Summary Frames
An Introduction
The following summary frames come from the book Classroom Instruction that Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement, by Robert Marzano. These frames were constructed to help students retain and comprehend material through learning to effectively summarize text by 1) Deleting trivial material that is unnecessary to understanding. 2) Deleting redundant material. 3) Substitute superordinate terms for lists (e.g., “flowers” for “daisies, tulips, and roses”). 4) Select a topic sentence, or invent one if it is missing.
Directions for Using Summary Frames
First read the sample passage provided. Second decide upon the appropriate summary frame to use. Third answer each question as it appears in the summary frame.
Summarizing Strategy: Sample Passage
|
Why Does Studying Solar Wind Tell Us About the Origin of Our Solar System?
Most scientists believe our solar system was formed 4.6 billion years ago with the gravitational collapse of the solar nebula, a cloud of interstellar gas, dust, and ice created from previous generations of stars. As time went on the grains of ice and dust bumped into and stuck to one another, eventually forming the planets, moons, comets, and asteroids as we know them today. How this transition from the solar nebula to planets took place has both fascinated and mystified scientists. Why did some planets, like Venus, develop thick, poisonous atmospheres, while others, like Earth, became hospitable to life? Partial answers are from the study of the chemical composition of the solar system bodies, which scientists find are significantly different from one another. This information helps them model various processes for planet formation, but they are still hampered by one major question: What was the original solar nebula made of? Our sun may contain the answer. It contains over 99 percent of all the material in the solar system and, while its interior has been modified by nuclear reactions, its outer layers are believed to be composed of the same material as the original solar nebula. By collecting and studying solar wind, the material flung from the sun, scientists may find more answers to this mysterious puzzle.
|
Summary Frames
By Robert Marzono
Narrative Frame
The narrative frame or story frame is commonly found in fiction and contains the following elements:
1. Characters: the characteristics of the main characters in the story.
2. Setting: the time, place, and context in which the information took place.
3. Initiating Event: the event that starts the action rolling in the story.
4. Internal Response: how the main characters react emotionally to the initiating event.
5. Goal: what the main characters decide to do as a reaction to the initiating event.
6. Consequence: how the main characters try to accomplish the goal.
7. Resolution: how the goal turns out.
|
The Narrative Frame-Asks yourself theses questions when reading a narrative piece. 1. Who are the main characters and what distinguishes them from others? 2. When and where did the story take place? What were the circumstances? 3. What prompted the action in the story? 4. How did the characters express their feelings? 5. What did the main characters decide to do? Did they set a goal, and, if so, what was it? 6. How did the main characters try to accomplish their goal(s)? 7. What were the consequences?
|
The Topic-Restriction-Illustration Frame
T-R-I stands for topic, restriction, and illustration. This pattern is commonly found in expository material. The T-R-I frame contains the following elements:
Topic-T-general statement about the topic to be discussed.
Restriction-R-limits the information in some way.
Illustrations I-exemplifies the topic or restriction
|
T-What is the general statement or topic? R-What information narrows or restricts the general statement or topic? I- What examples illustrate the topic or restriction? |
The Definition Frame
The purpose of a definition frame is to describe a particular concept and identify subordinate concepts. Definition patterns contain the following elements:
1. Term-the subject to be defined.
2. Set-the general category to which the term belongs.
3. Gross characteristics-those characteristics that separate the term from other elements in the set.
4. Minute differences-those different classes of objects that fall directly beneath the term.
|
1. What is being defined? 2. To which general category does the item belong? 3. What characteristics separate the item from other things in the general category? 4. What are some different types or classes of the item being defined?
|
The Argumentation Frame
Argumentation frames contain information designed to support a claim. They contain the following elements:
1. Evidence: information that leads to a claim.
2. Claim: the assertion that something is true-the claim that is the focal point of the argument.
3. Support: examples of or explanations for the claim.
4. Qualifier: a restriction on the claim or evidence for the claim.
|
1. What information is presented that leads to a claim? 2. What is the basic statement or claim that is the focus of the information? 3. What examples or explanations are presented to support this claim? 4. What concessions are made about the claim? |
The Problem/Solution Frame
Problem/Solution Frames introduce a problem and then identify one or more solutions to the problem.
Problem: A statement of something that has happened or might happen that is problematic.
Solution: A description of one possible solution.
Solution: A statement of another possible solution.
Solution: A statement of another possible solution.
Solution: Identification of the solution with the greatest chance of success.
|
1. What is the problem? 2. What is a possible solution? 3. What is another possible solution? 4. Which solution has the best chance of succeeding? |
-contributed by Jessica Foster, LTCY 524