Unit 2:

How to write a summary: 6 stepsRead the passage carefully. Determine its structure.

Identify the author's purpose in writing.distinguish between more important and less important information.

Reread the passage, label each section or stage of thought, underline key ideas and terms.

Write one-sentence summaries, on a separate sheet of paper, of each stage of thought.

Write a summary sentence of the entire passage. Use WH-Questions to ask for the what, who, why, where, when, and how of the matter. In some cases you may quote it directly from the original passage.

Combine the thesis with your list of one-sentence summaries plus significant details. Eliminate repetition and less important information. Use as few words as possible.

Check your summary against the original passage, and make whatever adjustments are necessary for accuracy and completeness.

Sample passage

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in England in 1821 and emigrated to New York City when she was 10 years old. One day she decided that she wanted to become a doctor. That was nearly impossible for a woman in the middle of the nineteenth century. After sending many applications to medical schools, she was finally accepted by a doctor in Philadelphia. So determined was she to achieve her ambition that she taught at schools and gave music lessons to earn money for her tuition.

Sample summary

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in England in 1821 and emigrated to New York at the age of ten. She wanted to become a doctor but it was difficult for her to realize her dream in the 19th century.

Further Practice

Write a summary for the second paragraph about Elizabeth Blackwell. (English 10 Advanced Ed. P.28)