Stop Summarizing
START COMMENTATING
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One basic way to elevate the quality of your next essay is to stop summarizing and start commentating.
How to Write a Good Essay Part 1:
How to Write a Good Essay Part 1:
Learn the Difference between Commentary and Summary
Learn the Difference between Commentary and Summary
While both writing styles can be used to discuss another piece of work (like a play, book, movie, or poem), this is about the sum total of their similarities.
Here are the three main differences between summary and commentary:
Summary is a brief account giving the main points of something.
Commentary is a series of explanations and interpretations.
Summary is surface.
Commentary is deep.
Summary is regurgitation.
Commentary is original.
There is only one way to provide a summary: You read or view a work, and then write down a recap of what the work is all about.
However, there are many ways to provide commentary, including:
Here are some real life examples of summary and commentary:
A summary is something you’d read in a movie description or on the back of a book, like this summary of The Godfather: Part II
Commentary is what you’d read in a film or book review, like this one from "Rotten Tomatoes:"
As you can see, the main difference between these two write-ups of The Godfather, Part II is the summary includes no opinion or evaluation, while the "Rotten Tomatoes" review includes the opinion “strong performances” and the evaluation “set(s) new standards for sequels that have yet to be matched or broken.”
As you can see, the main difference between these two write-ups of The Godfather, Part II is the summary includes no opinion or evaluation, while the "Rotten Tomatoes" review includes the opinion “strong performances” and the evaluation “set(s) new standards for sequels that have yet to be matched or broken.”
How to Write a Good Essay Part 2: Sample Essay
How to Write a Good Essay Part 2: Sample Essay
So, now that you (hopefully) understand the difference between summary and commentary, let’s work on an example.
Let's take a look at a scene from HBO's (2008) series John Adams, which I selected because of our reading of their letters a couple of weeks ago. I'll provide both a summary and commentary on the scene.
In this scene from the 2008 HBO John Adams, slaves are working hard to build the White House. John and Abigail Adams arrive home, to the White House, on a rainy and muddy day. A gentleman assists John and Abigail from their carriage, into their home. The couple enters the home as they continue to look around at everyone working.
While this may be a decent (ish?) summary of the scene, it doesn’t offer any additional insight into the film. My summary regurgitates what happened. There’s really no point in reading this summary; instead, you could just watch the scene and learn everything I just discussed, and you’ll have much more fun doing it. In fact, as much as you disliked reading the letters, you'd probably have more fun reading the letters than reading my summary.
When you are asked to provide a summary, pretend your instructor is saying to provide a thoughtful commentary. You can be sure that he or she does not want you to just give a detailed recap. This doesn't show any effort. In fact, writing that summary took me under a minute, with little thought.
The one thing a summary can provide is background. Give your reader some context on the piece of work, while also providing insight...
How to Write a Good Essay: Offer an Opinion
How to Write a Good Essay: Offer an Opinion
First, I’m going to insert an opinion into my summary.
In this reflective and historically-accurate scene from the 2008 HBO series John Adams, John Adams (played by Paul Giamatti) and his wife Abigail Adams (played by Laura Linney) arrive home, to the White House, as the slaves construct the presidential mansion.
How to Write a Good Essay: Offer an Interpretation
How to Write a Good Essay: Offer an Interpretation
Next, I’ll insert an interpretation.
In this moment, President Adams observes -- as if for the first time -- what is going on around him. The slaves were important and instrumental in the building of the new nation's economy; John and Abigail indicate they are no longer happy with just going through the motions without noticing the world in which they live, especially where situations may be ethically problematic.
How to Write a Good Essay: Offer some Insight, Reaction, and/or Evaluation
How to Write a Good Essay: Offer some Insight, Reaction, and/or Evaluation
Next, I’ll insert some insight.
The capital is the few places where slaves were used but not abused and their close ties ultimately paved way for the abolition of slavery. John's and Abigail's exit from the carriage serves as a symbolic exit from the complacent acceptance and disregard toward centuries of slavery and discrimination.
How to Write a Good Essay Part 3: Final Rules to Consider
How to Write a Good Essay Part 3: Final Rules to Consider
There are a couple more important rules that will help you write a good essay.
Rule One: Avoid Subjective Phrases
Rule One: Avoid Subjective Phrases
Even when giving commentary in the form of an opinion, avoid using subjective phrases like “I hope,” “I believe,” and “I think.” These phrases are redundant (you wrote the essay, so it’s obvious you think, believe, or hope what is written) and they reduce your credibility.
Rule Two: Maintain a 2:1 Ratio of Commentary to Summary
Rule Two: Maintain a 2:1 Ratio of Commentary to Summary
In general, you should provide approximately two points of commentary for every specific detail you offer. While summary is still important for giving your reader context, commentary is critical to writing a good essay.
Rule Three: Follow Your Instructor’s Rules
Rule Three: Follow Your Instructor’s Rules
Sometimes your instructor will want you to only offer opinion; other times, insight or interpretation; other times, freedom as to what type of commentary you include in your essay. The important thing to remember is to follow the rules for the assignment.
If you need more help learning about how to write a better essay, I recommend the cool slideshow about commentary [below].
And of course, don’t forget the final step for writing a good essay: editing! Have your essay edited by a peer or a parent; you may also take your essay to the Achievement Center for some assistance. Ms. Nissen is available in the AC Tues-Friday; I am available during WIN times.
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