Understanding the topic
A summary communicates the most important points of a source in fewer words. It should retain the original meaning, avoid unnecessary details and not introduce unsupported claims.
Use the examples below as a starting point, then adapt the method to your own situation.
Step-by-step approach
Read the whole text; identify the main message; select key supporting points; write in your own words; compare with the source.
- Identify the purpose and information you need.
- Follow the recommended method carefully.
- Check your result against the original purpose.
- Revise anything unclear or incomplete.
Examples at a glance
| Situation | Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Long message | The meeting starts at 9, tea is available from 8:30 and parking is behind the hall. | Summary: Meeting at 9; arrive early for tea and use rear parking. |
| Numbers | Sales rose from 100 to 120 units. | Summary: Sales increased by 20 units, or 20%. |
| Avoid opinion | The article describes two options but recommends neither. | Do not invent a preferred option. |
| Useful length | A 500-word article contains three central ideas. | A concise paragraph may cover the three ideas without every example. |
Four worked examples
Example 1: Long message
Starting point: The meeting starts at 9, tea is available from 8:30 and parking is behind the hall.
Example 2: Numbers
Starting point: Sales rose from 100 to 120 units.
Example 3: Avoid opinion
Starting point: The article describes two options but recommends neither.
Example 4: Useful length
Starting point: A 500-word article contains three central ideas.
Common mistakes
- Copying whole sentences instead of summarising.
- Leaving out a qualification that changes the meaning.
- Adding personal opinions to a factual summary.
Practice questions
Think about your answer, then expand each question to compare.
Question 1: What is the main purpose of writing useful summaries?
A summary communicates the most important points of a source in fewer words. It should retain the original meaning, avoid unnecessary details and not introduce unsupported claims.
Question 2: What is a useful first step?
Read the whole text; identify the main message; select key supporting points; write in your own words; compare with the source.
Question 3: How would you handle this situation: Long message?
Summary: Meeting at 9; arrive early for tea and use rear parking.
Question 4: What does this example teach: The article describes two options but recommends neither.?
Do not invent a preferred option.
Question 5: Name one mistake to avoid.
Copying whole sentences instead of summarising.
Review checklist
- Can you explain the main idea in your own words?
- Can you apply the method to a new example?
- Have you checked the relevant facts, figures and instructions?
- Can you identify a common mistake and avoid it?