Choose any one of the articles we read on the topics of social media or the freedom of speech.
In a 2-3 page essay, summarize the text accurately and objectively and respond to it with a thoughtful analysis.
Your summary should include:
- The author’s claim
- The title of the text and the full name of the author (the first time you mention the text)
- The author’s reasoning (focusing only on the author’s main points)
- The use of signal phrases (like “The author suggests…” or “S/he explains that…”) to indicate the ideas are the author’s (not yours)
- About 300 words (or 1+ pages)
Your response should include:
- An analysis and critique of the text and its effectiveness
- An organized approach (a thesis, supporting points, and evidence to support those points)
- Use of both paraphrasing and quotations
- Appropriate transitions between summary and response to indicate the movement of ideas
- About 300 words (or 1+ pages)
Your essay should have a Works Cited list that contains the source (article) you used.
Organizing Your Summary and Response Essay*
INTRODUCTION
- Introduce the topic with a hook – a question, quote, a story, a statement, (some interesting way to open up the conversation about the topic of the article.
- Provide a brief overview of the article (the topic and attitude). Make sure you mention the author’s full name and the full title of the article or essay.
- State your thesis, an opinion about the article (that you will develop in the essay).
BODY
You will probably want to consider one of two ways to organize the body of your essay: block or point pattern. (See table on next page.)
CONCLUSION
- Reaffirm your opinion about the article (your thesis). Include the author’s name and thesis.
- Comment on the importance of the topic, returning to the opening strategy (your question, quote, statement of problem, whatever).
WORKS CITED LIST – Include at least the citation for the article you used.
articles to write the essay (any one from the list down below)
“The Battle Against ‘Hate Speech’ on College Campuses Gives Rise to A Generation That Hates Speech”by Nina Burleigh
“We All Need to Defend the Speech We Hate” by Lee Rowland
“Why Harvard’s Hate Speech Policies Are Necessary” by Reed McConnell
“Social Media Is Changing How College Students Deal With Mental Health, For Better Or Worse” by Riley Griffin
“Enemy of the Status Quo” by Yascha Mounk
“Stop Googling. Let’s Talk.” by Sherry Turkle