HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2OGUQ5A44Q
I.How to summarize a text
Step 1:Reviewing the Piece
1.Read the piece thoroughly. Focus on really understanding what the author is saying.
2.Underline what you think the main point of the piece is.
3. Take notes on major points of it. Put them into your own words.
3. Don't focus on the evidence, examples that the author uses to support those points.
Step 2:Writing The Summary in Your Own Words
1.Start with the introduction. You may start every summary with the author and the article's title.
2.Work from the notes to write the main point of each section. A summary shouldn't just repeat what
the original author said, so using your own words is very important.
3.Present the material in a neutral fashion. As you write, make sure you're only summarizing the
original piece of writing. You shouldn't be inserting your own opinions of the piece or of the events the
piece covers.
4.Use language appropriate to a summary. You want your reader to know that you're summarizing
another person's arguments. So you should occasionally use phrases like the author argues,or the
article claims when you’re presenting those arguments. This reminds the reader that it's not your piece,
but someone else's.
Step 3:Revising Your Draft into a Coherent Summary
1.Reread the summary.
2.Eliminate repetition.
3.Add transitions where necessary. If you're focused on getting all of the main points dowe,you might
ot be paying attention to how the paragraphs of your summary fit together.When you revise,make sure
that you connect each paragraph to the next,and back to the main point.
4.Check for grammatical and spelling errors.Once you've finished revising the arguments in your
draft,check the little things. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Look for any
additional or missing punctuation and correct that as well.
, 5.Check your length. Once you've added anything you might have forgotten to your summary,check how
long it is.
II.Dos and Don'ts
Do:
use your own words.
only note the most important points, using key words and phrases.
read the original text multiple times, ensuring you don\'t miss any critical points.
ensure a summary is much shorter than the original source.
include the original source in the references for a written document.
read widely and try to develop a summary or the article/book in your head as you read.
Don't:
include unnecessary details, examples or supporting information.
include your own opinions or thoughts.
repeat phrases word for word - this is plagiarism.
Language for summary writing
Although most of the language in the summary will depend on the content,there are some formulaic
phrases which can be used in a summary to help to make it clearer. These can be divided into three
types:
the frame, which begins the summary; reminder phrases, which are used throughout the summary;
and transition signals, which are used in certain parts of the summary.
The frame
The frame is the main idea ofthe article. This is usually included in the first sentence, with a reference to
the author and the main idea or argument of the text. You will also need to use a reporting verb. Some
examples of frames are shown below
－
The text describes...
－
The article shows...
－
The extract illustrates...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2OGUQ5A44Q
I.How to summarize a text
Step 1:Reviewing the Piece
1.Read the piece thoroughly. Focus on really understanding what the author is saying.
2.Underline what you think the main point of the piece is.
3. Take notes on major points of it. Put them into your own words.
3. Don't focus on the evidence, examples that the author uses to support those points.
Step 2:Writing The Summary in Your Own Words
1.Start with the introduction. You may start every summary with the author and the article's title.
2.Work from the notes to write the main point of each section. A summary shouldn't just repeat what
the original author said, so using your own words is very important.
3.Present the material in a neutral fashion. As you write, make sure you're only summarizing the
original piece of writing. You shouldn't be inserting your own opinions of the piece or of the events the
piece covers.
4.Use language appropriate to a summary. You want your reader to know that you're summarizing
another person's arguments. So you should occasionally use phrases like the author argues,or the
article claims when you’re presenting those arguments. This reminds the reader that it's not your piece,
but someone else's.
Step 3:Revising Your Draft into a Coherent Summary
1.Reread the summary.
2.Eliminate repetition.
3.Add transitions where necessary. If you're focused on getting all of the main points dowe,you might
ot be paying attention to how the paragraphs of your summary fit together.When you revise,make sure
that you connect each paragraph to the next,and back to the main point.
4.Check for grammatical and spelling errors.Once you've finished revising the arguments in your
draft,check the little things. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. Look for any
additional or missing punctuation and correct that as well.
, 5.Check your length. Once you've added anything you might have forgotten to your summary,check how
long it is.
II.Dos and Don'ts
Do:
use your own words.
only note the most important points, using key words and phrases.
read the original text multiple times, ensuring you don\'t miss any critical points.
ensure a summary is much shorter than the original source.
include the original source in the references for a written document.
read widely and try to develop a summary or the article/book in your head as you read.
Don't:
include unnecessary details, examples or supporting information.
include your own opinions or thoughts.
repeat phrases word for word - this is plagiarism.
Language for summary writing
Although most of the language in the summary will depend on the content,there are some formulaic
phrases which can be used in a summary to help to make it clearer. These can be divided into three
types:
the frame, which begins the summary; reminder phrases, which are used throughout the summary;
and transition signals, which are used in certain parts of the summary.
The frame
The frame is the main idea ofthe article. This is usually included in the first sentence, with a reference to
the author and the main idea or argument of the text. You will also need to use a reporting verb. Some
examples of frames are shown below
－
The text describes...
－
The article shows...
－
The extract illustrates...
