Unit 5. How to Write a Summary

A summary is a condensed version of a larger reading. The purpose of a summary is to give the reader a clear, objective picture of the original text. A good summary makes the author’s ideas clear, perhaps even clearer than in the original.

A summary, which is generally much shorter than the original text, is not a rewrite of the original piece. It should be written in your own words to give the basic ideas of the original reading while eliminating most of supporting details, such as examples and illustrations. While reading the original work, take note of what or who is the focus and do your best to answer the question: What is the reading about and what does the author want to communicate?

Sometimes, the central idea of the piece is stated in the introduction or first paragraph, and the supporting ideas of this central idea are presented one by one in the following paragraphs. Always read the introductory paragraph thoughtfully and look for a thesis statement. Finding the thesis statement is like finding a key to a locked door. Frequently, however, the thesis, or central idea, is implied or suggested. Thus, you will have to work harder to figure out what the author wants readers to understand.

Use any hints that may shed light on the meaning of the piece: pay attention to the title and any headings and to the opening and closing lines of paragraphs.

Preparing to write:

Here are some preliminary steps in writing a summary.

Skim the text, noting in your mind the subheadings. If there are no subheadings, try to divide the text into sections. The author’s use of paragraphing will often be a useful guide.

Read the text, highlighting important information and taking notes.

In your own words, write one-sentence summaries for each section or paragraph.

Write down the key support points for the main topic, but do not include minor details.

Write a thesis: a one-sentence summary of the entire piece. Remember: the thesis expresses the central idea of the piece.

Go throug the process again, making changes as appropriate.

(from Якушкина Т.В. Английский язык: практикум для магистрантов / Т.В. Якушкина; М-во культуры РФб С-Петерб. гос. ун-т. Культуры и искусств, Фак. мировой культуры, каф. иностр. яз. – Санкт-Петербург: СПбГУКИ, 2014. – с. 28-29)

Essential Vocabulary: