The document provides a step-by-step method for summarizing texts effectively. It outlines 4 key steps: 1) Underlining the key ideas in the question to understand what is being asked, 2) Scanning the passage to find and underline relevant points, 3) Comparing the points to the question requirements, and 4) Paraphrasing the points using synonyms, changing voice, and grouping related ideas. Following these steps systematically helps ensure students include the right details to score high marks on summary questions.
2. Learning Objectives
To learn a proven method in summarising any
given text.
To see how summarising is done, step-by-step,
to achieve the highest marks possible.
3. Introduction
Just to bring you up-to-speed in some statistics in
one of the toughest sections in English
Language paper – Summary
1) Most students fail it – it requires a mix bag of
skills, more than any other section.
2) It contains 15 marks – so most students do
poorly in English as they fail this section.
3) It is complex – the question contains many
parts that each needs its own explanation to
understand it.
4. On the other hand...
It is important to state at the onset that the
examiners will also provide plenty of relevant
points for you to summarise.
In other words, searching for points in the
passage to score for summary is not difficult.
You just need to know how and where to look
for them.
Let's start!
5. Mastering Summary - Step 1
Step 1: Underline the key ideas in the question
This constitutes:
1) Points
2) Source
3) Length
4) Form
We will look at all of them in the next Flashcard.
6. Example for Question's Key Ideas
Step 1: Underline the key ideas in the question
Using your own words as far as possible, summarise the various
measures taken by the Indian government to save the tiger,
the obstacles that were faced along the way, and how
successful the government was in achieving its goal.
USE THE MATERIAL IN PASSAGE B FROM LINE 1 TO LINE
48.
Your summary which must be in continuous writing, must not be
more than 150 words (not counting the words given to help
you begin). Begin your summary as follows:
India has committed itself to saving its tigers from extinction…….
7. Mastering Summary - Step 2
Step 2 – Scan for relevant points
Underline the relevant points in the passage.
Remembering to:
1) Number them – you need at least 8 points.
2) Compare them – whether the key ideas are
what the summary question wants
8. Example for Comparison
Summarise the potential threats of constructing
the flu virus and its effects.
1) Effect not severe as many people have developed
immunity.
2) People can create it due to a lack of enforcement.
From the negative examples above, Point 1 is wrong
as it describes the effects' intensity; the question
wants what kind of effects. Point 2 is wrong,
missing the word 'governmental', making it
incomplete.
9. Mastering Summary - Step 3
You need to paraphrase using a few simple
strategies.
1) Synonyms and Antonyms
2) Active and passive voice
3) Classification
10. #1 Paraphrasing Strategy – Syn & Ant
While thinking of another word, avoid word-for-
word substitution. Paraphrase the key ideas.
A person was seen as responsible for his own
actions during the war when there is mass killing.
Ans 1: A person is regarded as being accountable
for his behaviour during a conflict when there is a
large number of deaths.
Ans 2 : Man was regarded as being accountable
for his atrocities during a war.
Q: Which is correct?
11. #2 Paraphrasing Strategy – Active &
Passive Voice
Change the structure of the sentence
Shift the subject to elsewhere to re-express the
key idea in your own way.
T: Small group discussions with participation by
no more than 12 to 15 people enables teachers to
know their pupils more intimately.
S: Teachers can understand students better if class
discussions are held in small teams.
12. #3Paraphrasing Strategy – Classification
Group related key ideas with a single term.
T: Businesses promote their products and services
through the radio, newspapers and television.
S: Companies advertise through the mass media.
T: The company sells items such as sofa, dining
tables and chairs.
S: The firm sells furniture.
13. Learning Activity
Summarise the potential threats of
constructing the flu virus and its effects.
1) procedures to create the virus are widely
available
2) accidental release of virus into the human
population
3) Flu virus has been around since the 1900's.
14. Learning Activity Answers
Summarise the potential threats of constructing
the flu virus and its effects.
1) procedures to create the virus are widely available
The methods in virus construction are commonly
accessible.
2) accidental release of virus into human population
Virus can infect people unknowingly.
3) Flu virus has been around since the 1900's.
Flu virus existed in early 20th Century.
15. Discussion
Why do we need to have a proper approach to
summary question?
What are the steps in tackling this question?
16. Discussion
The Summary question contains many parts and
involve different skills so a method is needed to
solve it.
1) Analyse Key ideas
2) Scan Key ideas
3) Compare Key ideas
4) Paraphrase Key Ideas using strategy
It forms ASCP – all summaries can pass!