Step To Write a Summary

Step 2. Underlining with summarizing in mind

1. Once you clearly understand the writer’s major point (or purpose) for writing, read the original text again and underline all the important ideas supporting the thesis; these should be words or phrases here and there rather than complete sentences.

2. In addition, underline key transitional elements which show how parts are connected.

3. Omit specific details, examples, description, and unnecessary explanations.

4. You may need to go through the original text twice in order to pick up everything you need.

Step 3. Organizing Your Summary

1. Think about the introduction of your summary. The introduction should contain:

· the name/title of the work being summarized,

· the name of the author,

· the general situation surrounding the original text (if necessary),

· the thesis around which the rest of the summary will be built.

2. Plan the body of the summary:

· build the body of the summary to directly support the thesis;

· present the main ideas as they occur in the original text and demonstrate how that material supports the thesis;

· follow closely the work you are summarizing and use an occasional word, phrase, or passage from the original to give your reader a taste of the original.

3. Decide on the conclusion of the summary:

· the conclusion should look back to both the body of your summary and the introduction, possibly explaining how your analysis of the original is important in a broader context.

· This broader context needs a direct relationship to the summary’s thesis.

Step 4. Writing Your Summary

1. Begin writing your summary. Start with the introduction by naming the writer and the title and stating the main idea of the original text.

2. Then write the bodyof your summary, without omitting anything important and striving for overall coherence[2] through appropriate transitions (linking devices[3]).

3. Be concise - use coordination[4] and subordination[5] to compress ideas.

4. Throughout the summary, do not insert your own opinions or thoughts; instead summarize what the writer has to say about the subject.

5. Conclude with a final statement reflecting the significance of the original text – not from your own point of view but from the author’s.

Step 5. Revising Your Summary

1. After you’ve completed the first draft, read your summary and make sure that:

• your summary makes the same point as the original text;

• you have not omitted anything important;

• your summary reads smoothly with all parts clearly related.

2. Check for accuracy, that is, look if there are any grammar, lexical, spelling or register[6] mistakes. If there are any, correct them.

1. Keep in mind that a summary should generally be 20% - 80% of the length of the original. If your summary is too long, cut out words rather than ideas.
2. Then look for non-essential information and delete it.

Step 6. Rewriting a summary

1. Write another draft for revision and ask someone to read it critically.
2. Find out if that person can understand the sense of the original text by reading your summary.
3. Ask for criticism; then weigh these criticisms and make valid changes.
4. If you can’t show it to another person, read it very critically yourself.

Step 7. Editing Your Summary

1. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes, looking particularly for those common in your writing.
2. Write a clean draft and proofread[7] for copying mistakes.