Summary Exercise

Read the following summary openings, and explain which one(s) are best and why. Weasel words are words that advertisers use to manipulate consumers. William Lutz wrote an article called “With These Words, I can Sell you Anything.” According to William, weasel words are used to deceive consumers. In William Lutz’s article “With These Words, I can Sell you Anything,” says advertisers use weasel words. In William Lutz’s article “With These Words, I can Sell you Anything,” Lutz says advertisers use weasel words to manipulate consumers into buying a product.

Answers: Weasel words are words that advertisers use to manipulate consumers. This opening sentence does get at the main point, but does not mention the author or the article title.

Answers: William Lutz wrote an article called “With These Words, I can Sell you Anything.” This opening sentence mentions the author and the title, but does not mention the main point.

Answers: According to William, weasel words are used to deceive consumers. This opening sentence only uses the author’s first name and does not mention the article title.

Answers: In William Lutz’s article “With These Words, I can Sell you Anything,” says advertisers use weasel words. This opening sentence contains all of the necessary elements, but is grammatically problematic. After the title of the article, the writer should insert the word “he” or “Lutz” to make the sentence grammatically correct.

Answers: In William Lutz’s article “With These Words, I can Sell you Anything,” Lutz says advertisers use weasel words to manipulate consumers into buying a product. Of the examples listed, this is the best. It is grammatically sound and contains the author name, article title, and main point.