Summaries Flashcards
What is a summary?
A summary is a shorter or briefer version of an original piece of writing. A summary must always contain the same main idea or main points as the original.
A summary can be used to prepare a reader for the longer, original version. The ability to summarise well is important for anyone wishing to be an efficient and clear communicator.
Does does summaries help?
A summary helps the reader:
To decide whether to read the entire original.
By presenting the main arguments in brief.
By providing a ‘map’, which the reader can keep in mind when he/she reads the original.
What does summary writing test?
Summary writing tests your ability to:
Understand the main topic or theme of the passage.
Understand the ideas or steps in an argument or discussion.
Present information, discussion or argument in your own words.
Write in an appropriately formal style.
Write in a way that is readable and functional.
What is the approach to writing a summary?
Make a note of why the reader/audience will need this summary. What is the purpose?
Given the purpose of the summary, decide how long it should be.
Read the passage carefully. Make use of the close reading techniques outlined above
.
Write down the central or core idea. Write a title for the summary on the basis of this idea.
Read the passage again, this time underline the key sentences or ideas in each paragraph.
Now check whether there is any information that you have underlined that you could leave out. Do this by assessing whether the main idea would still be complete without it. If yes, you can probably leave it out. Examples can safely be omitted.
Make brief notes to outline the structure your summary will take. It is sometimes appropriate to change the order of information from that in the original if it makes the meaning clearer.
Write your first draft, using the notes you have prepared as your guide. Try to keep to the length you set yourself at the outset.
Check your draft carefully to ensure that the main ideas have all been included and ensure that it contains no errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation.
Ask yourself whether your summary is easy to read. If not, you need to make some adjustments.
Write your final copy.
What is the elimination list?
The Elimination List is a list of the specific details that you can leave out of your summary.
Dates, times
Statistics, percentages and other numerical data not relevant to the matter
People’s names, positions, titles, ages and other details not relevant to the matter
Names of places and things
Quotations and comments
Examples and anecdotes
References
Any detail that requires you to copy it verbatim, i.e. detail that you cannot possibly paraphrase.
What is the following rules when attempting a summary?
No quotes
No numerical data or statistics (unless relevant to the purpose)
No titles or names of experts (unless relevant)
No figures of speech
No direct speech
No copying/merely lifting of information: use your own sentence structure and phrases
Read the question – use point form or bullets only if instructed to do so otherwise, write in paragraph form
Bullets/points should still be written in full sentences
Personal opinions must be omitted
Use standard English
The tone should be neutral
Your summary must reflect the essence of the text – no extraneous detail
The information must be organised to reflect the intention/purpose of the summary – consider the audience in this regard
Always write down the number of words at the end of your summary
Do NOT exceed the word limit – you will be penalised for this
Give your summary a heading/title (not included in word count)
