writing summaries

Summary Writing

by

Piet van der Laan

Writing a summary takes 5 steps

• Step 1. Read with the Writer’s Purpose in Mind.

• Step 2. Underline with Summarizing in Mind.

• Step 3. Writing your Summary.• Step 4. Revising your Summary

(proofreading).• Step 5. Editing your Summary.

Step 1. Read with the Writer’s Purpose in Mind

• Make predictions based on the title, subtitles, pictures, etc.

• Read the article carefully (no notes, no marks).

• Write down the point that is made about the subject in one sentence.

• Underline the writer’s thesis (main idea) and check whether it corresponds with what you wrote down.

Step 2. Underline with Summarizing in Mind

• Read the text again and underline the major points supporting the thesis.

• Underline the transitional elements that show how parts are connected.

• Look up difficult words if necessary.

Step 3. Writing your Summary

• Your summary should contain the following elements:– Introduction– Body– Conclusion

Step 3. Writing your Summary (1)

• Introduction– Writer, title, main idea

• In the article, ……. (title article), …….(author’s name) stated/states that ….(the author’s thesis in your own words)

Step 3. Writing your Summary (2)

• Body– Summarize in the order of the author’s thoughts.– Paraphrase and condense into a coherent whole.

• Include major data.• Include one or more of the author’s examples or

illustrations (liveliness.)• Do not include your own ideas, illustrations or

interpretations.• Use appropriate transitions.

Step 3. Writing your Summary (3)

• Conclusion– Conclude with a final statement reflecting

the significance of the article.– Don’t use your own point of view but the

writer’s

Step 4. Revising your Summary (proofreading)

• Check for accuracy.– Does your summary make the same point

as the article?– Have you omitted anything important?– Does your summary read smoothly with all

parts clearly related?

Step 5. Editing your Summary

• Correct grammar, spelling and punctuation errors, looking particularly for those common in your writing.

• Write a clean draft and proofread for copying errors.

Questions?