
AVID Article Summary Format 
Part I: Individual Assignment
Name: _________________________________________ Due Date: __________
Article Title: _______________________________________________________
Author/Source: _____________________________________________________
While reading the article, highlight words or phrases that require definitions or 
clarifications
What are the AUTHOR’s major ideas, concepts or key points?
A: List the major ideas, concepts or key points- point by point
Example: 
•
Excessive fat consumption is a severe problem for many Americans
•
Fat is high in calories and carbohydrates, so humans have evolved to like and 
store it
•
Fat melts in one’s mouth and has a distinct taste, so it is difficult to mimic it
•
Digestion involves caloric intake, but eating something that cannot be digested 
causes intestinal cramping
•
Fat can be modified at the molecular level by replacing certain parts with certain 
sugars
•
Fat typically has a glycerol backbone and three fatty acids
•
Olestra tastes like fat and has less calories, but it can cause intestinal discomfort
•
Many people have developed lower-calorie fat substitute, but they have not 
applied for Food and Drug Administration approval
B: Summarize the AUTHOR’s main point or idea- at LEAST 1-2 paragraphs
Example: 
Summary of Author’s Main Points: 
•
Fat has more calories and carbohydrates per given volume than nearly any other 
food.  For this reason, humans have evolved to like the taste of fat and to store fat 
in their bodies.  However, many Americans have excessively high cholesterol 
levels and insufficient blood flow to the heart as a result of excessive fat 
consumption.  If one replaces certain parts of fat with certain sugars, he or she 
can cause the fat not to be digested.  A product that makes use of this technology 
is Olestra, made by Proctor & Gamble. However, Olestra causes intestinal 
cramping and loose stools.  Many other organizations have developed lower-
calorie fat-substitutes, but none have applied for Food and Drug Administration 
approval.