Step 1: Purpose, Focus, Perspective
For the Mares text, you must incorporate the Acknowledgements and the Introduction when addressing all
three of the questions below.
In at least three and no more than four well-organized paragraphs answer the following questions:
Purpose: Why is the book being written? There are multiple reasons.
Focus: What major themes does the author propose to cover? What issues will be dealt with? Who or what is
to be examined or studied? What is the time frame? Where will it take place? How is the book organized? Why
is the book organized into its chapters? (It is not necessary to have all of these questions answered, nor do you
have to follow the order given, but it is important to make sure all relevant information is included).
Perspective: Who is the author arguing for or against? There are multiple arguments.
Step 2: Summation of Content
Summarize the contents of the book in five concise paragraphs. Pay attention to how the chapters of the book
provide important information that supports what you think the author is arguing for or against. Take notes on
each chapter’s themes and photographs, if any. Can you find meaningful examples which support the author’s
purpose, focus, and perspective above? Avoid re-telling the story. Write short summary statements that identify
the themes and topics of each chapter that convey the author’s purpose, focus, and perspective. Always
connect the ideas presented in a chapter to the author’s intent. Provide examples from the author’s writing and
photographs that help you understand the major arguments being made. A useful summation of content
succinctly conveys the author’s organizational structure and presentation of ideas, relaying important thoughts
that are central to the author’s argument. After taking extensive notes based on the information above, you are
prepared to write a brief summary of the information in five well-organized paragraphs. Remember: avoid retelling the story.