How to Write a Summary

How to Write a Summary

Preparing to Write: To write a good summary it is important to thoroughly understand the material you are working with. Here are some preliminary steps in writing a summary.

Skim the text, noting in your mind the subheadings. If there are no subheadings, try to divide the text into sections. Consider why you have chosen the text. Try to determine what type of text you are dealing with. This can help you identify important information.

• Read the text, highlighting important information and taking notes.
• In your own words, write down the main points of each section.
• Write down the key support points for the main topic, but do not include minor detail.
• Go through the process again, making changes as appropriate.

Writing the Summary: When writing the summary there are three main requirements:

• The summary should cover the original as a whole.
• The material should be presented in a neutral fashion.
• The summary should be a condensed version of the material, presented in your own words.

* * Also do not include anything that does not appear in the original. (Do not include your own comments or evaluation) and be sure to identify your source.

*When turning in the assignment, make sure you include a link to the article.

With thanks to: Swales, John M. and Christine B. Feat. Academic Writing for Graduate Students,Essential Tasks and Skills. Ann Arbor: U Michigan P, 1994. 105-130.