Sunday, June 19, 2011

Blog Post #2

Summary and analysis are both important aspects of writing. The key is to know when and how to use each one. When you summarize, you are retelling in a shortened version what the main idea of a story, poem, etc, is. Summarizing is more fact based on the text you read; in other words, summary is the “what” of the story. Analysis, on the other hand, is the “why.” Analysis is digging a little deeper, looking closer at the details, and reading between the lines. This includes claiming an idea and supporting your opinion with reasons and evidence, making an argument that can be substantiated, and exploring differences and likenesses.

An example of summarizing that comes to mind would be telling someone of a dream that you had. To personalize this, I have a reoccurring dream about being in the ocean riding waves. I can describe the blue sky, the salty water and the strength and intensity of the waves, as well as my level of enjoyment or apprehension. Sometimes I cannot decide if I should go over the wave or under it. With my description and your imagination, you would be able to have a visual idea of my dream. In analysis, you might ask what is happening or happened in my life that would correlate to this dream? Am I currently faced with difficult decisions I am pressed to make? Perhaps I have regrets about decisions I have already made that leave me with a longing desire to choose differently. Did I nearly drown in the ocean at some time in my life and my fear comes at night to revisit me? As a reader you could make an argument why you think I have this dream or what it may mean.

I hope I was able to convey the difference of summary and analysis and how each is used by my examples.


picture from http://www.ehow.com/how_2158235_study-analyze-literature.html




http://www.ehow.com/info_8243692_online-vocabulary-games.html

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2 comments:

  1. AugieJune 21, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Hello El,
    I like how you used why and what as a to point at the difference of summary and an analysis. I appreciate how you made it personal as well. That was a good example of allowing a visual picture of your dream and how me and my peers as the reader would have the questions of why this is a reoccurring situation for you. Analysis and summaries are on two different perspectives of literature and i feel that you accurately described them :) Hope your answers come about your dream.

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  2. kmomo426June 26, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Hello El,

    Good Post! I absolutely agree with all you have said. Like I mentioned throughout my blogs, in the past I have argued with many English instructors saying there is no difference between the two. However after a hard an d miserable semester of failing the English class prior to this one I have finally realized their differences. This post clearly signifies their differences and cleared up any small confusions I still may of had. I enjoyed this post and look forward to many from you in the future! Blog on!

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