Before you start writing a reading abstract
(position essay) of the text specified by the customer, please review these guidelines.
EssayWriters.net Team hope that you will find them helpful in your aim to
satisfy the customers’ expectations.
HOW TO WRITE A READING ABSTRACT
A Reading Abstract is a critical
summary of the assigned text(s). It is a mini-essay (500-550 words)
that combines three elements: summary, analysis
and critique. The goal of a Reading Abstract is to effectively
summarize the central argument of a given text while at the same time express
your own critical response to it (i.e., your ‘position’). The customer will
expect that you, as an experienced and trust-worth writer, will not simply state
your opinion, but rather- you will present a well-reasoned and thoughtful
response to the author’s main argument through a careful analysis of his/ her
ideas. In other words, your ‘position’ must be well-informed; it should
demonstrate that you have read and understood the text thoroughly. While you
may find this assignment to be difficult at first, it is important to keep in
mind the old maxim ‘practice makes perfect.’ You will feel more at ease after
you have written a few Reading Abstracts.
1. CRITICAL READING
In order to write a good Reading Abstract,
you first need to learn how to write an effective summary. Above all,
this requires that you grasp the author’s main idea or central argument. This
can be done only after a close and careful reading of the text.
Assistance for Interpretation
You will find that some of the readings,
requested by customers, are hard to understand and the language is really
outdated, esp. when the original text is a philosophical essay or history
treatise. Do not let this be an obstacle for you. Rather, try to approach such
texts with a spirit of curiosity. The best thing to do when you are
faced with one of these texts (e.g. Hegel’s The Philosophy of History) is, above
all, do not let your eyes simply glide over words that you do not understand.
Consult one of the encyclopedias or dictionaries.
2. CRAFTING YOUR ‘POSITION’
Your Reading Abstract must integrate three
elements: a) summary; b) analysis; and, c) critique. Try to use the ‘funnel’
approach in your writing; that is, move from the general to the specific.
In addition, aim to write a coherent paper that is well organized around a
central focus (e.g. your position). Follow these general guidelines when
writing your paper:
A) SUMMARY
- Clearly and succinctly
summarize the author’s central argument or main idea in your own words.
- Consider the circumstances of
writing (e.g. Is the author responding to another writer’s ideas? If so, does
he or she agree or disagree with these, or perhaps build upon them?). Context
is important in understanding an author’s argument.
- Discuss the author’s approach
to the subject (e.g. What topics are covered?)
- Briefly summarize the most
significant points raised in the text
B) ANALYSIS
- Analyze the structure of the
main argument by identifying any secondary ideas which support it.
- Prove that you understand these
ideas by clearly explaining them in your own words (Avoid what we call the
‘shot-gun’ approach, where you rapidly fire out several of the author’s ideas
without detailing any of them!)
- DO NOT use direct quotes unless
they that are short and express a concept or idea that you cannot possibly put
in your own words. Rule of thumb: do your best to demonstrate your close
reading of the text. Direct quotes are not encouraged, as you may start using
quoted instead of writing them in your own words, and therefore the customer
may ask for a revision because the paper will demonstrate the lack of thorough
topical understanding and coverage. Please keep in mind that direct quotes must
support your argument and not compensate for it.
- Evaluate the logical connection
or relationship between the main argument and secondary ideas (e.g. Ask
yourself how, and if, these secondary ideas support the main argument).
C) CRITIQUE
- Respond critically to the text
under analysis by discussing the value(s) and/or limitation(s) of the author’s position,
proofs, overall topical judgment.
- Directly relate your critique
back to author’s main argument or central idea.
- Always use relevant examples to
support and defend your position.
How to Write A Reading Abstract (Position Essay)