Writing a Proper Summary

   

   Tides, Part I: Ocean – Sect.3, Circulation of Ocean Water, AW Earth Science

   

   Attempt 1: Shortening the original text by choosing the                                       
   sentences with the main meaning.

   

   When the water reaches the high water mark, the ocean at that location is at high tide. (When
   it reaches its lowest point, the sea in that area is at low tide) High tide is the result of
   two huge bulges in the level of the ocean. The one nearest the moon is caused by the force of
   gravity from the moon, while the bulge opposite the moon is caused by the rotation of the
   earth and the moon.

   Tides affect (the kinds of) plants and animals along the ocean margins. Tidal currents affect
   salinity of water and temperature of an environment, but it also affects people who live,
   work, or travel in harbors and along coastlines (ships schedules, fishing and recreation).

   Teacher’s note: Note that some parts can be omitted. Avoid examples.

   

   Attempt 2 – giving the point of the text by showing causes and                            
   effects (consequences)

   

   Changes of high tide and low tide (which take place approximately every twelve hours) are
   firstly due to/caused by the force of gravity from the moon and secondly  the rotation of the
   earth and the moon.

   Teacher’s note: Now tides become the cause, and affected subjects are given:

   Tides affect salinity  of water and temperature of an environment, and thus plants and animals
   along the ocean margins are consequently affected. Tides also affect people who live, work, or
   travel in harbors and along coastlines.

   

   Task: Use this summary to write an abstract in one or two sentences.