How to Summarize
1. A summary - or précis - is a shorter version of a longer piece of writing. The summary captures all the most important parts of the original, but expresses them in a [much] shorter space. 2. Summarizing exercises are usually set to test your understanding of the original, and your ability to re-state its main purpose. 3. Summarizing is also a useful skill when gathering information or doing research. 4. The summary should be expressed - as far as possible - in your own words. It's not enough to merely copy out parts of the original. 5. The question will usually set a maximum number of words. If not, aim for something like one tenth of the original. [A summary which was half the length of the original would not be a summary.] 6. Read the original quickly, and try to understand its main subject or purpose. 7. Then you will need to read it again to understand it in more detail. 8. Underline or make a marginal note of the main issues. Use a highlighter if this helps. 9. Look up any words or concepts you don't know, so that you understand the author's sentences and how they relate to each other. 10. Work through the text to identify its main sections or arguments. These might be expressed as paragraphs or web pages. 11. Remember that the purpose [and definition] of a paragraph is that it deals with one issue or topic. 12. Draw up a list of the topics - or make a diagram. [A simple picture of boxes or a spider diagram can often be helpful.] 13. Write a one or two-sentence account of each section you identify. Focus your attention on the main point. Leave out any illustrative examples. 14. Write a sentence which states the central idea of the original text. 15. Use this as the starting point for writing a paragraph which combines all the points you have made. 16. The final summary should concisely and accurately capture the central meaning of the original. 17. Remember that it must be in your own words. By writing in this way, you help to re-create the meaning of the original in a way which makes sense for you. Some extra tips Even though notes are only for your own use, they will be more effective if they are recorded clearly and neatly. Good layout will help you to recall and assess material more readily. If in doubt use the following general guidelines.
Further guidance notes on writing skills are available on both our software programs - HelpDisk! 2.6 and Study Skills 1.1, and in book form as Writing Essays and Improve your Writing Skills.
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