_	facilitating successful peer review
_	designing effective writing assignments
_	writing academic summaries
_	tips for designing a writing syllabus
_	semiotic ad analysis assignment

Conventions for an Academic Free-Standing Summary

1.	Follow MLA format for typing your document. With MLA format, you do not need a title page; instead, you provide a header with your name, the instructor's name, the course name, and the date. Double-space your summary, type it in 10 or 12 pt. font, and make sure that you have a 1" margin on all sides; justify only at the left margin. Your last name appears before the page number at the top right corner of each page. To denote a new paragraph, simply hit the tab bar or space five spaces (do not skip any extra lines between paragraphs).
2.	Title: You may simply title your summary with the author's name, the title of the article: a summary. Example: Roland Marchand's "The Parable of the Democracy of Goods": A Summary
3.	Begin by introducing the author as his or her name appears on the title page, the title of the piece, and the genre; you might also within that first sentence set up the context for the piece. Example: In his book Education for Critical Consciousness, famous Brazilian literacy theorist Paulo Freire explores the links between literacy, democracy, and critical thinking.
4.	Summarize main points that the author makes, being careful to communicate through the use of action verbs (argues, explains, points out, asserts, details, concludes, etc.) what the author is getting at. Don't just tell your readers that the author talks about this and that; explain what analytical or argumentative point (thesis) the author is making. Be sure to differentiate between examples and points. A summary cuts through/out much of the supporting evidence and examples to present mostly the main points of the author's argument. Remind your own readers throughout the summary that these are the author's ideas; you can achieve this by bringing in references to the author (the author goes on to say, Freire then argues, etc.).
5.	Paraphrase as much as possible (put into your own words the main points of the author). Quote sparingly, and when you do, be sure to lead into the quote and follow it with a parenthetical page reference.
6.	Conclude your summary by noting how the author concludes her piece. Example: Maasik and Solomon wrap up their introductory chapter by reminding us that we must examine signs as they operate within sign systems and that all human knowledge is socially constructed.
7.	Citation: Even though you are only working with one source, you should cite that source at the bottom of the last page (if room) or on a separate Works Cited page (usually for when you cite more than one source). Example: Steinem, Gloria. "Sex, Lies, and Advertising." Ms. (1990). Rpt. In Signs of Life In the U. S. A.: Readings on Popular Culture for Writers. Eds. Sonia Maasik and Jack Solomon. NY: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000. 160-80.