Article Summary Template

Directions: First, complete an outline listing all the major and minor points of the text. Next,
reproduce this form (which needs to be extended in a similar format) while filling in the
appropriate information.

According to [insert authors full name] in [insert title of the article and put it in
quotation marks], [insert main thesis or claim or point of article](include parenthetical with page
number if the thesis is a direct quote). First, [authors last name] supports his/her opinion by
pointing out that [include a topic sentence restated in your own words that most supports one of
the authors main points](page #). [In two or three sentences, paraphrase the supporting
evidence provided by the author] (page #s). Then, [insert authors last name] says [include a
topic sentenceanother supporting pointrestated in your own words that further supports the
authors thesis (page #). This area may also need some evidence or support from the author.]
Furthermore, [insert authors last name] continues his or her argument about [insert main
subject of the essay] by claiming that [insert another point/claim that supports the thesis] (page
#). Explain or provide authors support/evidence/explanation (page #s)]. The most interesting
concept presented by [insert authors last name] is that [insert a quotation that reflects the
overall meaning of the article making sure to put it in quotation marks and to put a page number
in parenthesis after the quotationthe period goes after the page numberQuote (59).].
Ultimately, [insert authors last name] argues that [insert something about the topic that reveals
the authors overall opinion of the topic.



While this template is a bit mechanical and does need to be developed a bit more, you can get the
idea of what a summary looks like and how to incorporate writers tags and transition words into
your summary. Usually, a summary does not contain your opinionyou save your opinion for
the response area. The response area should contain paragraphs speaking to individual points
made by the author of your summary. After you restate the authors point, you will respond
using your own opinion (claim statement) and evidence to back up your claim. Depending on
the instructor, you may choose to respond to only 3-4 points.