Summaries
Objectivity
Summaries should not include the opinion of the summary writer at all, not even in the smallest phrases or through biased word choices. Because we often use value-laden words without realizing it, we can easily misrepresent an author's view or color it with our own opinions. Especially when editing, watch for any value-laden words like these:
positive | negative |
good | bad |
strong | weak |
conservative | liberal |
hard | difficult |
easy | funny |
interesting | well-supported |
Compare the two student-written examples closely to see how easily opinion can slip through in a seemingly straightforward summary sentence.