Jean Moroney A condensation is a list of the main points of an article, plus a statement of its theme. To condense, students analyze passages into their component parts, identify the logical relationships between the parts, and see how the parts integrate into a whole. Once students identify the main points, they practice expressing them exactly and economically. Homework is assigned so that students can automatize the skills taught. Condensing a piece of writing has many values.
Condensation helps in understanding the piece, and in remembering it better.
Condensation is also a helpful tool in editing, in philosophical detection, and in other kinds of analysis. Practice in condensation provides important logical and psycho-epistemological training. They will learn how to formulate each point exactly and how to cut out non-essentials. They will practice identifying the overall logical structure of a piece. Condensation is particularly valuable for studying the ruthless logic of Objectivism.