Discusses the organization of two basic writing courses around reading and summarizing, following the typical description of summary found in composition texts. Notes that, based on their research, the authors no longer believe that summaries can be completely objective: instead, they believe that summary is an interpretive act and that students…

Addresses the problem of oversimplification among basic writers. Investigates the strategies and assumptions of basic writers in moving to oversimplify their writing. Presents case studies involving basic writers and analyzes them to determine the causes of oversimplification. (HB)