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Gurdon and Alexi Summary Opinion Paper – W 130

The objective of this paper is to practice introducing a conversation/debate, briefly summarizing two article’s main points in your own words, and offering your position in regards to the debate by responding to the arguments in an academic way.

-Utilize the templates provided to structure your paper.
-Avoid quoting any text. Use your own words and sentence structure, not the author’s.
Summary Critique Layout:
1) Begin your summary by setting up the debate for the paper. Then begin your brief summary of either Gurdon or Alexi. Utilize this template: * In recent discussions of _____, a controversial issue has been whether _____. On the one hand, some argue that ______. From this perspective, ________.
(EXPLAIN What are they ultimately saying)
On the other hand, however, others argue that _______. To take a case in point, In "Title of the Essay," (Author1) (argues/asserts/claims/suggests) that______ (thesis /central idea of the piece).
(Author1) (asserts/argues/claims/insists) _______ (this is where you include the author’s evidence/proof/support for their main argument (include at least 2 specific points that support the author’s position). In other words, what specific information does author1 use to emphasize or clarify their point?

2) Switch to Author2.

* Unlike (Author1), In "Title of the Essay," (Author2) (argues/asserts/claims/suggests) that___ (thesis /central idea of the piece).
(Author2) (asserts/argues/claims/insists) _______ (this is where you include the author’s evidence/proof/support for their main argument (include at least 2 specific points that support the author’s position). In other words, what specific information does author2 use to emphasize or clarify their point?

3) Offer your Opinion. This is the place where you voice your critique of the articles and share where you stand and why. - Center your response on how well the arguments were constructed. Did the authors convince you of their argument? Why/why not? Stay focused on the articles’ arguments and evidence – not your own experiences. How effective was the author’s arguments/evidence and what do you suggest to improve her arguments? Templates:

* After reviewing these two articles, my own view is that _______. (explain why you believe this view. What piece(s) of information from the article fortified your opinion?)

* Although I concede that ______, I still maintain that ________. (Even though you can see the opposite side, why do you still believe your position?)

* Ultimately, ______. (Leave the reader with something to think about regarding your position. Why should readers be pulled to consider agreeing with your opinion?)

* The Final Typed 2-2½ Page Summary/Opinion Paper Is Due: September 11th.

Points to keep in mind when writing this summary/opinion:

* Do not quote any of their material; paraphrase their arguments and claims. Instead of enhancing our comprehension and engaging with the material, we often rely on author’s words to hide behind the fact that we might not understand their argument. If you are able to paraphrase what the author is saying in your own words, chances are that you understand what they are saying.

* Avoid including your opinion or response when summarizing (you must put your critique at the end) - allow the authors a chance to present their evidence without your critique or perspective. This will test your ability to allow the writers a chance to express their position and the readers to come to their own conclusion. * Use templates to focus your writing. Templates are there to help you structure your argument or a point you are making. They are arranged in a way that will help you to write “academically” and focus.

*Avoid using the verb “states” as in “the author states.” There is a vast array of words to choose from instead of states (such as argues, urges, declares, insists, advises) which enhance your writing. Saying the author states takes away from the passion, intensity, clarity, or precision of the author’s text. Let’s put some life into our writing!

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