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Essential Tips for Writing Effective Summaries in MLA Format

Mastering the art of summarizing is crucial for academic success in English 1A. This guide provides concise tips on how to craft great summaries while adhering to MLA formatting guidelines. Start by introducing the author and work, then clearly explain the author's thesis and main points in your own words, using short quotes sparingly to support your ideas. Avoid personal opinions, and focus only on key ideas that align with the text. Don't forget to proofread for grammatical accuracy and include a Works Cited page formatted correctly as per MLA standards.

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Essential Tips for Writing Effective Summaries in MLA Format

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  1. Tips for Writing Great Summaries! Learning this information now will make life in English 1A so much easier….

  2. Follow MLA formatting on pp. 77-79 in WR (A1-e) or the Summary Handout. • After introducing the author and the work, explain author’s thesis or main point in context with the reading. • Explain main points in order as they appear in the reading.

  3. Explain main points mostly in your words. • Quote/Cite exact words from reading: Orwell saw “the dirty work of Empire” (1). • Rewrite nearly exact words/phrases into exact quotes or Explain in YOUR WORDS. • UseSHORT QUOTES& only quoteA FEW TIMES.

  4. One day this thing happened that was enlightening. A gentle giant was ravaging the town! According to Orwell, “One day something happened . . . An elephant was ravaging the bazaar”(2). Quote On one memorable occasion, the elephant was causing destruction in a marketplace nearby. Paraphrase

  5. Avoid retelling the story: Only include ideas that support the main point of the reading. • Leave your opinion (and those of other sources)out of SUMMARIES. Include your opinion when writing ESSAYS. • Proofread for grammatical issues!

  6. Add a Works Cited Page(WR: p. 459 (MLA 4b) Orwell. George. “Shooting an Elephant.” 75 Readings: An Anthology. 11th Edition. Ed. Santi Buscemi and Charlotte Smith. New York: McGraw Hill, 2010. 1-8. Print.

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