Summarizing

Getting to the Point

A summary is a condensed (much shorter) version of the text.

Therefore, the summary should be relatively short and to the point (1/3-1/4 of the original text).

A summary is NOT a paraphrase The skill of summary writing is

knowing what is the essential information and what you can afford to leave out.

What is a summary?

A good summary is:

An effective summary is accurate.Therefore, you must read the text carefully and gain a true understanding of the text before writing your summary. The summary must include the main ideas of the text. You do not need to include specific details from the text, but include enough information so that the reader understands the author’s ideas or information presented.

The summary should only include facts and information found in the text.

Do NOT include your own opinions or personal judgments about the information in the text.

This means you need to write the summary using your own words.

Do NOT copy the text word-for-word.

Steps in Summary Writing1. Read the passage twice.

2. Try to understand the passage - Ask yourself questions: What is the author trying to say here?

3. Identify the main idea:• You should have identified the main idea

through the process of asking questions.• Pick out the topic sentence in the paragraph.• Leave out the examples that support the key

sentence.

• Remove redundant words and phrases from key sentences.

4. Re-express the key points in your own words.

5. Write your first draft. EDIT your first draft.

6. Count and shorten if need be.7. Write your final draft and pick out

any errors.

Steps in Summary Writing

In Africa, music is usually performed outdoors. There is spontaneous music making as well as performances by social and music groups at ceremonies and feasts. There is no written music or music notation. African music tradition, like folklore and history, is transmitted orally. Music is a social activity in which almost everyone participates. Clearly, African music has several interesting characteristics.1. Africa, music is usually performed outdoors.2. There is no written music or musical notation.3. African music has a number of fascinating features.4. In Africa, music making is spontaneous

He was annoyed and worried. He couldn’t seem to make his mind up because he was stressed out by the troubles that he might have to deal with if he made the wrong choice about which kind of job he should try and get. (45)

He was anxious and indecisive, being aware of the possible consequences of a poor career choice. (16)

There are a number of ways of expressing the total amount of water in the oceans. Seawater covers 361 million square kilometres (361 106 km2) which represents 71% of the surface of the globe. The total volume of water is enormous: 1.37 thousand million cubic kilometres (1.37 109 km3). Most of this water is contained in the three great oceans of the world: the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans.The surface of the earth comprises 71% seawater, most of which can be found in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Language is the main means of communication between people. But so many different languages have developed that language has often been a barrier rather than an aid to understanding among people. For many years, many people have dreamed of setting up a universal language which all people could speak and understand. The arguments in favour of a universal language are obvious and clear. If all people spoke the same language, cultural and economic relations would be much stronger and peace increases among people.

Language is the main means of communication between people. But so many different languages have developed that language has often been a barrier rather than an aid to understanding among people. For many years, many people have dreamed of setting up a universal language which all people could speak and understand. The arguments in favour of a universal language are obvious and clear. If all people spoke the same language, cultural and economic ties would be much stronger and peace increases among people.

People communicate through language; however, having different languages creates communication barriers. A universal language could bring countries together culturally and economically as well as increase good feelings among them.

Music reduces anxiety in second-language students. Furthermore, it is a great motivator in that its lyrics are often full of meaningful input. Human emotions are frequently expressed in highly charged situations. Through music, language easily finds roots in the experience of students at any age or proficiency levels. Awareness is heightened through its prosodic elements. Music can break down barriers among those who share its rhythms and meaning. Its unifying effect can extend across time, nations, and individuals.