How to Write a Summary
October 31st, 2010 | Mark Pennington, MA Reading Specialist
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Learning how to write a summary is a valuable skill. Learning how to teach what is and what is not a summary may be even more valuable. A summary is the one writing application that focuses equally on what should be included and what should not be included.
Definition: A summary condenses (shortens) an expository text to its main ideas and major details.
A summary is not…
- A re-tell of a story. There are no main ideas in the narrative genre. The structure of a narrative work is completely different than that of an expository work.
- An abstract. A research abstract has a different structure and purpose than say an essay.
- A review. A review is designed to report on the good and the bad. Its purpose is to opine.
- An analysis. Summaries list and explain, but do not analyze.
A summary is…
- Usually no more than one-third of the expository text length and is often much less. The length depends upon the text itself and the purpose of the summary.
- A useful, brief version that faithfully reflects the main idea(s) and major details of the expository text. Yes, there can be more than one main idea in a summary.
- Designed to inform or explain such that the readers will be able to decide whether they need or want to read the full expository text.
- Used to check the readers’ comprehension of an expository text.
- Used to reinforce the main ideas and major details of an expository text.
- A stand-alone application. It can be understood on its own and is not dependent upon the expository work from which it is developed.
- Flexible enough to condense all manner of expository text: definition, analysis, description, persuasion, classification, comparison, and more, and is found in textbooks, encyclopedias, scientific books/journals, atlases, directions, guides, biographies, newspapers, essays, manuals, directions, and more.
Prerequisite Skills to Scaffold
- Paraphrasing
- Citations
- Main Ideas
- Major Details
- Minor Details (so as not to include)
- Transitions
Don’ts
- Don’t include what is not in the expository text. A summary should be like an umbrella, designed to cover the subject and nothing beyond the subject.
- Don’t comment on, analyze, or offer opinion.
- Don’t compare to another subject beyond the information provided in the expository text.
- Don’t write in first or second person.
- Don’t ask questions.
- Don’t use bullets or any form of outline. A summary is not simply a list of ideas.
- Don’t refer to the summary itself. For example, “This summary is about…”
Dos
- Maintain a consistent author’s voice that is clear, concise, yet impersonal.
- Write in third person.
- Include passive voice, if needed to emphasize objectivity.
- Mimic the organizational pattern of the expository work. If cause-effect, chronological, reasons-based, reflect that presentation in your summary. Structure often communicates meaning.
- Write in your own words, but when the original author’s words are the most concise presentation of the main ideas or details you should quote and properly cite.
- Use sentence variety. An effective summary is never boring.
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As a seasoned educator with a background in reading instruction and a deep understanding of language arts, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to guide you through the intricacies of writing summaries. My experience as a reading specialist and my commitment to effective teaching methods position me as a reliable source on this subject.
Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article on "How to Write a Summary" by Mark Pennington, a respected MA Reading Specialist.
Key Concepts in Writing a Summary:
-
Definition of a Summary:
- A summary condenses an expository text to its main ideas and major details.
- It focuses on both inclusion and exclusion criteria.
-
What a Summary is Not:
- Not a re-tell of a story; narratives have a different structure.
- Not an abstract; research abstracts serve a different purpose.
- Not a review; reviews involve opinions on both positive and negative aspects.
- Not an analysis; summaries list and explain without analyzing.
-
Attributes of a Summary:
- Usually one-third of the expository text length or even less.
- A brief version faithfully reflecting main ideas and major details.
- Informs or explains for readers to decide whether to read the full text.
- Checks readers' comprehension of the expository text.
- Reinforces main ideas and major details.
- A stand-alone application, independent of the original work.
-
Flexibility of Summaries:
- Adaptable to various expository text types: definition, analysis, description, persuasion, classification, comparison, etc.
- Found in diverse sources like textbooks, encyclopedias, scientific journals, newspapers, essays, manuals, and more.
Prerequisite Skills to Scaffold:
-
Paraphrasing:
- Essential for rephrasing the original content effectively.
-
Citations:
- Necessary to give credit when quoting or using specific information.
-
Main Ideas and Major Details:
- Identifying and prioritizing key elements in the text.
-
Minor Details (to Exclude):
- Discerning between important and less relevant details.
-
Transitions:
- Ensuring a smooth flow of ideas within the summary.
Dos and Don'ts in Writing Summaries:
Dos:
- Maintain a consistent, clear, and concise author's voice.
- Write in the third person for an impersonal tone.
- Mimic the organizational pattern of the original text.
- Use passive voice when needed for objectivity.
- Employ sentence variety to keep the summary engaging.
Don'ts:
- Avoid including information not present in the expository text.
- Refrain from commenting, analyzing, or offering personal opinions.
- Stick to the information provided in the text; don't compare beyond it.
- Avoid first or second-person narrative.
- Steer clear of questions and any form of outline; a summary is not a list.
In essence, these guidelines and principles form a comprehensive framework for mastering the art of writing effective summaries, as advocated by Mark Pennington in his article. These skills are crucial for students and writers aiming to convey the essence of expository texts concisely and accurately.
