The Three-Sentence Summary: A Quick and Easy Assignment to Encourage Students to Do the Reading

Keywords: Writing Skills, Student Preparation, Student Engagement, Reading Comprehension, Self-Reflection

Abstract: When teachers assign readings, we’re usually wondering – Did the students do it? Do they know what this reading is about? The Three-Sentence Summary provides a simple and effective solution to this timeless problem. The assignment requires students to complete an assigned reading and summarize the key points using only two sentences. In the third sentence, students reflect on the importance of the reading to them personally (e.g., applicability to their future career). This assignment not only ensures that students come prepared for class, it also promotes reading comprehension, all while providing the teacher with a short, easy-to-grade assignment.