Writing Guides
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.