Objective Summary

Writing an Objective Summary The ability to write objective summaries

is the key to success in college and in many careers. Writing an effective objective summary involves recording the key ideas of a text while demonstrating your understanding.

What is an Objective Summary? An effective objective summary is a

concise, complete, accurate and objective overview of a text.

What are the key characteristics of an objective summary? A good summary focuses on the main

theme, or central idea, of a text and specific, relevant details that support that theme, or central idea. Unnecessary supporting details are left out.

Key Characteristics An effective summary is usually brief.

However, the writer must be careful not to misrepresent the text leaving out key elements.

Key Characteristics A successful summary accurately

captures the essence of the longer text it is describing.

Key Characteristics An effective summary remains

objective – the writer refrains from inserting his or her own opinions, reactions, or personal connections into the summary.

What to Avoid in an Objective Summary? An objective summary is not a

collection of sentences or paragraphs copied from the original source.

What to Avoid in an Objective Summary? It is not a long recounting of every

event, detail, or point in the original text.

What to Avoid in an Objective Summary? A good summary does not include

evaluative words or comments, such as the reader’s overall opinion of or reaction to the piece. An objective summary is not the reader’s interpretation or critical analysis of the work.