English 102: JC Clapp
Seminar Paper #1
Ways of Seeing, Berger, pgs. 7-34
For this first seminar paper, focus on understanding the major points that Berger makes and the major
examples he uses to support them. To do this, please write a 2-3 page summary of his argument. A good
summary represents the main points of a text. Summaries don’t include your opinions or your reactions,
instead they simply (and carefully) try to represent what the author is saying. If a summary is effective,
a person who has never read the text will be able to read it and understand the author’s main points. Feel
free to use quotes from the text (sparingly and with purpose!). There are many ways to write a good
summary, but you might try the following steps:



Read the selection again, paying attention to what you feel is the author’s overall
point. Consider what you feel the purpose was of the selection. What was the author
trying to convince you to believe? In the first part of your summary, write what you
feel was the controlling idea (main idea) of the piece.
Now, go back through the reading and see if you can figure out how, exactly, the
author went about proving (substantiating) his main idea. Authors use smaller points
to back up their main idea. Usually, there are examples for each of the smaller points.
Think about how the text is organized and what each example is supporting. After
you’ve figured out how the essay is put together, mark off the text into “sections”.
Read each of the “sections” you’ve marked off and then write down, in your own
words (a short paragraph length) what that section is about. Longer sections will
have longer summaries! Remember that in a summary you don’t need to get caught
up in every little detail – look for the main ideas, supporting ideas, and the major
examples. Consider what the section is about as well as how it relates to the author’s
overall argument (How does the section connect to the one before it? After it?)

At this point you should have a few pages of summary. Now, make sure your
transitions between paragraphs are clear, so we understand how Berger moved from
one idea to another.

The last step is to write 2 thought provoking questions at the end of your paper.
Avoid questions with “yes” or “no” answers, instead think of questions that would
spark a good discussion.
Grading Criteria: When grading your seminar paper, I’ll be looking for the following:
 A thorough, accurate summary of Berger’s main ideas which spans 2-3 pages.
 No ranting and raving – the student has not included their opinions or reactions, but instead
has focused on representing the author’s argument.
 There are 2 thought provoking questions at the end, which avoid “yes” or “no” type answers.
 The paper has been carefully proofread for grammatical and spelling errors.
 The paper is typed, using 12 pt. Font, black ink, double spacing, 1” margins, and was
submitted in a 2-pocket folder.