Summary_articles_and_example

Writing a Summary The goal of this exercise is to be able to write a summary of the following article using around 130 words. Of all the games held throughout Greece, those staged at Olympia in honor of Zeus are the most famous. The Games, like all Greek games, were an intrinsic part of a religious festival. Held every four years between August 6 and September 19, they occupied such an important place in Greek life that time was measured by the interval between them --- an Olympiad. Although the first Olympic champion listed in the records was one Coroebus of Elis, a cook, who won the sprint race in 776 BC, it is generally accepted that the Games were probably at least 500 years old at that time. According to one legend they were founded by Heracles, son of Alcmene. The Games were held at Olympia in the city-state of Elis, on a track about 32 metres (35 yards) wide. The racing length was one stade, a distance of about 192 metres (210 yards) which was one length of the track. At the meeting in 776 BC, there was apparently only one event, the stade, but other events were added over the ensuing decades. In 724 BC a two-length race, diaulos, roughly similar to the 400-metre race, was included and four years later the dolichos, a long-distance race possibly to be compared to the modern 1500-or even 5000-metre event, was added. Wrestling and the pentathlon were introduced in 708 BC. The latter was an all-around competition consisting of five events --- the long jump, javelin throw, discus throw, foot race, and wrestling. Boxing was introducing in 688 BC, and in 680 a chariot race. In 648 the pancratium, a kind of all-strength, or no-holds-barred, wrestling was included. Kicking and hitting were allowed; only biting and gouging (thrusting a finger or thumb into an opponent's eye) were forbidden. Between 632 and 616 BC events for boys were introduced. And from time to time further events were added including contests for fully armed soldiers, for heralds, and for trumpeters. The program must have been as varied as that of the modem Olympics, although the athletics (track and field) events were limited: there was no high jumping in any form and no individual field event, except in the pentathlon. Until the 77th Olympiad (472 BC) all of the contests took place on one day; later they were spread, with, perhaps, some fluctuation, over four days, with a fifth devoted to the closing ceremony presentation of prizes and a banquet for the champions. Sources generally agree that women were not allowed as competitors or, except for the priestess of Demeter, as spectators. In most events, the athletes participated in the nude. The Olympic Games were originally restricted to free-born Greeks. The competitors, including those who came from the Greek colonies, were amateur in the sense that the only prize was a wreath or garland. The athletes underwent a most rigorous period of supervised training, however, and eventually the contestants were true professionals. Not only were there substantial prizes for winning, but the Olympic champion also received adulation and unlimited benefits from his city. Athletes became fulltime specialists --- a trend that in the modem games has caused a long and bitter controversy over amateurism. The following article is one you can use to practice writing a summary during the next week. Next week you can bring this to class and have me look at it if you choose. This is not a homework assignment but is just an opportunity for you to continue to prepare for the examination. Love Languages Do you know what “love languages” are? Love languages are different ways that people show their love to others. We all want to have relationships where we can show our love to others and have them communicate love to us in return. In order to be successful in communicating love, we need to understand what the different love languages are. There are five important love languages that people need to know about to communicate effectively with others. The first love language is Quality Time which refers to spending time together with the person you are trying to show your love to. This love language will cause people to feel loved when they are taken out on special dates, when their friend changes their schedule to be with them, or when they turn the television off to talk with them. It means giving all of your attention to another person. Another love language is Words of Affirmation as a way to show your love. Telling your boyfriend or girlfriend how you appreciate them, encouraging them, and through words praising them will show people that you love them. Telling someone “Í believe in you” can really make someone feel loved. With this love language you can express yourself through both spoken and written words. Gifts is another type of love language. Gifts are not just material objects, they are expressions of your love. The most important aspect is not the cost, but the fact that you were thinking of them and spent the time to go and buy them a gift. Big or little, your gift will be a symbol of your love for the other person. Fourth is the love language called Acts of Service which means you express your love by helping someone else. You could offer to go to the store to buy some things that they need when they are busy. You could help them with a difficult assignment or help them fix their bicycle when it is broken. The most important part of this love language is taking the time to do things for them that require thought, energy and time. Don’t wait to only do what they ask you to, but volunteer to show your kindness. The last love language is Physical Touch. A simple touch on the arm, hug or backrub will convey your love to them. Sit beside them when you have the chance and hold their hand when you are walking down the street. With this love language, just being near them and showing your care through touch will make them feel very loved. Just knowing about these love languages is not enough as the way in which people feel loved by others is different. It is important to know which love language is strongest for the person you are trying to love. Sometimes if you serve them they will feel more loved than if you give them a gift. Or perhaps holding their hand will not be as meaningful to them as if you had spent two hours together. I recommend that you find out what the love language is of the person you are trying to love. Don’t forget that there is more than just one love language. As you learn how to give and receive love, you will find that your relationships with others will be richer and more satisfying. Summary Example: In this article, the author explains the history of some of the earliest recorded Olympic Games held in Greece. It is generally accepted that these Games started around 1276 BC although the first champion was recorded in 776 BC. In the first Games there was only one event, however as time went on different events were added. Longer distance running races were first added and then other events like wrestling and the pentathlon. They even added events specifically for boys and armed soldiers. Originally the games were played on one day but this changed to five days. Another aspect of the Games was that women were not allowed as competitors or spectators. The competitors were also restricted to Greeks who were not professionals. However a trend started where athletes became full-time specialists which has caused a lot of controversy.