Summarizing Stories/Examples/Details

E. Siler

Why Writers/Speakers Use These

• See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQiqHgE0h3U&feature=player_embedded

• To make points that are interesting• To strengthen arguments• To clarify things hard-to-understand material

In Summarizing . . .

• Focus on the purpose: a good summary focuses on the writer’s purpose.Provide just enough information to point the

reader to the example, story or detail to look for more information;

Do not overstate;Do not give too many details that need

explanation or background support.

Structures and Summary

• The speaker told a story about . . .• The speaker told a story that . . . • The speaker told a story of X to do (for the

purpose of) Y. . .

FROM THE VIDEO #1

• Bea Johnson told a story about how her family downsized their home and their lifestyle.

• Bea Johnson told a story that showed how she downsized her lifestyle while downsizing her home.

• Bea Johnson explained how getting a smaller home got her started in the zero waste lifestyle.

Descriptions v. Generalizations

• Descriptions focus on visual details. They don’t belong in summaries.

• Generalizations serve as “topic sentences” and point readers to go looking for the details. Generalizations are also connected to purpose.

FROM THE VIDEO #2

• Descriptive details about trash: a huge can of trash/ once a week; a handful of trash collected in four months.

• Generalizations: significantly reduced trash output.

Contrast

• Bea Johnson says that her trash output has gone from one big can a week to a small handful of trash in four months.

• Bea Johnson shows how the zero-waste lifestyle has caused her trash output to drop to almost nothing .

Groupings and Categories

• Sometimes writers will provide long lists of examples.

• The point is to look for the common element in the list and create a category.

• Again, focus on the purpose of the list.

FROM THE VIDEO #3

• Bulk, bring bottles, cleaning products, homemade, vinegar, micro-fiber, compostable tooth brushes, milk in reusable bottles, stores in mesh bags, jars to the store, one for meat . . .

Contrast

• Bea Johnson explains how she makes her own cleaning products with vinegar and stores items in jars and mesh bags she brings to the store.

• Bea Johnson shows how she reduces packaging waste as well as chemical impact on the environment when purchasing groceries and common household items.