The following is an example of a pretty good paragraph taken from a summary. Read it carefully and notice the organization.
William Bennett suggests that legalizing drugs will remove a person's motive to stay away from drugs. He uses the example of marijuana legalization in Alaska where "the number of students using dope in Alaska is higher than the rest of the nation" (p. ___) to show that by legalizing drugs there will be a dramatic increase of drug consumption in that place.
This is a good paragraph because:
1. It starts with a clear point the author made in the article: legalizing drugs will remove a person's motive to stay away from drugs.
2. It clearly attributes this point to the author of the article: William Bennett suggests that . . .
3. It shows a bit about how the author supports that point: He uses the example of marijuana legalization in Alaska . . .
4. It quotes well from the text and integrates the quote.
5. It explains how the example supports the point: to show that by legalizing drugs there will be a dramatic increase of drug consumption in that place.
Other points to consider:
1. Summary language is in the present tense (William Bennett suggests/ he uses the example).
2. Quotes are followed by page numbers.