Grading summaries of short stories can be done based on content, style, and organization. Content-wise, make sure it covers the key elements. Style should be easy to understand. Organization should be logical. You can grade them as you have time available or set a specific time slot for it.
To grade summaries of short stories, consider the comprehensiveness. The summary should cover the key points of the story without leaving out important details. Another factor is coherence. The summary should flow well, with sentences and ideas connecting logically. For instance, if the story has a cause - and - effect relationship in its plot, the summary should reflect that in a clear sequence. Additionally, grammar and spelling play a role. A summary full of errors can't be considered a good one.
When writing short summaries of stories, first consider the main characters. They are the driving force of the story. For example, in 'The Great Gatsby', Gatsby is a key character. Second, the main plot points. You need to pick out what happens in the story that is crucial. In a mystery story, it might be the discovery of a clue. Third, the theme. This gives the story its meaning. If it's a story about love, the theme of love should be reflected in the summary.
First, the summary has to be complete in terms of covering the major plot points. It should not skip over important events or character developments. Second, the language used in the summary should be appropriate. If the short story is a formal piece, the summary shouldn't use overly casual language. And finally, the summary should be able to stand on its own, meaning a reader who hasn't read the original story should be able to get a basic understanding of what the story was about just from the summary.
To make short summaries of stories engaging, use vivid language. For example, instead of saying 'The man walked', say 'The man sauntered'. Also, highlight the most exciting parts. If there's a big fight in the story, focus on that. Another tip is to create a bit of mystery in the summary. Don't give away everything.
One important aspect is to capture the main plot. Just focus on the key events that drive the story forward. For example, in a mystery short story, you need to mention the mystery itself and how it gets resolved. Another aspect is character. Highlight the main characters' traits and their roles in the story. Also, the theme should be included. It gives the deeper meaning of the story.
When analyzing summaries of Wells' short stories, pay attention to the themes. His stories often deal with themes such as evolution, power, and the relationship between science and society. In 'The Island of Dr. Moreau', the theme of the abuse of scientific power is central. Look at how the plot progresses in the summary. Does it build tension effectively? In many of his stories, the plot builds towards a climax that forces the reader to think about the implications of the events. Moreover, consider the language used in the summary. Is it descriptive? Does it convey the atmosphere of the story well?
Engaging summaries of short stories can be created by highlighting the unique elements of the story. If the story has an unexpected ending, build up to that in the summary. Mention the twists and turns that lead to that conclusion. You can also bring out the human element. If it's a story about friendship, talk about how the characters' relationship evolves. Use descriptive words to paint a picture of the characters and their situations. For instance, 'The two friends, like two stars in a constellation, were inseparable until...' This kind of description makes the summary more interesting.
There are indeed apps for this. For instance, the Shortform app. It gives summaries and analyses of many works, including short stories. However, not all of its content is free. But you can still find some free short story summaries there. Also, some e - book reading apps like Kindle have user - generated reviews and summaries that can be considered as free resources for short story summaries.
Poe's short stories are often dark and mysterious. For example, 'The Tell - Tale Heart' is about a narrator who is driven mad by the old man's vulture - like eye and eventually kills him. The summary shows Poe's ability to create a sense of unease and psychological turmoil in the reader.
One important aspect is to focus on the key events. Don't get bogged down in minor details. Highlight the turning points in the story. For short stories, it's often about a particular moment of change or realization. For instance, in a story where a man discovers a hidden talent, you'd talk about his ordinary life before, the moment of discovery, and what he plans to do with his new - found talent. This helps in creating an effective summary.