AHSGE Reading Objective II-5

Recognize Summary Statements

Summaries

A summary is a shortened version of a longer work, including the main idea and the MOST important details.

An effective summary of the passage should not only contain the most relevant information from the original passage, but it should also convey the original’s underlying message or theme.

Read this sample passage. Ask yourself, “What Main point does the author want me to understand about the topic?” Then notice how all the important elements of the passage can be put together to create a brief summary.

Although many people believe that John

F. Kennedy was the youngest man ever

to be president of the United states, that

distinction actually belongs to Theodore

Roosevelt. When William McKinley was

elected to a to a second term in 1900, he

named Roosevelt as his vice president.

Soon after, McKinley was assassinated.

Roosevelt then became president at the

age of 42. John F. Kennedy took office in

1961at 43 years old, just slightly older

than Roosevelt. While Roosevelt was

younger when he became president,

Kennedy still seems the most youthful

U.S. president.

Notice the important elements in the passage you have just read.

Topic The youngest United States President.

Main Idea

Theodore Roosevelt, not John F. Kennedy, was the youngest man ever to be president of the United States.

Important Details

Theodore Roosevelt was William McKinley’s vice president in 1900. McKinley was assassinated and Roosevelt became president at 42. John F. Kennedy took office in 1961 at 43 years old.

Theme When the facts are examined, people may be surprised to learn that Theodore Roosevelt and not John F. Kennedy was the youngest U.S. president ever.

Summary Probably because of his youthful appearance, many people believe that John F. Kennedy, who took office at age 43, was our youngest president. Theodore Roosevelt, who became president at 42 when McKinley was assassinated, was actually the youngest.

Read the passages on the next few slides. Then select the best summary.

We need to remember as well to celebrate the end of World War I. We need to remember the dead and the wounded, the widows and orphans, the destroyed and broken homes, farms, and businesses. We need to remember these casualties of war. We must prevent another such war from happening.

What is the best summary for this passage?

A) Widows and orphans should

remember the dead and wounded.

B) War is a part of the human condition.

C) Remember those who were lost or

wounded in the war.

D) We must prevent war in the future.

Answer

What is the best summary for this passage?

A) Widows and orphans should remember

the dead and wounded.

B) War is a part of the human condition.

C) Remember those who were lost or

wounded in the war.

D) We must prevent war in the future.

An old male elephant was dying in the African wilderness. A group of elephants from his herd gathered around this male, trying to get him to stand up. They tried to stroke him with their trunks, raise him with their tusks, and put food in his mouth. Nothing seemed to work, so the herd left. However, a mother and her calf remained, standing with their backs to the dead elephant. The mother tried to touch the dead elephant with one foot. Then the herd returned and began circling the dead companion. After atime, they gathered tree branches and grass clumps, scattering these items on or around the body.

What is the best summary for the passage?

A) Elephants often die alone in the wilderness.

B) Some animals perform rituals to mourn their

dead.

C) Death is a fact of life in the African

wilderness.

D) The elephant population in Africa is

declining because they are hunted and

killed.

What is the best summary for the passage?

A) Elephants often die alone in the wilderness.

B) Some animals perform rituals to mourn their

dead.

C) Death is a fact of life in the African

wilderness.

D) The elephant population in Africa is

declining because they are hunted and

killed.