This document provides instructions for an assignment on summarizing sources in 3 stages. Students will first summarize a one paragraph reference in notes, choosing 3-5 key details. For a multi-paragraph reference, they will make a more detailed outline with 4-6 details per topic. Finally, students will summarize 2 or more topics from a single source in outline format, including topic and clincher sentences that restate the topic. The goals are for students to practice finding, reading, and note-taking from sources, then writing summaries. Materials can include references at students' reading levels from books, magazines, and encyclopedias.

1. Summarizing
References
Writing Assignment:
• Outline and summarize
one topic from a one
paragraph reference and
from a longer reference.
• Final assignment: Outline
and summarize two or
more topics from one
source.
One reference
One paragraph summary
and a one page (multi-
paragraph) summary

2. Goals:
 For students to learn to use the classroom (or
home) library and ultimately the main library,
find reading material on a topic take notes
and write a summary.
 To introduce the Topic Sentence and
Paragraph Clincher.
 For students to document their references
and report orally or in writing on what they
found and where they found it.

3. Materials:
 A variety of references including but not limited to the
encyclopedia, most of which should be at or below the
child’s reading level.
 The choice of suggested topics is most important.
Content subjects such as science or history should be
included.
 Children’s magazines (Ranger Rick, Discovery, etc.)
can be excellent second references. The Eyewitness
Books series has abundant titles with very well-
organized content, manageable topic selections, and
fascinating photographs as well.

4. Stage One: One topic from a one
paragraph reference
 This is similar to key word outlines, although the
skill of limiting in note taking is necessary.
 With a longer paragraph, one note per sentence
will result in an unmanageable long key word
outline.
 Three to five details per topic with a maximum of
three key words per detail will suffice.
 Choose detail that are most significant.

5. Stage Two: One topic from a
longer reference (multi-
paragraph)
 Limiting becomes more essential and
students must choose which details to include
in the key word outline.
 Allow a maximum of four to six details per
topic.
 Summarize in one paragraph.

6. One Source
Text
Outline Format
(for each
paragraph)
Final Clincher
• 1,2, or 3 topics (paragraphs)
• Notes from FACTS, not
sentences
• One sentence may contain 2+
facts
I. Topic
1.
2.
3.
Clincher (repeats or reflects
2-3 key words of topic)
II. Topic
Repeats/reflects both :
• the key words of the topic
sentence of the last paragraph
• the title

7. Introduce Topic/Clincher
relationship
 The first sentence in a paragraph must
introduce the topic.
 The last sentence must reflect or repeat
two or more of the key words from the topic
sentence. It is called the “clincher.”
 This creates cohesive paragraphs that clearly
present one aspect (or topic) or a larger
subject.

8. Topic/Clincher Diagram
Topic
Paragraph Clincher
Repeat
(or reflect)
2-3 key
words

9. Notes for Parents or Learning
Coach
 The topic/clincher sentence concept can be
introduce to younger children by instructing
them to repeat the key words.
 Do many outlines together. The note taking is
much harder than summarizing. Younger
students may need a lot of help in limiting and
choosing details.
 Teach library skills and have the children
report on their book search process.