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.
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- TIP: Avoid using your own opinions or interpretations, no matter how familiar the subject may be.
- 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.
- 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.
- TIP: Ask who, what, why, when, where, and how questions to be sure you have represented the author’s work faithfully.
- 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.
- 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.
- FACT: More than half of students say that their schoolwork requires daily writing.
You Will Need
- Text
- Pen and paper
- Analytical skills
- Organizational skills
- Friend
- Who
- what
- why
- when
- where
- and how questions (optional)