Writing Workshop: Summary Answers

Read the excerpt from Common Sense, by Thomas Paine."If we omit [forming our own constitution] now, some Massenello may hereafter arise, who laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and the discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of government, may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge."Which choice best rewords the underlined phrase with more objective language?

Read the excerpt from The Crisis, Number I, by Thomas Paine."Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but ‘to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER,’ and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth."Which is the best way to paraphrase this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from a summary of Common Sense, by Thomas Paine.[1] Thomas Paine believed that reconciliation with Britain was no longer possible. [2] Reconciliation had been attempted and had failed. [3] It was unfortunate that Paine called for action. [4] He urged the colonists to take up arms against the British.Which sentence in the excerpt includes the summary writer's personal opinion?

Read the excerpt from Common Sense, by Thomas Paine.“To talk of friendship with those in whom our reason forbids us to have faith, and our affections wounded through a thousand pores instruct us to detest, is madness and folly. Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us [the colonists] and them [the British], and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires, the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?”Which is the best way to objectively summarize this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from the introductory note of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.“Benjamin Franklin was born in Milk Street, Boston, on January 6, 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow chandler [candle maker] who married twice, and of his seventeen children Benjamin was the youngest son. His schooling ended at ten, and at twelve he was bound apprentice to his brother James, a printer, who published the ‘New England Courant.’ To this journal he became a contributor, and later was for a time its nominal editor. But the brothers quarreled, and Benjamin ran away, going first to New York, and thence to Philadelphia, where he arrived in October, 1723.”Which is the best summary of this excerpt?

Read the excerpt from a summary of Common Sense.[1] Thomas Paine states that to talk of friendship with Britain is unwise. [2] Relations between the countries are steadily declining, and he is certain that they will not improve. [3] Paine concludes that reconciliation is not possible because some injuries are unforgivable. [4] Paine’s logic is indisputable; without his words, America might have remained subject to British rule to this day. Which sentence should be revised to make this summary more objective?

Read the excerpt from the introductory note of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.“Benjamin Franklin was born in Milk Street, Boston, on January 6, 1706. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow chandler [candle maker] who married twice, and of his seventeen children Benjamin was the youngest son. His schooling ended at ten, and at twelve he was bound apprentice to his brother James, a printer, who published the ‘New England Courant.’ To this journal he became a contributor, and later was for a time its nominal editor. But the brothers quarreled, and Benjamin ran away, going first to New York, and thence to Philadelphia, where he arrived in October, 1723.”Which of the following is a key detail about Franklin’s employment in this excerpt?

Read this excerpt from The Crisis, Number I, by Thomas Paine.“I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent.”Which is the best way to paraphrase the underlined portion of the excerpt?

Read the excerpt from a summary of the Declaration of Independence.[1] The Declaration of Independence is beautifully written. [2] Jefferson argues that everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. [3] It is a government’s job to protect these rights. [4] When a government fails, Jefferson asserts that the people can overthrow their government.Which sentence should be revised to make this summary more objective?

Read the summary of the conclusion of “The World on Turtle’s Back.”[1] When the twins grew up, they continued to fight. [2] One day they decided to hold a contest to determine who was stronger. [3] Though they tried to defeat each other in many different ways, neither one could win. [4] On the last day, they fought with weapons. [5] Using a deer antler, the right-handed twin overpowered his brother, and he threw him off the edge of the Earth. [6] Today, the right-handed twin lives in the Sky-World, and the left-handed twin lives in the dark underworld. [7] They rule the earthly world of men together.Which best describes this summary?