Summary: Macro Filter
This is a short version of a longer text.
A summary.
This restates a specific idea from a source using your own words and structure.
A paraphrase.
This is the text, video, article, or author where information comes from.
A source.
Using someone else’s words or ideas as if they were your own.
Plagiarism.
A strong summary keeps the main idea and only the most important supporting information. What are those important supporting pieces called?
Key details.
A paraphrase should be much shorter than the original. True or false?
False. A paraphrase is often similar in length to the original.
This is a short reference that shows where information came from.
A citation.
Changing only a few words from the original while keeping the same sentence structure.
Patchwriting.
A summary should not include your personal opinion or emotional judgment. This means the summary should be what?
Neutral.
A paraphrase must change both the wording and the __________.
Sentence structure.
True or false: A paraphrase needs a citation.
True.
Original:
“Microplastic contamination is one of the world’s main environmental concerns.”
Student version:
“Microplastic pollution is one of the planet’s main environmental problems.”
Is this a strong paraphrase or patchwriting?
Patchwriting.
These questions help you decide what information belongs in a summary: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How.
The 5Ws and H.
Why is this NOT a good paraphrase?
Original:
“Notifications interrupt concentration.”
Student version:
“Notifications disturb concentration.”
It only changes one word and keeps the same structure. It is too close to the original.
True or false: A summary needs a citation.
True.
Original:
“Water samples were collected across a 4000 km-trajectory.”
Student version:
“Researchers gathered water samples along a 4000 km route.”
Is this a paraphrase or plagiarism?
Paraphrase.
Name two types of information that should usually be removed from a summary.
Minor examples, repeated information, unnecessary details, extra numbers, long lists, or small details.
Give one reason why students paraphrase instead of using a direct quote.
To explain a specific idea clearly, avoid overusing quotes, integrate evidence into their writing, or show understanding without copying.
Complete the rule: Even if the words are yours, the __________ may still belong to the source.
Information, idea, data, or finding.
A student copies one full sentence from a scientific paper but does not use quotation marks or a citation. What problem is this?
Plagiarism.