Summarizing and Paraphrasing

Question 1

summarizing

Answer 1

only includes the most important points, not details
for a narrative piece, hit the major plot events
usually used for longer text

Question 2

summarizing fiction

Answer 2

somebody: this is the main character of the book, who is the story following?
wanted: the character usually wants something or doesn’t want something to happen
but: but there is always something in the characters way, what is it?
so: so the character must overcome the obstacle, how does she/he do it

Question 3

summarizing nonfiction

Answer 3

who: who is involved?
what: what was it that happened?
when: when did it happen?
where: where did it happen?
why: why did it happen? why is it important?
how: how did it happen? how did it get resolved?

Question 4

paraphrasing

Answer 4

restating everything the writer said in your own words
usually used for shorter pieces or passages
usually as long as the original piece
include all of the original information
just write it in your own style of language