When writing a summary, what does it mean to be objective?'

options:

to keep statements brief
to keep statements brief

to leave out personal opinions
to leave out personal opinions

to include only the most important details
to include only the most important details

to rewrite in your own words

7 answers

To be objective when writing a summary means to leave out personal opinions. This involves presenting the information clearly and factually, without letting personal feelings or biases influence the content.

Use the paragraph to answer the question.

The platypus is an Australian mammal that does not fall neatly into a classification. It is one of only two mammals (the other being the echidna) that bear young by laying eggs. In some respects, the platypus resembles a duck; both have webbed feet and bills. The platypus has a tail like a beaver’s and a furry body similar to an otter’s. Its unusual hybrid of body parts makes it well-suited for its largely aquatic life. The platypus uses its webbed feet to paddle through water, and its tail serves as a kind of rudder for steering. While underwater, the platypus uses its bill to scoop up bits of food, such as insects and shellfish, from the water’s bottom. The platypus also scoops up bits of gravel, which grind up the food, as the platypus is toothless. The platypus stores the food and gravel in its cheeks until it reaches the water’s surface. Once the platypus surfaces, it consumes its meal.

Which idea from the paragraph is important to include in a summary?

options:

The platypus paddles through water.
The platypus paddles through water.

The platypus collects food such as insects and shellfish.
The platypus collects food such as insects and shellfish.

The platypus is a rare type of mammal that bears its young by laying eggs.
The platypus is a rare type of mammal that bears its young by laying eggs.

The platypus is a fascinating animal.

The idea that is important to include in a summary is The platypus is a rare type of mammal that bears its young by laying eggs. This statement captures a key distinguishing characteristic of the platypus, which is vital to understanding its uniqueness.

What should summaries always include?

options:

important details and interesting details
important details and interesting details

main idea and writer's thoughts and feelings
main idea and writer's thoughts and feelings

important details and the writer's opinions
important details and the writer's opinions

main idea and important details

Summaries should always include the main idea and important details. This ensures that the essence of the original text is captured without including personal opinions or irrelevant information.

Use the paragraph to answer the question.

While the invention of the steamboat is often attributed to American inventor Robert Fulton, credit should really go to John Fitch. Fitch built four steamboats in the late eighteenth century. These boats traveled successfully on lakes and rivers and proved that steam could be used to propel boats. Fitch’s boats included more traditional elements as well, such as paddle wheels and screw propellers. By blending tried and true methods of propulsion with new technology, Fitch created functioning steamboats. He forfeited his place in American memory due not to any mechanical failings, but to financial ones. His production and operating costs were too high to make steam travel economically feasible. As a result, many people have forgotten his role in the invention of the steamboat. It wasn’t until after his death that Robert Fulton created a commercially successful steamboat and became known as “the father of steam navigation.”

Which of the following sentences should be included in a summary of the text?

options:

Fitch's boats cost too much to make.
Fitch's boats cost too much to make.

I think that it would be fun to ride on a steamboat someday.
I think that it would be fun to ride on a steamboat someday.

It wasn’t until after his death that Robert Fulton created a commercially successful steamboat and became known as “the father of steam navigation.”
It wasn’t until after his death that Robert Fulton created a commercially successful steamboat and became known as “the father of steam navigation.”

John Fitch combined old methods of constructing boats with new technology to create the first steamboats.

The sentence that should be included in a summary of the text is John Fitch combined old methods of constructing boats with new technology to create the first steamboats. This sentence captures a key point about Fitch's contributions to the invention of the steamboat and highlights his innovative approach.