[AP Biology Home ]


MAGAZINE ARTICLE WRITE-UP GUIDELINES


Selecting and annotating an article:      
        The article you choose should be from a credible source of scientific information.  It must be related to biology, and should be written for a scientifically literate audience (not for a general audience).  As you read your article, annotate it with your thoughts, comments, or questions that arise in your mind.  Your annotated article must be submitted along with your summary.


Writing your summary:    You are required to organize your summaries using the following sections, and number them accordingly.

1.  Bibliographical information:
    Author, Title, Publication Date, or Article Number, etc.  Must be in APA format.

2.  Introduction:
    In a brief paragraph, define or describe the major terms in the article and tell basically why the subject is important.

3.  Comment:
    What was the article all about?  Summarize the main concepts and ideas that were discussed.  Your summary should be detailed and specific.

4.  Evaluation: 
    1.  Discuss the quality of the article from your perspective as a student of biology. 
    2.  Explain, with a significant elaboration:
        a.  How the concepts in the article relate to one or more of the major ‘themes’ in biology:         
            Structure/function              
            Evolution                  
            Homeostasis            
            Energy            
                Ecology
            Continuity
            Science, Technology, and Society
            Development

        b.  How it demonstrates (or doesn’t demonstrate) sound experimental design.

  1. Other Reminders:
    1. ALL SUMMARIES WILL BE TYPED, and be at least 2 full pages in length.
    2. Please use 12 point font, double-spacing, and 1" margins.
    3. Please attach a copy of the article to your paper, or simply place your paper inside a manila folder with the article.
    4. These are due every THREE WEEKS ON A FRIDAY UNLESS ANNOUNCED EARLIER. IF THEY ARE NOT IN AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS, THEY WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR 1 DAY ONLY FOR 50%. THAT INCLUDES ANY TIME DURING THE DUE DAY!!!! !!!!!
    5. Remeber our course policy regarding tardies:  if you tardy on the day an assignment is due, your assignment will be counted late and will receive half credit.  
    6. These articles need to be of a substantial length and have some good biological material.
    7. These two papers per term will equal 20% of your grade for the term.
    8. Write the due dates in your assignment books, the responsibility is yours from this point on.