TASK DEFINITION: Given a text, write a compressed version of it in a single sentence.
PROBLEM: Johnny Depp, star of the new movie Donnie Brasco , is much praised by both magazines: He eschews conventional roles, yet still scores at the box office.

SOLUTION: Johnny Depp is praised by both magazines: He eschews conventional roles, yet still scores at the box office.

PROBLEM: "The article by Bill Bryson [XVII, 4] on the vagaries of English abroad unfortunately also serves to illustrate the lack of linguistic understanding which exists between our two countries."

SOLUTION: Article by Bill Bryson on vagaries of English unfortunately serves to illustrate of lack of linguistic understanding.

PROBLEM: "Many names point to the appearance, customs, staple diet, occupation, possessions or stamping ground of a tribe, as in the following:"

SOLUTION:
Names point to the appearance, customs, staple diet, occupation,etc. as in the following