending Complex Texts There are 3 strategies to use when reading complex texts A complex text has one or more of the following: Challenging vocabulary Long, complex sentences Figurative language Multiple levels of meaning Unfamiliar settings and situations Multidraft Reading Close Reading Ask Questions

Strategy 1: Multidraft Reading Read the text 3 times, doing something different each time

First Reading Read for comprehension: look for key ideas and details that unlock basic meaning Narrative text: plot (what happened), characters (to whom), and conflict (why) Nonfiction: identify the main idea and key details Poetry: identify the speaker, setting, and situation

Second Reading Read for craft and structure: note the artistry and effectiveness of text structure Determine text structure and organizational structure Examine author’s use of language and its effects (ex. Rhyme, figurative language, words with negative connotation – why?) Why did the author make these choices? What effects do these choices make?

Third Reading Read to integrate knowledge and ideas: text to self, text to text, text to world Compare and contrast text to others you have read that are similar Evaluate the overall effectiveness of the text: Did the author accomplish his purported goal? Determine theme REMEMBER! Theme is the message. Theme is a sentence. The topic is a word. Example: How the Grinch Stole Christmas is about community (topic). The message of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is that Christmas is about being with your loved ones, not getting presents (theme).

Complete the Multidraft Reading Chart Read Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 27” on p. lix of your textbook. As you read, complete the Multidraft Reading chart (draw one in your notes). Read the poem one time, then complete the “First Reading” box, read it a second time to complete the “Second Reading” box, and read it a third time to complete the “Third Reading” box. NOTE: you will need to read the poem multiple times. Refer to the poem to complete the chart.

Strategy 2: Close Read the Text Close reading is the careful analysis of word choices, phrases, and sentences. Recognizing literary techniques contributes to a deeper understanding of a complex text. First, you need to understand what you read. Then, you can interpret and analyze it.

Tips for Close Reading Break down long sentences. Reread passages until you “get it.” Use context clues in the sentence and paragraph. Identify pronoun antecedents to know what words refer to. Look for conjunctions to understand the relationships between ideas. Paraphrase – restate ideas in your own words – to check your understanding.

Examine the Close Read Model Read the Close Read Model on p. lxi of your textbook What context clue helps you understand the meaning of “elicit”? What does this word mean? (4th paragraph) Explain the long sentence in the last paragraph that begins with “And, therefore, indifference is…” (5th paragraph)

Strategy 3: Ask Questions Pay attention and ask questions as you read Your textbook breaks questions down into 3 categories 1. Key Ideas and Details Use references from the text (quotes) or draw inferences to answer these questions 2. Craft and Structure Answer these by examining the structure or word choice in the text, and their effects 3. Integration of Knowledge and Ideas Answer these by evaluating texts in different ways (example: compare texts, evaluate arguments) Ask similar types of questions as you read.

Read the Sample Texts Read the excerpt from 1776 on p. lxiii in your textbook Read the sample questions in the margin Now, read the excerpt from “What Are We Arming to Defend?” Write 3-5 questions of your own about this text. Aim to write one from each category (Key Ideas and Details, Craft and Structure, and Integration of Knowledge and Ideas).