Summary of Triumph of the City, Chapter 1
The essay adheres to MLA format.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe INTRODUCTION begins with a general statement to help the reader enter the conversation, and it introduces the text (as a whole) and author.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe THESIS presents Glaeser’s main argument in Ch 1–and covers the whole chapter.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAll body paragraphs begin with TOPIC SENTENCES that clearly articulate one of Glaeser’s main points.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEach body paragraph includes at least one key EXAMPLE from the text (paraphrased) that illustrates the point.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer EXPLAINS how the example(s) illustrate(s) the point and relate(s) back to Glaeser’s main argument.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe CONCLUSION brings the essay to a close by reiterating the main ideas and/or providing the writer’s response.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe essay is an ACCURATE summary of the text in the writer’s own words and includes no opinion (in the body) or quotations.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAs a whole, the essay moves logically from one point to the next, and the writer uses appropriate TRANSITIONS between ideas.
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe essay demonstrates the major conventions of standard written English GRAMMAR and SYNTAX.
For Essay 1, you will write an academic summary of Triumph of the City, Chapter 1.
Essay 1 will respond to the following prompt: What does Edward Glaeser argue in Chapter 1 of Triumph of the City? Summarize his thesis and main points. Illustrate each main point by paraphrasing the evidence from the text.
REQUIREMENTS
To receive a passing grade, your essay must respond to the above prompt (in bold) and include:
A thesis statement that conveys Glaeser’s main argument in your own words
Point-by-point organization, with one main idea per paragraph
Paraphrase of specific examples from the text (to illustrate points)– no quotes!
Clear writing that displays the major conventions of standard English grammar
A minimum of 3-4 pages of writing
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Write your summary for an audience that is unfamiliar with the text
Use MLA format and structure your summary as an academic essay
Briefly introduce the author and book, as a whole, in the first paragraph based on what you gleaned from the book’s introduction
No quotations! Summary means the writing is in your own words.
A good summary periodically reminds the reader that he or she is reading a summary of another person’s ideas. You can do this with signal phrases that point back to the author or article. (e.g., “Glaeser goes on to argue that….”)
The body of your summary should not include your opinion. (Save that for later!)
However, you may end your paper with a conclusion that responds to Glaeser’s ideas.