Basic guidelines for writing summaries

1. BASIC GUIDELINES FOR WRITING
SUMMARIES

2. A summary is a short version of a passage / text.
It may consist of a single word, a phrase, several sentences,
or 1 or 2 paragraphs; depending on what is required by the
instructions / question, and the original length of a passage.
It is generally informative and descriptive.
It comprises the main ideas and supporting details of the
passage.
It uses concise and coherent sentences.

3. Write a topic sentence.
Use only main ideas.
1) Identify answers to the question
2) Select key words / phrases
3) Paraphrase – write in your own words

4. Do not repeat the ideas.
Do not give examples.
Do not give long explanations.

5. No quotations required.
Use simple language.
Be brief and concise.

6.  Keep to the word limit 75 to 85 words
– write only 1 paragraph.
 Write the number of words written
at the end of the paragraph.

7. 7 STEPS IN WRITING A GOOD
SUMMARY

8. Read the title (or source) of the
passage, and the instructions.
Then read the passage right through.
STEP 1: FIND OUT WHAT
THE PASSAGE IS ABOUT

9. Reread and examine the
instructions.
STEP 2:FIND OUT WHAT NEEDS
TO BE SUMMARIZED

10. Read the passage again.
Underline the main points.
Leave out details, examples, illustrations,
forms of convention / politeness and
repetitions.
STEP 3:IDENTIFY RELEVANT
MAIN POINTS

11. STEP 4:ARRANGE THE MAIN
POINTS IN ORDER

12. Paraphrase / use own words
where possible.
STEP 5:WRITE THE FIRST
DRAFT

13. Ensure a smooth transition
between the ideas.
STEP 6:LINK IDEAS WITH
LOGICAL CONNECTORS /
TRANSITIONS

14. STEP 7:WRITE THE FINAL
DRAFT