Summarizing and Paraphrasing a Source Activity
Part 1: Summarizing
Review the following passage and summarize it in the box as though you were including this information in a research paper. Use the reference to create an appropriate APA-formatted in-text citation.
Aggressive driving is characterized by the tendency to view driving as a competition rather than as a means of getting from one place to another. Although most drivers are content to move along with the flow of traffic, aggressive drivers weave from lane to lane, seeking any advantage that will place them ahead of others. Aggressive drivers are also more likely to tailgate and honk the horn in an effort to intimidate other drivers or simply to move them along faster.
When confronted with heavy traffic, aggressive drivers often engage in dangerous behavior such as passing on the right, using utility or turn lanes as driving lanes, and ignoring traffic signals. Paradoxically, aggressive drivers often pride themselves on their skill. They see other, more cautious drivers as the problem, not themselves.
Reference
Arlov, P. (2007). Wordsmith: A guide to college writing (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NY: Prentice Hall.
Summary
Arlov (2007) suggests that aggressive driving style targets competition. It is unnecessary to honk the horn, to tailgate or move from lane to lane if the goal is to get from one place to another. Despite the fact that aggressive driving is dangerous and creates incidents on the roads, such drivers do not understand they are a menace. They think that cautious drivers are the main problem.
Part 2: Paraphrasing and Quoting
Review the following passage, found on pp. 242-243 of the text cited below, and paraphrase it in the following box. Use the reference to create an appropriate APA-formatted in-text citation. Additionally, include one direct quotation.
One of the most valuable skills a student can develop is focus. Focus is the ability to concentrate on one thing for an extended period of time, shutting out everything else. The person who is focused has no trouble with homework; her mind is on the task until it is finished. The focused person has no trouble concentrating during a test. She does not even notice the voice of the lecturer in an adjacent classroom, the tapping pencil of the student two rows over, or her instructor’s squeaking chair.
People differ widely in their ability to concentrate. Some seem capable of laser like focus on any job until it is completed. Others are easily distracted, jumping up from homework to do a hundred small, but suddenly urgent, tasks as the homework gets pushed further into the background.
Like any other skill, the ability to focus can be learned and reinforced through practice. To improve your ability to concentrate, start by establishing a set time and place to study. If possible, study at the same time and in the same place every day. Establishing a routine gives study the importance it deserves and helps make studying a habit. Then, to keep yourself on task, set a small timer as you begin studying. Start by setting the timer to go off after 15 minutes. Until the timer goes off, give studying your full attention. If your mind wanders—and it will—pull it back to the task. Then reward yourself with something small: 5 minutes of solitaire on your computer or a trip to the refrigerator for a glass of iced tea. Time your reward, too—about 5 minutes should be sufficient. Then set the timer for another 15 minutes.
As concentration becomes a habit, that habit will spill over into the classroom, too. You will be better able to focus on your instructor’s words or on the test you are taking. If extraneous noises during a test still distract you, invest in a pair of earplugs to shut out noise as you take your test.
The ability to concentrate is a necessary skill. Fortunately, it is a skill that can be improved with effort.
Reference
Arlov, P. (2007). Wordsmith: A guide to college writing (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NY: Prentice Hall.
In the following box, paraphrase the long passage you just read. Using the reference, include appropriate APA-formatted, in-text citations. Additionally, include one direct quotation within your paraphrased version of the passage.
An ability to concentrate is a key to successful studying. Arlov (2007) states, that if a student can concentrate on her task, nothing will disturb her during a test. Not all people can concentrate for a long time, so it is necessary to create an individual working plan. Some can do a unit to the end, but others need to make small breaks during their work. This skill improves with practice. There are several recommendations about the ways to focus:
Set a small timer as you begin studying. Start by setting the timer to go off after 15 minutes. Until the timer goes off, give studying your full attention. If your mind wanders—and it will—pull it back to the task. Then reward yourself with something small: 5 minutes of solitaire on your computer or a trip to the refrigerator for a glass of iced tea (Arlov, pp. 242-243).