How to Write a Summary.
A summary condenses the author’s main purpose
and support so that someone else gets the
information as it was intended.
Plus, you avoid sounding as if you’re making
it up.
You will need Text Pen and paper Analytical
skills Organizational skills Friend and who,
what, why, when, where, and how questions
(optional).
Step 1.
Scan the text and make notes on paper.
Read closely to absorb the author’s tone
and central ideas, and then comb back through
to clarify points.
Step 2.
Outline the main idea of each section in your
own words.
Include only meaningful details and proofs,
organizing them from most to least important.
Step 3.
Develop a thesis, summarizing the main points
of the piece.
Be sure to include the author’s name and
the title of the work right away.
Avoid using your own opinions or interpretations,
no matter how familiar the subject may be.
Step 4.
Arrange the information to clearly support
the author's points, adding details to each
section.
Improve the flow of ideas with transitions
that connect sections.
Step 5.
Be sure that sources are cited properly.
Paraphrase and don’t use the author’s
words if you can help it.
Make sure you haven’t wandered off topic.
Ask who, what, why, when, where, and how questions
to be sure you have represented the author’s
work faithfully.
Step 6.
Correct your grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
Dignify your work and that of your subject’s
with the care good scholarship demands.
Step 7.
Ask a hyper-critical friend to read your work.
Be receptive and not over-sensitive – if
they can’t identify your main points, you
need to revise.
Did you know More than half of students say
that their schoolwork requires daily writing.
