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SUMMARY WRITINGSummary writing skills will be tested in Section B of the PMREnglish Language Paper (Paper 2)

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A summary is a short passage that gives the

main points of a longer text. It is usually one-

third the size of the original text. For the PMRexamination, you will be asked to write a

summary of 60 words. You will be given 10

words with which to begin your summary.Your 60 words must include the 10 words.

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When you write a summary, always remember to:

include only the main points.

Leave out examples or detailskeep the verb structure of the original text

rewrite in your own words. Do not add your

own facts or opinions.

write in a continuous form

write in a single paragraphwrite down the number of words in your

summary.

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STEPS IN SUMMARY WRITING

1.

Read the passage through to get an idea of what the passage is about.

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Just as Sylvia was nodding off to sleep, a deafening noise woke her. Sylvia satup on her bed. What was that noise?It was the sound of some thing breaking.What if there was an intruder in the house?Sylvias imagination started runningwild. She was alone in the house as her parents had gone out for a reception.

Sylvia decided to investigate. She got out of bed and tip toed across theroom. She opened her bedroom door and stealthily walked down the stairs.Halfway down, she stopped. She could see two men ransacking the place. Theywere burly-looking men in their thirties. They were probably not aware thatthere was someone in the house.

She retraced her footsteps. What was she going to do now? Her

thoughts raced. She had to think fast. Her handphone! She went back into herroom, locked it and grabbed her handphone. She dialled her immediateneighbour who was a policeman. Hardly within five minutes, a police cararrived and surprised the duo who were still engrossed in finding for valuables.They were handcuffed and taken away.

Write a summaryaboutwhat Sylvia did.Begin your summary as follows:When Sylvia heard a loud noise coming from downstairs, she ...........

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2.

Look at the question. Understand the task that is required.

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3.

Read the passage again. Underline the points which you think are

important.

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4.

Write out your summary. Use logical connectors to link ideas or points.

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5.

Count the number of words. Check your summary for mistakes in spelling

and grammar.

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SUMMARY

When writing a summary, you must first select the main ideas in the text.

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Read the paragraph below. Take note of the underlined

words and phrases and write out the main idea of the

paragraphs.

1. Roberts new classmateshelped him with his

homework. They lent him their notes and explained

certain projects to him. Robert is happy to have such

helpful classmates.

Roberts new classmates are helpful.

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2. My elder brother and sister always give me goodadvice. They told me to be careful when walking home

from school and not to talk to strangers when we are

outside. It is good to have protective siblings.

My elder brother and sister always give me

good advice and are protective.

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When writing a summary, you have to use as few

words as possible while maintaining the meaning of

the original passage. One way to do this is to use

one word to replace several words.

Land, air, water environment

Cars, lorries, buses vehicles

cats.,dogs,birds animals

daisies, roses, carnations flowersbringing, gathering something collecting

Father, mother, brothers, sisters family

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Rewrite the following sentences by replacing the words in bold

with one word.

1. We live in an area where the land, air and water

are clean.

___________________________________________

2. The road is full of cars, buses and lorries.

___________________________________________

3. This shop sells fresh roses, lilies and chrysanthemums.

___________________________________________

4. We must be kind to cats, dogs and birds.

___________________________________________

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SUMMARYYou can write a good summary by replacing several words with one words

and at the same time maintain the original meaning of the sentence.

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Replace the words in bold of the following sentences with one word.

1. We need air that is free from smoke and dirt.We need air that isclean.

2. This river is full of rubbish and waste materials

from the nearby factory.

This river is polluted.

3. This paper bags are made to be thrown away afteruse.

This paper bags are disposable.

4. The old newspapers can be treated and used again.

The old newspapers can be recycled.5. It is advisable to buy products that can be made to rot bynatural means.

It is advisable to buy products that are biodegradable.