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SummaryA short restatement of the central idea and important information in an informational or narrative text, such as a textbook, an article, a story, a film, a book, or a book

chapter.

Characteristics of a good summary:

O Begins with a clear, direct topic sentence that identifies the text’s central theme.

O Contains key facts that support the topic sentence.

O Is short, well-organized, and includes only important information without adding too many details.

Continued…O May use transitions but usually does

not need themO Has a formal tone.O Avoids expressing the summary

writer’s opinion

What were the important characteristics of the summary?

O Topic sentence starts the paragraphO All sentences in the body are facts,

not opinionsO Does not have a formal conclusion

Write a four step summary paragraph

O Step 1: Write a three- part topic sentenceO Only give an overview of the topic

without detailsO Step 2: Copy the topic sentenceO Step 3: Create a fact outline

O List main events or central ideas (4-7 facts)

O List in order of appearance in textO Just use words or phrases

Continued…O Step 4: Write the final summary

paragraphO Write complete sentences based on outlineO Add title for summaryO Check:

O Does the summary capture the central idea of the text? If not, revise.

O Do all facts support or relate to the topic sentence? If not, revise.

O Is all the information factual, and not opinions? Revise as needed.