The Summary
Students need to read the prose passage carefully, and then summarize in their own words the basic ideas—that is, the key points—of the passage. The summary should be approximately 100 words long. Markers look for clarity, accuracy, and effective paraphrasing. A summary is a condensed version of the original prose passage. In a clear, precise style, a summary presents, in shortened form, the main ideas and key points in the original piece.
Some Guidelines on Writing the Summary
- Begin by reading the passage two to three times in order to familiarize yourself with the material and identify the major points of the writer.
- Use your own words to convey the author's meaning. If you're unable to come up with your own wording for a phrase used in the original, then quote the author's phrasing (be sure to use quotation marks in such cases). Generally, though, you should avoid quoting the original.
- Do not add new information of your own. Focus on what the author writes, and concentrate on the best way to communicate the author's main points in your own words.
- Do not editorialize. That is, do not give your opinion on the content or style of the passage; do not judge the material or argue for or against it. Remember that your goal in summarizing is not to judge the passage, but, rather, to condense as accurately as possible the key information in it.
- In general, you should avoid including statistics and examples; your emphasis should be on the major points, not secondary material. Occasionally, though, you may have to include some examples if they are of central importance.
- The summary should read smoothly. Avoid writing down a series of disjointed, choppysounding statements. Use transition or joining words—as needed—to bridge different parts of the summary so that it reads in a smooth, logical, and easy-to-follow manner. Some examples of transition words are and, but, however, although, even though, in addition, most importantly, secondly, finally, overall, in conclusion, in contrast, similarly, etc. Page 2 of 4 Revised 12/12/2011
Example 1: MacMillan begins by reminding us of what we don't like about advertising (its mindless repetition, its distortions) before drawing our attention to the fact that many commercials are better than the programmes they interrupt.
Example 2: Michael Stevens points out that we live in a society where, although social morality seems to be increasing, personal integrity and self-respect—once referred to as "honour"—are in decline.
(Note: both summaries refer to the author by name)
