B. Write a brief summary of the text. Compare your summary with that of your deskmate and see which one can better describe the main idea of the text. (P155)
In this text, the author reveals a severe phenomenon of campus cheats popular in the United States. Apart from a declining emphasis on moral values, the author claims, the surge of academic cheating should be mainly attributed to the easy access to the Internet, where students can get whatever they need in terms of assignments or exams. Finally, he points out that the bad habit begins even at middle school and that few students have realized its gravity.
Information Organization
The text can be divided into three parts, tell the main idea of each part. (P156)
Topics Supporting Details
Surge in Campus
Cheats
(Paras. 1-5) James Taylor was astonished at ______
Heather Reid discovered __
Donald McCabe found __
Key:
James Taylor was astonished at the rampant cheating in his history class.
Heather Reid discovered two students turned in almost identical assignments.
Donald McCabe found nearly 70% of students at 31 schools admitted cheating during college.
Topics Supporting Details
Blame on the Internet
(Para. 6-12) Michele Goldfarb says that __
Sharan Daniel suspected plagiarism _____
There are hundreds of websites, which _____
Key:
Michele Goldfarb says that there is a cowboy feeling about the Internet.
Sharan Daniel suspected plagiarism when the paper handed in was different in style from the student’s previous work.
There are hundreds of websites, which offer ready-made essays on many topics.
Topics Supporting Details
Blame on the Internet
(Paras. 6-12) Online message boards and chat rooms fill with __
The Evil House of Cheat boasts __
Disclaimers of many websites are regarded as __
Key:
Online message boards and chat rooms fill withrequests for papers from desperate students.
The Evil House of Cheat boasts 2000 daily visitors who can pick up tips on campus cheats.
Disclaimers of many websites are regarded as a joke.
Topics Supporting Details
Well-honed Habit
(Para. 13) Academic cheating begins__
An example: _____
Key:
Academic cheating begins as early as middle school and often becomes a well-honed habit by high school.
An example: a recent survey of 3,100 high-achieving students.
Topics Supporting Details
Wrong Attitude
Towards Campus Cheats
(Para. 14) Some rationalize that __
Others assume ______
One student’s opinion: __
Key:
Some rationalize that cheating is acceptable if the course is not in their major but is required for graduating.
Others assume cheating is a victimless offense.
One student’s opinion: Cheating helps remember the answers.