Summarizing

SUMMARIZING

Keep in mind four Cs Concentration Comprehension Condensation and composition

SUMMARIZING

Concentration Understand the text thoroughly Pick essential Reject inessential

SUMMARIZING

Comprehension Read the text thoroughly for comprehension of main ideas and their

development. (has two steps)step 1 – 1st reading

• Done quickly to get main idea• For prose appropriate title is given (think of topic sentence/key phrases)• The title should aptly summarize the text

Step 2 Concentrate on key information Try to differentiate between main ideas and supporting details. Underline the main ideas

SUMMARIZING

Condensation According to the required length of summary, start

reducing the matter.

Composition ???????????????????

SUMMARIZING

Techniques for reducing the matter A long phrase into one word

The dim light in the eveningTwilight

• A clause into a phraseWhen the sun was rising in the eastern horizonAt dawn

• A clause into a wordThat which can easily be understoodIntelligible

• A long catalogue into a generic formHe bought pens, pencils, papers, pins, erasers etc.He bought stationary

SUMMARIZING

Notes Omit everything that is not related to central theme Avoid illustrations, images, figures of speech and long-winding

sentences

SUMMARIZING

Guidelines for writing a good summary The words in the title of the summary, except prepositions and

conjunctions, should begin with a capital letter. First prepare a draft, which can be revised after checking for

repetition and extra words. Ideas must be presented logically and systematically. Follow the

order of ideas in original text. A good summary has a proper organization of ideas, logical

sequencing of points and use of language as the situation demands. Main ideas should be reproduced in your own language Retain the tense of the original text. (contd…)

SUMMARIZING

If the text is in first person, summary should be written in third person.

Convert direct speech into indirect speech. Don’t try to elaborate, explain or give any personal opinion.

Summary should be impersonal in nature. Summary must not be written picking up sentences or clauses

randomly from the original text. Before writing the final draft, ensure that there are no missing

links. The summary should appear as an independent piece of writing.

Abstract and Summary

ABSTRACT AND SUMMARY Most of the reports contain a synopsis, which is called an abstract or

a summary.Some people regard these two terms as same.

The difference between abstract and summary can be explained in terms of function. An abstract is a concentrated form of a report whereas; a summary gives the substance of a report.

Abstract and Summary

Difference between abstract and summary Abstract An abstract tells in concentrated form what the report is all about. Abstract is shorter than summary Length of abstract is generally two to five per cent of the original report (no fixed rule

for the length of abstract) Summary Summary gives the substance of the report. Summary presents the report in a nutshell, without any illustrations and explanations. Summary gives information on method of analysis, the significant findings, the

important conclusions and major recommendations. Length is about five to ten per cent of the original report.

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