Summary Writing

A well-constructed summary highlights the author's important points and should be structured like any other piece of writing:

It should contain:

•An Introduction

•A Discussion and

•A Conclusion

Introduction

• Present the primary focus of the original source.

• List the two or three major points

• Tell the reader what source you are summarizing.

Discussion

Summarize • the most important points (omit irrelevant

details, examples, explanations or descriptions)• the major conclusions reached.• recommendations (a future course of action to

solve a problem or to avoid potential problems)You should paraphrase ,using your own words

to restate the author's points, conclusions and recommendations.

Conclusion

Remind the reader of the key ideas discussed in the discussion part of the summary

Style and Length

• Like all technical writing a summary should be clear, concise, accurate and accessible. (eliminate lengthy sentences, technical words\jargon and avoid expressing your own opinion)

• A summary should be about 5 to 15 percent the length of the original material. (omit material such as, definitions,complex technical concepts, statistics, tables and figures etc.)

Audience recognition and use of correct Grammar and mechanics

• You should decide what to include in your summary based on who is going to read it.

Including definitions is usually not a good idea in summaries , however if the reader will not understand your content then you should include some definitions or explanations of technical terms.

• When reproducing other peoples’ work one should be extra careful about errors in grammar and mechanics since might destroy your credibility

Prewriting tips

• Find the source which you need to summarize.

• Write down your works cited or references information.

• Read the material and either take notes or underline/highlight important points.

• Select and paraphrase main points to be included in your first draft.

Organize your first draft

• Topic sentence stating author’s main idea together with works cited.

• Organization paralleling the author’s method of organization.(e.g. comparison/contrast, cause and effect, etc.)

• Use transition words and phrases.• Conclude by focusing on the main points,

author’s findings or recommend future course of action.

The Three-step writing process (A)

Plan »• Examine your purposes• Determine your goals.• Consider your audience.• Gather your data.• Determine how the

content will be provided

Write » • Organize the draft according to some logical sequence that your readers can follow easily

• Format the content to allow for ease of access

The Three-step writing process (B)

» Complete • Reviseo Add missing informationo Delete wordiness o Simplify word usageo Enhance the tone of your communicationo Reformat your text of accesso Practice the speech or overview the text• Proofreado Correct errors