How to Write a Summary
A summary condenses the author’s main purpose and support so that someone else gets the information as it was intended. Plus, you avoid sounding as if you’re making it up.
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Hit the books more effectively -- and get more A's -- with these study tips.
You Will Need
- Text
- Pen and paper
- Analytical skills
- Organizational skills
- Friend
- Who, what, why, when, where, and how questions (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Scan the text
Scan the text and make notes on paper. Read closely to absorb the author’s tone and central ideas, and then comb back through to clarify points.
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Step 2
Outline the idea
Outline the main idea of each section in your own words. Include only meaningful details and proofs, organizing them from most to least important.
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Step 3
Develop your thesis
Develop a thesis, summarizing the main points of the piece. Be sure to include the author’s name and the title of the work right away.
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Avoid using your own opinions or interpretations, no matter how familiar the subject may be.
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Step 4
Arrange information
Arrange the information to clearly support the author's points, adding details to each section. Improve the flow of ideas with transitions that connect sections.
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Step 5
Cite properly
Be sure that sources are cited properly. Paraphrase and don’t use the author’s words if you can help it. Make sure you haven’t wandered off topic.
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Ask who, what, why, when, where, and how questions to be sure you have represented the author’s work faithfully.
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Step 6
Make final corrections
Correct your grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Dignify your work and that of your subject’s with the care good scholarship demands.
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Step 7
Ask for criticism
Ask a hyper-critical friend to read your work. Be receptive and not over-sensitive – if they can’t identify your main points, you need to revise.
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More than half of students say that their schoolwork requires daily writing.
