Description
I hope you’ve noticed how often David Sloan Wilson in Evolution for Everyone refers back to previous chapters, explaining or amending something he said earlier. Find 2 of these related chapters then write a Summary-Response Essay about them. Use correct bibliographical referencing and follow the steps outlined below to complete this assignment successfully:
A. The Summary
1. Develop an introduction for your summary. This introduction should mention (not necessarily in this order):
- the subject of the two chapters and how they are connected;
- the main ideas or contentions in each;
- the key experiments and thinkers;
- the connections between the two chapters.
2. Summarize the main points of the two chapters in two paragraphs.
For example, if you wrote in your introduction, “This chapter examines how insect colonies exemplify evolutionary principles,” you can now give one or two examples from the chapter that illustrate this main idea.
You’re helping your audience understand the chapters, and real examples usually work best to achieve this aim.
However, be careful not to copy the wording of the text directly. Short quotations are acceptable as long as you introduce them, use quotation marks, and then comment on them. Paraphrase as much as you can, and cut out most of the details. The point of the summary is for you to put these ideas into your own words and to reach a better understanding of Wilson’s reasoning.
B. The Response
1. In two or three paragraphs, give us your response to Wilson’s ideas. That is, explain what you learned from these two chapters. Use examples and/or direct quotations to support your ideas, and integrate these source-materials into your own writing.
2. In one final paragraph, provide a final evaluation of the readings. Tell us why you think we should spend time on these two particular chapters, or alternatively, tell us why you think we shouldn’t bother. This will be your conclusion.
Midterm rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization: your essay must have an introduction paragraph presenting a clear thesis about two related Chapters from Evolution for Everyone, summary paragraphs, response paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph, which comments on the importance of what you have said, and does not just trail off or end abruptly. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity: You present your summary and response in enough detail that I can understand you, but not so much detail that I am overwhelmed. You do not confuse or mystify me. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAccuracy: You are accurate in your reading of the text: your paper shows that you have understood what you read. Names, places, and events are correct. You do not leave out something important that might contradict the point you want to make. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuotation: Your paper contains short direct quotations from the chapters chosen as support for the point(s) you were trying to make. Quotations are in context and demonstrated that you know how to use quotations to support a point. In other words they were introduced and commented upon. |
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20.0 pts |
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This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcomeroofreading and format: The paper shows that you have a command of the customs and conventions of written English. All papers are double spaced, proofread, spell-checked, with your name in the upper left corner, and a title. Pages are numbered. You name your file Lastname/Midterm |
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20.0 pts |
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Total Points: 100.0 |
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