Exploros | Summarizing Text

Summarizing Text

Students read a journal entry and practice summarizing and paraphrasing it. Then they analyze and synthesize information to create new material that maintains the original meaning. They learn to distinguish the differences between paraphrasing and plagiarism when writing based on research.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

Engage

Overview

In this experience, students read a journal entry and practice summarizing and paraphrasing it. Then they analyze and synthesize information to create new material that maintains the original meaning. They learn to distinguish the differences between paraphrasing and plagiarism when writing based on research.

Objectives

Summarize the key ideas in text in your own words.
Distinguish between paraphrase and plagiarism.

Duration

One class period. You may choose to have the students read the journal entry at home before beginning the experience.

Vocabulary Words in “Journal Entry by Orville Wright”

pitching: lurching up and down
telegram: a message sent by telegraph, popular from the mid-1800s through the mid-1900s

When you read an article for class, you often need to take notes on what you read for reviewing later. There are strategies you can use to summarize or paraphrase the information. You will learn how in this experience.

Objectives

Summarize the key ideas in text in your own words.
Distinguish between paraphrase and plagiarism.

How many times over your school years have you been asked to write about what you did on your summer vacation? If you are like most students, the answer is, “lots!” While each one of your summer vacations was different, the process of writing about them had something in common.

In just two to three sentences, write what you did on summer vacation.

Post your answer

Summer vacation lasts a long time, but when you write just one or two sentences, you only have room to share the most important events or details. You need to summarize your summer vacation! In this experience, you will practice using your summarizing skills.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.