Writing a Summary
Learning Objective:
- Summarize a reading in one complete, concise summary paragraph.
LESSON
A summaryA brief restatement of an author’s main idea and major supporting details. Summaries are factual and should be written in the third-person with an objective point of view. is a brief restatement of an authorA person who wrote a text.'s main ideaThe most important or central thought of a reading selection. It also includes what the author wants the reader to understand about the topic he or she has chosen to write about. and major supporting detailsStatements within a reading that tie directly to the work's main idea. These can be provided in examples, statistics, anecdotes, definitions, descriptions, or comparisons within the work. . The length of the summary depends on the length and complexity of the readingA piece of writing to be read. A reading can either be a full work (i.e., a book) or partial (i.e., a passage).. For example, if a reading is only a few paragraphsA selection of a writing that is made up of sentences formed around one main point. Paragraphs are set apart by a new line and sometimes indentation. long, its summary would probably be three to four sentencesA group of words, phrases, or clauses that expresses a complete thought. A complete sentence has these characteristics: a capitalized first word, a subject and a predicate, and end punctuation, such as a period (.), question mark (?), or exclamation mark (!).. If a reading is a few pages long, the summary may be one longer paragraph, or possibly two if the reading is filled with complex ideas. In this lesson, you will learn how to summarize a reading in a complete, conciseDescribes writing that only uses words that are necessary for clarity, meaning, and interest. summary paragraph.
An important reminder about summaries is that they cannot include any opinionPoint of view that shows a personal belief or bias and cannot be proven to be completely true.. You must write them like a reviewer—as one who is telling another about the reading. Since you are writing like a reviewer, you cannot use any first-personA narration style where the writer uses personal pronouns such as I, me, and we. This point of view is often taken when a writer chooses to share personal information or experiences. Example: It took me years to get used to the sounds of the city at night; I couldn't sleep with the police sirens blaring at all hours. or second-personA narration style where the writer uses pronouns such as you and yours. This point of view is often taken when a writer wishes to directly address or instruct the audience. Example: It could take you years to get used to the sounds of the city at night; you might have trouble sleeping with the police sirens blaring at all hours. voice, meaning no "I" or "you" statements. Summaries should be written in the third-personA narration style where the writer uses pronouns such as he, she, one, it, they. This point of view is often used in academic or professional writings. Example: Some people find that it takes years to get used to the sounds of the city at night; they often have trouble sleeping with the police sirens blaring at all hours. with an objectivePoint of view where the writer is non-biased. Information is based on facts as opposed to personal feelings or opinions. The writer displays no tendency toward a preference. This style of writing is seen as more credible than a biased viewpoint. point of view.
Summary Writing Process
Use a four-step process to write a summary of a reading.
Step 1: Identify the main idea of the reading. Create a main idea statement from what you have read.
Step 2: Identify the supporting detailsStatements within a reading that tie directly to major details that support the main idea. These can be provided in examples, statistics, anecdotes, definitions, descriptions, or comparisons within the work. of the reading. Note that it is important to maintain the order of these points.
Step 3: Identify the author's purposeThe reason the writer is writing about a topic. It is what the writer wants the reader to know, feel, or do after reading the work. for writing. Do this by asking yourself, "Why did the author write this? What did the author want me to know, think, or do after reading this?"
Step 4: Write a summary of the reading. Bring Steps 1, 2, and 3 together. The following is one way you could do this:
- Sentence 1: Introduce the reading, stating the title and the author's name. You should also state the author's main idea. This may be as simple as adding the title and author to your main idea statement from Step 1.
- Sentence 2: Write a sentence describing the supporting points you noted in Step 2 in order. You may need to write more than one sentence if the reading is long or has several supporting points.
- Sentence 3: Write a sentence that brings this information together and states the author's reason for writing that you noted in Step 3.
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Greetings, enthusiasts of effective summarization and literary comprehension. I am well-versed in the nuances of summarizing readings, possessing a depth of knowledge and a demonstrable track record in the subject matter. Let's delve into the intricacies of summarizing a reading, as outlined in the provided article, and dissect the key concepts involved.
The article begins by defining a summary as a concise restatement of an author's main idea and major supporting details. It emphasizes the need for objectivity and a third-person perspective in summary writing. This aligns with the fundamental principle that summaries should be factual and devoid of personal opinions or biases.
Next, the article explores the factors influencing the length of a summary, emphasizing that it should be proportionate to the complexity and length of the original reading. For instance, shorter readings may warrant a three to four-sentence summary, while longer ones might require a more extended paragraph or two.
The article then underscores the importance of avoiding first-person and second-person voices in summaries, insisting on a third-person, objective tone. This aligns with the notion that summaries should resemble reviews, conveying information without personal inclinations.
The four-step process for writing a summary is elucidated. Step 1 involves identifying the main idea of the reading and creating a concise statement. Step 2 delves into identifying and maintaining the order of supporting details. Step 3 prompts the reader to discern the author's purpose by questioning why the author wrote the piece and what they intended the reader to understand or do. Finally, Step 4 instructs on how to craft the actual summary, beginning with an introduction, followed by detailing supporting points, and concluding with the author's purpose.
To solidify the understanding of these concepts, the article provides practical application, examples, and interactive exercises labeled as "Your Turn." These elements facilitate active engagement and practical application of the summarization process.
In conclusion, mastering the art of summarization involves a meticulous understanding of an author's main idea, supporting details, and the underlying purpose for writing. The provided article serves as a comprehensive guide, offering a structured four-step process and reinforcing the necessity of objectivity and third-person writing in creating effective summaries.
