Classroom Instruction with that works English Language Learners
APPENDIX B
TYPES OF SUMMARY FRAMES
The Narrative Frame
The narrative or story frame commonly contains the following elements:
•Characters: the characteristics of the main characters in the story
•Setting: the time, place, and context in which the information took place
•Initiating event: the event that starts the action rolling in the story
•Internal response: how the main characters react emotionally to the initiating event
•Goal: what the main characters decide to do as a reaction to the initiating event
•Consequence: how the main characters try to accomplish the goal
•Resolution: how the goal turns out
Components 3–7 are sometimes repeated to create what is called an episode.
Frame Questions
• Who are the main characters in the story?
• When and where did the story take place? What was the place like?
• What happened at the start of the story?
• How did the main characters react to that event?
• As a result of what happened, what did the main characters decide to do? Did they set a goal? What was it?
• What did the main characters do to try to accomplish their goal?
• How did things turn out?
The Topic-Restriction-Illustration Frame
The topic, restriction, and illustration (T-R-I) pattern is commonly found in expository material:
• Topic (T): general statement about the information to be discussed
• Restriction (R): statement that limits the information in some way
• Illustration (I): example of the topic or restriction
Here’s an example:
• T: In 1981, the Braves were the best team in baseball.
• R: Their pitching staff was excellent.
• I: Larry Hutchins was 20–2 for the season.
• I: Bob Ewy had the fastest pitch in the majors.
• R: Their hitters were also excellent.
• I: Dave Wallace batted .421.
• I: Walter Zebleman hit 42 homers.
As the example illustrates, the T-R-I frame can have a number of restrictions and accompanying illustrations.
Frame Questions
• T: What is this story about in general?
• R: What information does the author give that narrows or restricts the general topic?
• I: Wha t examples does the author present to illustrate the restriction?
Argumentation patterns attempt to support a claim. They contain the following elements:
• Evidence: information that leads to a claim (e.g., streets filled with violence)
• Claim: the assertion that something is true (e.g., “Our city is becoming a haven for crime”)
• Support: examples of or explanations for the claim (e.g., “Violent offenders infest our judicial system” [example]; “The violence is a result of poor city management” [explanation])
• Qualifier: a restriction on the claim or evidence counter to the claim (e.g., “However, there is a ray of hope”)
Frame Questions
• What information does the author present that leads her to make a claim?
• What claim does the author make about a problem or situation? What does she assert is so?
• What examples or explanations does the author present to support her claim?
• Does the author present a restriction on the claim?
The Problem-Solution Frame
Problem-solution patterns introduce a problem and then identify one or more solutions to the problem:
• Problem: There will soon be a worldwide oil shortage.
• Solution: One solution might be the development of solar energy.
• Solution: Another solution could be to conserve energy by using it less.
• Solution: Finally, a tactic might be to replace gasoline with ethanol-based fuel.
Frame Questions
• What is the problem?
• What is a possible solution?
• What is another possible solution?
• What is yet another possible solution?
The Conversation Frame
A conversation is a verbal interchange among two or more people. Conversations commonly have the following components:
• Greeting: some acknowledgment that the parties have not seen each other for a while
• Inquiry: a question about some general or specific topic
• Discussion: an elaboration or analysis of the topic; commonly included in the discussion are the following:
ᵒ Assertions: statements of facts by the speaker
ᵒ Requests: statements that solicit actions from the listener
ᵒ Promises: statements that assert that the speaker will perform certain actions
ᵒ Demands: statements that identify specific actions to be taken by the listener
ᵒ Threats: statements that specify consequences to the listener if commands are not followed
ᵒ Congratulations: statements that indicate the value the speaker puts on something done by the listener
Frame Questions
• What question or topic was brought up?
• How did the discussion progress? What facts were stated?
• What did the characters say to each other to begin the conversation?
ᵒ Did either person make a request of the other?
ᵒ Did either person demand a specific action from the other?
ᵒ Did either person threaten specific consequences if a demand was not met?
ᵒ Did either person say something that indicated that he or she valued something that the other had done?
