06.+Summarizing+and+Synthesizing


 * Summarize Susan Blackmore’s article on memes using one of the following as a guide. **

• Pull out the main ideas, • Focus on key details, • Use key words and phrases, • Break down larger ideas, • Write only enough to convey the gist, and • Take brief but complete notes.

Answer the basic questions – Who? What? When? Where? How? Why?

• The most important ideas in this text are… • First… Next… Then… Finally… • The problem occurs when… • The author concludes that…

Is what you have written a good summary? Check your work.

1. If you have not read the text yourself, would you be able to understand what it was about from the summary? Why or why not? 2. Is there anything important that should be added? What is it? 3. Is there anything unimportant that should be left out of the summary? If so, take it out.


 * Hand in your summary **

When you synthesize information, you combine it with what you already know and create something new with it. Complete at least two of the following phrases.
 * Synthesis **

“Now I understand that...” “I have learned that…” “This gives me an idea…”

Now select a quote from the article. Write your own thought, idea or question about the quote.


 * Post only the synthesis section to the discussion board. Read and respond to at least 5 posts. **

Here is the link to Susan Blackmore's TED talk, if you're interested.