GUIDE TO A-LEVEL LANGUAGE SUMMARIES

GUIDE TO WRITING SUMMARIES

Here's a step-by-step guide to creating excellent summaries for A-
level language exams (e.g. French, Spanish, or German).



Step 1: Understand the Task
1. Identify the purpose: Is the summary focusing on specific details,
general ideas, or analyzing themes?
2. Read the instructions carefully: Note if you are summarizing a
passage, answering a specific question, or discussing a viewpoint.

Step 2: Read and Analyse the Source Text
1. Read thoroughly: Understand the main points and overall tone of the
text.
2. Highlight or annotate key points: Focus on:
o The who, what, when, where, why, and how.
o Important statistics, examples, or arguments.
3. Ignore extra details: Avoid minor anecdotes or repetitive
information.

Step 3: Plan Your Summary
1. List main ideas: Write a few bullet points to organize your thoughts.

Step 4: Write Concisely
1. Use clear and formal language: Avoid colloquial phrases unless the
task demands a specific tone.
2. Paraphrase effectively:
o Use synonyms and restructure sentences.
o Avoid directly copying phrases from the text.
3. Stick to the word limit: Many A-level tasks will specify a limit (e.g.,
90-150 words).

Step 5: Incorporate Exam-Specific Techniques
1. Use Linking Words:
o To connect ideas: de plus, cependant, par conséquent (French);
además, sin embargo, por lo tanto (Spanish).
o To add examples: comme, par exemple (French); como, por
ejemplo (Spanish).