"Marine biologist gets a
'seal's-eye view'" is linked on the right. If
you completed Lesson 11, you have already read this article
and looked at main ideas and supporting details. If you saved
your notes from Lesson 11, you'll be ahead of the game. Let's
focus on a summary statement for the article. As you read,
ask yourself, "If I only had one sentence to tell
what this article was about, what would that sentence include?"
Practice skimming the article for major ideas. Before
you read the article sentence by sentence in order,
first read the title,
then read the first sentence of each paragraph to
get an idea of the major ideas and what the article is about.
Hopefully you have your notes from Lesson 11. If so, a review
of your notes will also help you identify the summary statement.
As you check each choice of answer, ask these questions:
Does this summary statement . . .
state the main ideas of a text passage?.
present information that is clear and concise
(brief)?
focus only on information (main
ideas) from the text?
follow the sequence of events in the text?
just include the facts and avoid interpretations
or judgement?
Question:
Which sentence best summarizes the article?
Yes
No
Maybe
Answers
A.
New technology helps scientists to learn about marine mammals.
B.
With data from tiny video cameras strapped to
the heads of seals, scientists learn about surprising underwater
hunting habits of seals, and may be able to use the cameras
to learn more about other undersea creatures.
C.
Biologists find out seals have sharper eyesight than anyone
believed, which allows them to see their prey in the dark, murky
waters.
D.
Seals use their eyesight, their ability to hold their breath
for long time periods, and their silence to locate and capture
their prey.
Is your answer A, B, C or D? Check for the correct answer.
Does this summary statement . . .
state the main ideas of a text passage? YES
present information that is clear and concise
(brief)? YES
focus only on information (main
ideas) from the text? YES
follow the sequence of events in the text? YES
just include the facts and avoid interpretations or
judgement? YES
