Draft the summary for The Odyssey Part 1, The Odyssey Part 2, The Odyssey Part 3, or Orpheus and Eurydice. Remember to use your own words and to focus only on important information
Summary Assessment Grading Rubric
SCORE Focus Ideas Organization Word Choice Conventions
9–10 The summary is
concise. The
summary’s purpose
is clear. The
summary includes
only essential ideas
and omits
unnecessary details.
The main ideas of the
chosen reading selection
are clearly and effectively
summarized. The
summary covers all of the
essential points of the
chosen reading selection
and omits unnecessary
details.
The summary retells
important ideas from the
chosen reading selection
in a logical order.
Transition words such as
first, next, however, and
so forth are used to
show the relationships
between ideas or events.
The summary uses
precise, specific word
choice. The summary
includes transition
words and phrases to
smoothly move from
point to point.
The summary includes
correct spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, and subjectverb agreement. The
summary uses action and
linking verbs correctly.
8 The summary is
concise. The
summary’s purpose
is clear. The
summary includes
mostly essential
ideas and omits
most unnecessary
details.
The main ideas of the
chosen reading selection
are clearly and effectively
summarized. The
summary covers most of
the essential points of the
chosen reading selection
and omits most
unnecessary details.
The summary retells
important ideas from the
chosen reading selection
in a logical order.
Transition words such as
first, next, however, and
so forth are used
occasionally to show the
relationships between
ideas or events.
The summary uses
precise, specific word
choice. The summary
includes transition
words and phrases to
smoothly move from
point to point.
The summary includes
correct spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, and subjectverb agreement. The
summary uses action and
linking verbs, but some
are used incorrectly.
7 The summary is not
concise, but the
summary’s purpose
is clear. The
summary includes
mostly essential
ideas and omits
most unnecessary
details.
The main ideas of the
chosen reading selection
are summarized to a
certain extent. The
summary covers most of
the essential points of the
chosen reading selection
and omits most
unnecessary details.
The summary retells
important ideas from the
chosen reading
selection, but not in
logical order. Transition
words such asfirst, next,
however, and so forth
are used occasionally to
show the relationships
between ideas or events.
The summary uses
varied vocabulary, but
the word choice is not
specific to the
summary. The
summary includes
transition words and
phrases to smoothly
move from point to
point.
The summary includes
correct spelling,
capitalization,
punctuation, and subjectverb agreement to a
certain extent. The
summary uses action and
linking verbs, but some
are used incorrectly.
6 The summary often
lacks focus. The
summary includes
mostly essential
ideas and omits
most unnecessary
details.
The order of ideas is
frequently confusing. The
summary covers most of
the essential points of the
chosen reading selection
and omits most
unnecessary details.
For the most part, the
summary does not
develop important ideas
from the chosen reading
selection. Transition
words such asfirst, next,
however, and so forth
are used occasionally to
show the relationships
between ideas or events.
The summary often
uses vague, repetitive
word choice. The
summary includes
some transition words
and phrases but does
not move smoothly
from point to point.
The summary contains
frequent, distracting errors
in grammar, usage and
spelling, which
occasionally interfere with
meaning.
5
or
below
The summary lacks
focus. It describes
very few, if any,
essential ideas.
The summary does not
follow a clear
organizational pattern.
The order of ideas is
confusing.
The important ideas are
undeveloped. Additional
elaboration is needed
throughout.
Word choice and
sentence structure are
repetitive or unclear.
The summary does not
move slowly.
The summary contains
frequent errors, which
often interfere with
meaning.
make it a 9-10
The Odyssey Part 1 is a summary of the first part of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey. It follows the story of Odysseus, a Greek hero, as he tries to make his way back home after the Trojan War. In Part 1, Odysseus is trapped on the island of Calypso, where he has been held captive for seven years. Meanwhile, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus face challenges and pressure from suitors who want to marry Penelope and claim Odysseus' throne. The summary focuses on the main ideas of Odysseus' struggle to return home and his family's fight to protect their kingdom.
The Odyssey Part 2 continues the story of Odysseus as he finally escapes Calypso's island and embarks on a journey back to his homeland, Ithaca. On his journey, Odysseus encounters dangerous creatures like the Cyclops and the Sirens, and faces temptations from various gods and goddesses. Meanwhile, Penelope continues to fend off the suitors and remain faithful to her husband. Part 2 of the summary highlights Odysseus' bravery and cunning as he navigates through treacherous waters and battles mythical creatures, while also emphasizing Penelope's unwavering loyalty and strength.
The Odyssey Part 3 concludes the epic tale of Odysseus' return to Ithaca and his ultimate victory over the suitors who have invaded his home. In Part 3, Odysseus reunites with his son Telemachus and together they devise a plan to reclaim their kingdom. With the help of the goddess Athena, Odysseus disguises himself as a beggar and outwits the suitors, revealing his true identity and regaining control of his household. The summary of Part 3 focuses on the themes of loyalty, heroism, and the triumph of good over evil, highlighting the courage and determination of Odysseus and his family.
The summary for Orpheus and Eurydice tells the tragic love story of Orpheus, a talented musician, and Eurydice, his beloved wife. After Eurydice dies from a viper bite, Orpheus goes to the Underworld to plead with Hades, the god of the Underworld, to allow him to bring Eurydice back to the land of the living. Hades agrees to Orpheus' request on the condition that he does not look back at Eurydice until they have reached the surface. However, overcome with doubt and fear, Orpheus turns around to make sure Eurydice is still following him, thus breaking the condition and causing her to be lost forever. The summary focuses on the themes of love, loss, and the consequences of human weakness, depicting the tragic end of Orpheus and Eurydice's relationship.