SUMMARY WRITING

Notes in LINK

WHAT IS A SUMMARY?

1. A summary is a shortened, condensed version.

2.

The purpose of a summary is to share the main ideas.

3. Summaries keep the same tone as the original piece or do not contain opinion.

4. Summaries do not require a formal conclusion

Characteristics of a Good Summary



Brief

(should be much shorter than the original article) 

Complete

(cover all main points) 

Paraphrased

(don’t use author’s words) 

Objective

(don’t add your opinion)

Steps in Writing a Summary: Prewriting    Read the article carefully, making sure you understand the contents.

Annotate (take notes) the article, noting the thesis statement and the major supporting details Using your annotations (notes), create an outline that shows the main organization of the article.

Steps in Writing a Summary: Writing  Begin with a sentence that includes • author’s name • title of the article • thesis of the article   According to Joe Smith in “Healthy Eating for Life,” the foods we choose to eat influence the length and quality of our lives.

Joe Smith states in “Healthy Eating for Life” that the foods we choose to eat influence the length and quality of our lives.

Steps in Writing a Summary: Writing    Follow with sentences that paraphrase major supporting points • Paraphrase = state in your own words Enclose any directly quoted material in quotation marks After the first sentence, refer to the author by last name or as “the author” • Smith states a diet high in animal fats and sugars can lead to obesity and cardiovascular problems.

How to Condense a Summary

   Omit examples Omit restatements Create lists to combine key points from multiple sentences or paragraphs

Steps in Writing a Summary: Revising    Compare the summary to the original article to make sure you have included all the important points.

Double check to make sure you have paraphrased the material accurately.

Proofread for complete sentences, correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

How to Plan Your Summary Things to include:

I Identify the Item

Book, story, article, chapter V F Title Author

Summary Verb

Main Idea Important details

summarize summary retell important details main ideas

I (identify the item) V (choose a verb)

F

(finish the thought)

Topic Sentence: Fact Outline (approximately 4-7) “J.O.T.” ___

____ ____ ____

Conclusion = Summaries do not require a conclusion. Finally, write your summary following the fact outline.

USE STRONG VERBS

 tells explains lists shows evaluates compares defines acknowledges classifies adds defends identifies assertsfeatures entertains depicts confirms names considers offers judges contrasts praises demonstrates provides endorses asks suggests entices recommends

YOUR TURN: DIRECTIONS

    Read the following informational article. As you read, you may mark the article or make notes. After reading the article, plan and write a summary of what you have read USING the organizer. You may reread or go back to the article at any time.