Writing a Summary

Learning Objective:

  • Summarize a reading in one complete, concise summary paragraph.

LESSON
A summaryA brief restatement of an author’s main idea and major supporting details. Summaries are factual and should be written in the third-person with an objective point of view. is a brief restatement of an authorA person who wrote a text.'s main ideaThe most important or central thought of a reading selection. It also includes what the author wants the reader to understand about the topic he or she has chosen to write about. and major supporting detailsStatements within a reading that tie directly to the work's main idea. These can be provided in examples, statistics, anecdotes, definitions, descriptions, or comparisons within the work. . The length of the summary depends on the length and complexity of the readingA piece of writing to be read. A reading can either be a full work (i.e., a book) or partial (i.e., a passage).. For example, if a reading is only a few paragraphsA selection of a writing that is made up of sentences formed around one main point. Paragraphs are set apart by a new line and sometimes indentation. long, its summary would probably be three to four sentencesA group of words, phrases, or clauses that expresses a complete thought. A complete sentence has these characteristics: a capitalized first word, a subject and a predicate, and end punctuation, such as a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).. If a reading is a few pages long, the summary may be one longer paragraph, or possibly two if the reading is filled with complex ideas. In this lesson, you will learn how to summarize a reading in a complete, conciseDescribes writing that only uses words that are necessary for clarity, meaning, and interest. summary paragraph.

An important reminder about summaries is that they cannot include any opinionPoint of view that shows a personal belief or bias and cannot be proven to be completely true.. You must write them like a reviewer—as one who is telling another about the reading. Since you are writing like a reviewer, you cannot use any first-personA narration style where the writer uses personal pronouns such as I, me, and we. This point of view is often taken when a writer chooses to share personal information or experiences. Example: It took me years to get used to the sounds of the city at night; I couldn't sleep with the police sirens blaring at all hours. or second-personA narration style where the writer uses pronouns such as you and yours. This point of view is often taken when a writer wishes to directly address or instruct the audience. Example: It could take you years to get used to the sounds of the city at night; you might have trouble sleeping with the police sirens blaring at all hours. voice, meaning no "I" or "you" statements. Summaries should be written in the third-personA narration style where the writer uses pronouns such as he, she, one, it, they. This point of view is often used in academic or professional writings. Example: Some people find that it takes years to get used to the sounds of the city at night; they often have trouble sleeping with the police sirens blaring at all hours. with an objectivePoint of view where the writer is non-biased. Information is based on facts as opposed to personal feelings or opinions. The writer displays no tendency toward a preference. This style of writing is seen as more credible than a biased viewpoint. point of view.

Summary Writing Process

Use a four-step process to write a summary of a reading.

Step 1: Identify the main idea of the reading. Create a main idea statement from what you have read.

Step 2: Identify the supporting detailsStatements within a reading that tie directly to major details that support the main idea. These can be provided in examples, statistics, anecdotes, definitions, descriptions, or comparisons within the work. of the reading. Note that it is important to maintain the order of these points.

Step 3: Identify the author's purposeThe reason the writer is writing about a topic. It is what the writer wants the reader to know, feel, or do after reading the work. for writing. Do this by asking yourself, "Why did the author write this? What did the author want me to know, think, or do after reading this?"

Step 4: Write a summary of the reading. Bring Steps 1, 2, and 3 together. The following is one way you could do this:

+ PRACTICAL APPLICATION+ EXAMPLE+ YOUR TURN+ METACOGNITIVE QUESTIONS