Summary Exercise

Demonstrate the ability to prepare an effective summary.

Summarize the main ideas, key arguments, and
significant supporting details presented in an extended
passage.
Demonstrate:
effective paragraph and sentence construction.
command of standard English conventions
grammar and usage
spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones is justifiable. Some children have medical
conditions that could require immediate contact with a parent or medical professional at any time. Other
children, who walk home from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away from adult supervision,
may need cell phones as a means of quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no pressing
need to own a cell phone. Parents need to recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the advantages.
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most children who own cell phones bring them
to school. Children are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is exacerbated when a cell phone is
close at hand. Younger students may use their phones to play games, while older children may be playing
games or texting friends. In either case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is worse among
students who have smart phones that allow them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of having them nearby may constitute a distraction.
Of course, when a students cell phone goes off during class, the disruption will affect everyone.
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for young children so long as they do not bring
their phones to school. However, the very fact that these children have their own phones is troubling. Some
studies show that heavy cell phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer. Although not all
studies point to such an association, the fact that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks they present to young users. Allowing children to
own their own cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is suitably restricted. Unfortunately,
it is not clear from the research what degree of restriction would be suitable.
Cell phones are useful and convenient. There is no question that all children could benefit on occasion
from having their own phones. But in the hands of young children, the benefits are clearly outweighed by the
risks to their academic achievement and their health.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones is justifiable. Some children have medical
conditions that could require immediate contact with a parent or medical professional at any time. Other
children, who walk home from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away from adult supervision,
may need cell phones as a means of quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no pressing
need to own a cell phone. Parents need to recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the advantages.
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most children who own cell phones bring them
to school. Children are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is exacerbated when a cell phone is
close at hand. Younger students may use their phones to play games, while older children may be playing
games or texting friends. In either case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is worse among
students who have smart phones that allow them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of having them nearby may constitute a distraction.
Of course, when a students cell phone goes off during class, the disruption will affect everyone.
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for young children so long as they do not bring
their phones to school. However, the very fact that these children have their own phones is troubling. Some
studies show that heavy cell phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer. Although not all
studies point to such an association, the fact that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks they present to young users. Allowing children to
own their own cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is suitably restricted. Unfortunately,
it is not clear from the research what degree of restriction would be suitable.
Cell phones are useful and convenient. There is no question that all children could benefit on occasion
from having their own phones. But in the hands of young children, the benefits are clearly outweighed by the
risks to their academic achievement and their health.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of
elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones
is justifiable. Some children have medical conditions that
could require immediate contact with a parent or medical
professional at any time. Other children, who walk home
from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away
from adult supervision, may need cell phones as a means of
quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no
pressing need to own a cell phone. Parents need to
recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the
advantages.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of
elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones
is justifiable. Some children have medical conditions that
could require immediate contact with a parent or medical
professional at any time. Other children, who walk home
from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away
from adult supervision, may need cell phones as a means of
quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no
pressing need to own a cell phone. Parents need to
recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the
advantages.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of
elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones
is justifiable. Some children have medical conditions that
could require immediate contact with a parent or medical
professional at any time. Other children, who walk home
from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away
from adult supervision, may need cell phones as a means of
quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no
pressing need to own a cell phone. Parents need to
recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the
advantages.

Summary Exercise
* recent study,
* quarter of elementary
school students own their
own cell phones. In some
* justifiable. Some
* medical conditions contact
with a parent or medical
* walk home; quickly
contacting an adult.
* most children have no
pressing need to
* disadvantages of owning a
cell phone vastly outweigh
the advantages.

A recent study has reported

that a quarter of elementary
school students own their
own cell phones. . In some
Cell phones may be
justifiable for children with
medical conditions or those
who walk home alone, as
they may need to quickly
contacting an adult.
However, disadvantages of
owning a cell phone
outweigh the advantages.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones is justifiable. Some children have medical
conditions that could require immediate contact with a parent or medical professional at any time. Other
children, who walk home from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away from adult supervision,
may need cell phones as a means of quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no pressing
need to own a cell phone. Parents need to recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the advantages.
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most children who own cell phones bring them
to school. Children are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is exacerbated when a cell phone is
close at hand. Younger students may use their phones to play games, while older children may be playing
games or texting friends. In either case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is worse among
students who have smart phones that allow them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of having them nearby may constitute a distraction.
Of course, when a students cell phone goes off during class, the disruption will affect everyone.
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for young children so long as they do not bring
their phones to school. However, the very fact that these children have their own phones is troubling. Some
studies show that heavy cell phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer. Although not all
studies point to such an association, the fact that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks they present to young users. Allowing children to
own their own cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is suitably restricted. Unfortunately,
it is not clear from the research what degree of restriction would be suitable.
Cell phones are useful and convenient. There is no question that all children could benefit on occasion
from having their own phones. But in the hands of young children, the benefits are clearly outweighed by the
risks to their academic achievement and their health.

Summary Exercise
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most
children who own cell phones bring them to school. Children
are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is
exacerbated when a cell phone is close at hand. Younger
students may use their phones to play games, while older
children may be playing games or texting friends. In either
case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is
worse among students who have smart phones that allow
them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of
having them nearby may constitute a distraction. Of course,
when a students cell phone goes off during class, the
disruption will affect everyone.

Summary Exercise
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most
children who own cell phones bring them to school. Children
are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is
exacerbated when a cell phone is close at hand. Younger
students may use their phones to play games, while older
children may be playing games or texting friends. In either
case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is
worse among students who have smart phones that allow
them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of
having them nearby may constitute a distraction. Of course,
when a students cell phone goes off during class, the
disruption will affect everyone.

Summary Exercise
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most
children who own cell phones bring them to school. Children
are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is
exacerbated when a cell phone is close at hand. Younger
students may use their phones to play games, while older
children may be playing games or texting friends. In either
case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is
worse among students who have smart phones that allow
them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of
having them nearby may constitute a distraction. Of course,
when a students cell phone goes off during class, the
disruption will affect everyone.

Summary Exercise
concern
bring them to school. Children
easily distracted, and their
natural distractibility is
exacerbated when a cell phone
is close at hand. Younger
play games,
texting friends. In either case,
attention to the teacher is
diminished. The problem is
worse / smart phones that allow
Internet // applications
temptation / distraction.
phone goes off during class, the
disruption will affect everyone.

One disadvantage is that

having a cell phone in
school exacerbates a childs
natural distractibility.
A students attention is
diminished when using (or
tempted to use) a cell phone
to play games, text, or surf
the Internet.
Distraction can also affect
many students when the
phone goes off during class.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones is justifiable. Some children have medical
conditions that could require immediate contact with a parent or medical professional at any time. Other
children, who walk home from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away from adult supervision,
may need cell phones as a means of quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no pressing
need to own a cell phone. Parents need to recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the advantages.
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most children who own cell phones bring them
to school. Children are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is exacerbated when a cell phone is
close at hand. Younger students may use their phones to play games, while older children may be playing
games or texting friends. In either case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is worse among
students who have smart phones that allow them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of having them nearby may constitute a distraction.
Of course, when a students cell phone goes off during class, the disruption will affect everyone.
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for young children so long as they do not bring
their phones to school. However, the very fact that these children have their own phones is troubling. Some
studies show that heavy cell phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer. Although not all
studies point to such an association, the fact that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks they present to young users. Allowing children to
own their own cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is suitably restricted. Unfortunately,
it is not clear from the research what degree of restriction would be suitable.
Cell phones are useful and convenient. There is no question that all children could benefit on occasion
from having their own phones. But in the hands of young children, the benefits are clearly outweighed by the
risks to their academic achievement and their health.

Summary Exercise
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for
young children so long as they do not bring their phones to
school. However, the very fact that these children have their
own phones is troubling. Some studies show that heavy cell
phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer.
Although not all studies point to such an association, the fact
that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks
they present to young users. Allowing children to own their own
cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is
suitably restricted. Unfortunately, it is not clear from the
research what degree of restriction would be suitable.

Summary Exercise
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for
young children so long as they do not bring their phones to
school. However, the very fact that these children have their
own phones is troubling. Some studies show that heavy cell
phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer.
Although not all studies point to such an association, the fact
that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks
they present to young users. Allowing children to own their own
cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is
suitably restricted. Unfortunately, it is not clear from the
research what degree of restriction would be suitable.

Summary Exercise
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for
young children so long as they do not bring their phones to
school. However, the very fact that these children have their
own phones is troubling. Some studies show that heavy cell
phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer.
Although not all studies point to such an association, the fact
that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks
they present to young users. Allowing children to own their own
cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is
suitably restricted. Unfortunately, it is not clear from the
research what degree of restriction would be suitable.

Summary Exercise
Some studies
associated with an increased
risk of brain cancer.
cause for concern.
not been in existence long
enough for us to know what risks
might be dangerous
not clear from the research what
degree of restriction would be
suitable.

Some studies even show

cell phone may increase the
risk of brain cancer.
Although, it is not clear what
degree of restriction is
suitable.

Summary Exercise
According to a recent study, almost a quarter of elementary school students own their own cell phones. In
some cases, allowing children this young to have cell phones is justifiable. Some children have medical
conditions that could require immediate contact with a parent or medical professional at any time. Other
children, who walk home from school or otherwise spend brief periods of time away from adult supervision,
may need cell phones as a means of quickly contacting an adult. However, most children have no pressing
need to own a cell phone. Parents need to recognize that for the majority of young children, the
disadvantages of owning a cell phone vastly outweigh the advantages.
A serious concern in this regard stems from the fact that most children who own cell phones bring them
to school. Children are easily distracted, and their natural distractibility is exacerbated when a cell phone is
close at hand. Younger students may use their phones to play games, while older children may be playing
games or texting friends. In either case, attention to the teacher is diminished. The problem is worse among
students who have smart phones that allow them to surf the Internet and use various applications. Even
when students are not using their phones, the temptation of having them nearby may constitute a distraction.
Of course, when a students cell phone goes off during class, the disruption will affect everyone.
One might argue that cell phone ownership is acceptable for young children so long as they do not bring
their phones to school. However, the very fact that these children have their own phones is troubling. Some
studies show that heavy cell phone use is associated with an increased risk of brain cancer. Although not all
studies point to such an association, the fact that some do should be cause for concern. Cell phones have
not been in existence long enough for us to know what risks they present to young users. Allowing children to
own their own cell phones might be dangerous unless use of the phones is suitably restricted. Unfortunately,
it is not clear from the research what degree of restriction would be suitable.
Cell phones are useful and convenient. There is no question that all children could benefit on occasion
from having their own phones. But in the hands of young children, the benefits are clearly outweighed by the
risks to their academic achievement and their health.

Summary Exercise
Cell phones are useful and convenient. There is no question
that all children could benefit on occasion from having their
own phones. But in the hands of young children, the benefits
are clearly outweighed by the risks to their academic
achievement and their health.

In sum, even though children may benefit from owning cell

phones, the benefits overshadow the risks to their academic
performance and neurological health.

Summary Exercise
A recent study has reported that a quarter of elementary school students
own their own cell phones. Cell phones may be justifiable for children with
medical conditions or those who walk home alone, as they may need to
quickly contacting an adult. However, disadvantages of owning a cell phone
outweigh the advantages. One disadvantage is that having a cell phone in
school exacerbates a childs natural distractibility. A students attention is
diminished when using (or tempted to use) a cell phone to play games, text,
or surf the Internet. Distraction can also affect many students when the
phone goes off during class. Some studies even show cell phone may
increase the risk of brain cancer. Although, it is not clear what degree of
restriction is suitable. In sum, even though children may benefit from owning
cell phones, the benefits overshadow the risks to their academic
performance and neurological health. (Words: 149)

Summary Exercise

Summary Exercise
The coconut is in an unusual food for many reasons. It is technically a seed, produced by the
coconut palm tree, and as such is one of the largest edible seeds produced by any plant. It's unusual
contents also make it unique in the world--the interior consists of both "meat" and "water." The meat
is the white pith with which we are all familiar, as it is used extensively for cooking and flavorings
semicolon the coconut water is a white liquid that is very sweet and thirst-quenching.
Portuguese explorers gave the nut its name in the 15th century, referring to it as coco, meaning
"ghost" in their language. The three dimples and the hairy texture reminded them of a ghost's face,
and the tree has retained the name ever since
The coconut has many varied uses. It is used to make margarine as well as various cooking oils,
and these cooking oils are used by fast-food restaurants around the world to make such diet staples
as French fries. The coconut fluid is a favorite drink in hot climates, providing a cool and refreshing
beverage right off the tree. This water is also used by manufacturers of various sports drinks
because of its isotonic electrolyte properties. Even the shell itself has many uses, including cattle
food and fertilizer.
Yet the coconut is also useful in many ways that have nothing to do with food. Coconut oil is used
for cosmetics and medicines, and can even be used in place of diesel fuel. Dried coconut shells are
used in many countries as a tool, such as a buffer for wood floors. The shells are also used for shirt
buttons, and are commonly found on Hawaiian clothing. They are even used for musical instruments
and bird houses.
And all these are only some of the uses of sound for the coconut fruit. The coconut palm tree,
which produces the nut, also produces countless useful items. It's no wonder that the coconut palm
has been called "the tree of life."

Summary Exercise
The coconut is in an unusual food for many reasons. It is technically a seed, produced by the
coconut palm tree, and as such is one of the largest edible seeds produced by any plant. It's unusual
contents also make it unique in the world--the interior consists of both "meat" and "water." The meat
is the white pith with which we are all familiar, as it is used extensively for cooking and flavorings
semicolon the coconut water is a white liquid that is very sweet and thirst-quenching.
Portuguese explorers gave the nut its name in the 15th century, referring to it as coco, meaning
"ghost" in their language. The three dimples and the hairy texture reminded them of a ghost's face,
and the tree has retained the name ever since
The coconut has many varied uses. It is used to make margarine as well as various cooking oils,
and these cooking oils are used by fast-food restaurants around the world to make such diet staples
as French fries. The coconut fluid is a favorite drink in hot climates, providing a cool and refreshing
beverage right off the tree. This water is also used by manufacturers of various sports drinks
because of its isotonic electrolyte properties. Even the shell itself has many uses, including cattle
food and fertilizer.
Yet the coconut is also useful in many ways that have nothing to do with food. Coconut oil is used
for cosmetics and medicines, and can even be used in place of diesel fuel. Dried coconut shells are
used in many countries as a tool, such as a buffer for wood floors. The shells are also used for shirt
buttons, and are commonly found on Hawaiian clothing. They are even used for musical instruments
and bird houses.
And all these are only some of the uses of sound for the coconut fruit. The coconut palm tree,
which produces the nut, also produces countless useful items. It's no wonder that the coconut palm
has been called "the tree of life."

Summary Exercise
Coconuts are unusual in many ways. For one thing, they are
actually seeds, not fruit, and are the largest edible seed in the
world. Yet food is only one of the many ways that coconuts are
used; they are also used to make cosmetics, medicines, and
even diesel fuel. And of course, they are used for many types
of food, including margarine, cooking oil, and even cattle food.
One interesting fact is that it is called a nut when its really a
seed. The word coconut actually comes from the Portuguese
word for ghost because early explorers could see a sort of
ghost-like face in the shell of the coconut. It is also interesting
that this ghost nut should grow on a tree that is referred to as
the tree of life. Yet the coconut palm tree produces so many
good things that it fully deserves its nickname. (Words: 148)

Summary Exercise

Summary Exercise
Among traditional societies of the Pacific Northwestincluding the Haidas, Kwakiuls, Makahs, Nootkas, Tlingits,
and Tsimshiansthe gift-giving ceremony called potlatch was a central feature of social life. The word potlatch,
meaning to give, comes from a Chinook trading language that was used all along the Pacific Coast.
Each nation, or tribe, had its own particular word for the ceremony, and each had different potlatch traditions.
However, the function and basic feature of the ceremony were universal among the tribes Each nation held
potlatches to celebrate important life passages, such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death. Potlatches were
also held to honor ancestors and to mark the passing of leadership. A potlatch, which could last four or more days,
was usually held in winter when the tribes were not engaged in gathering and storing food. Each potlatch included the
formal display of the host familys crest and masks. The hosts performed ritual dances and provided feasts for their
guests. However, the most important ritual was the lavish distribution of gifts to the guests. Some hosts might give
away most or all their accumulated wealth in one potlatch. The more a host gave away, the more status was
accorded him. In turn, the guests, who had to accept the proffered gifts, were then expected to host their own
potlatches and give away gifts of equal value.
Prior to the tribes contact with Europeans, gifts might have included food, slaves, copper plates, and goats hair
blankets. After contact, the potlatch was fundamentally transformed by the influx of manufactured goods. As tribes
garnered wealth in the fur trade, gifts came to include guns, woolen blankets, and other Western goods. Although
potlatches had always been a means for individuals to win prestige, potlatches involving manufactured goods
became a way for nobles to validate tenuous claims to leadership, sometimes through the destruction of property. It
was this willful destruction of property that led Canadian authorities, and later the U.S. government, to ban potlatches
in the late 1880s.
Despite the ban, the potlatch remained an important part of native Pacific Northwest culture. Giving wealthnot
accumulating wealth, as is prized in Western culturewas a means of cementing leadership, affirming status,
establishing and maintaining alliances, and ensuring the even distribution of food and goods. Agnes Alfred, an Indian
from Albert Bay, explained the potlatch this way, When ones heart is glad, he gives away gifts. . . . The potlatch was
given to us to be our way of expressing joy.

Summary Exercise
Among traditional societies of the Pacific Northwestincluding the Haidas, Kwakiuls, Makahs, Nootkas, Tlingits,
and Tsimshiansthe gift-giving ceremony called potlatch was a central feature of social life. The word potlatch,
meaning to give, comes from a Chinook trading language that was used all along the Pacific Coast.
Each nation, or tribe, had its own particular word for the ceremony, and each had different potlatch traditions.
However, the function and basic feature of the ceremony were universal among the tribes Each nation held
potlatches to celebrate important life passages, such as birth, coming of age, marriage, and death. Potlatches were
also held to honor ancestors and to mark the passing of leadership. A potlatch, which could last four or more days,
was usually held in winter when the tribes were not engaged in gathering and storing food. Each potlatch included the
formal display of the host familys crest and masks. The hosts performed ritual dances and provided feasts for their
guests. However, the most important ritual was the lavish distribution of gifts to the guests. Some hosts might give
away most or all their accumulated wealth in one potlatch. The more a host gave away, the more status was
accorded him. In turn, the guests, who had to accept the proffered gifts, were then expected to host their own
potlatches and give away gifts of equal value.
Prior to the tribes contact with Europeans, gifts might have included food, slaves, copper plates, and goats hair
blankets. After contact, the potlatch was fundamentally transformed by the influx of manufactured goods. As tribes
garnered wealth in the fur trade, gifts came to include guns, woolen blankets, and other Western goods. Although
potlatches had always been a means for individuals to win prestige, potlatches involving manufactured goods
became a way for nobles to validate tenuous claims to leadership, sometimes through the destruction of property. It
was this willful destruction of property that led Canadian authorities, and later the U.S. government, to ban potlatches
in the late 1880s.
Despite the ban, the potlatch remained an important part of native Pacific Northwest culture. Giving wealthnot
accumulating wealth, as is prized in Western culturewas a means of cementing leadership, affirming status,
establishing and maintaining alliances, and ensuring the even distribution of food and goods. Agnes Alfred, an Indian
from Albert Bay, explained the potlatch this way, When ones heart is glad, he gives away gifts. . . . The potlatch was
given to us to be our way of expressing joy.

Summary Exercise
A potlatch is a traditional gift-giving ceremony central to social
life in many Pacific Northwest societies. The ceremony is held
to celebrate important events, such as births, marriages, and
death. A potlatch may last four or more days during the winter,
and involve formal decorations, ritual dances, and feasts, as
well as gift-giving. Before the arrival of Europeans to America,
gifts included food, slaves, copper plates, and goats hair
blankets. Potlatches also served as ways to lay claims to
leadership, which sometimes involved destroying property. This
practice led Canadian and U.S. governments to ban potlatches
in the late 1880s. Regardless of the fact, potlatches are still
important in Pacific Northwest culture. (Words: 111)