Student Number _____

Name ________________________________________________

Period _____

Writing a Summary for Nonfiction

Text
STEPS:
Step 1: Cross out any information that is not
necessary to understand the text.
Step 2: Cross out words/sentences that are
redundant (repeat information)
Step 3: Replace lists of things with words
that describes the things in the lists (example:
flowers for daisies tulips, and roses).
Step 4: Find a topic sentence (main idea
sentence). If you cannot find one, write one.
Remember that every topic sentence has two
parts (subject + authors claim).

A & C: summarizing, paraphrasing and retelling: Summary for Nonfiction Text Steps

Student Number _____

Name ________________________________________________

Period _____

Summary Paragraph Outline for

Nonfiction Text
In the __________________________ (pick one: article, essay, editorial, report, etc.)
entitled ________________________________________ (title of text), ______________________
(authors name) ______________________(pick a verb: explores, discusses,
investigates, argues, etc.) that
_____________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ (main idea statement).
First ___________________________ (authors last name) _____________________ (pick a
verb: explores, discusses, investigates, states, argues, etc.)
___________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________.
The __________ (pick one: writer, author, journalist, etc.) ______________(pick a verb:
explores, discusses, investigates, states, argues, etc.)
_____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________.
In addition, ___________ (he or she) points out that
______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.

A & C: summarizing, paraphrasing and retelling: Summary for Nonfiction Text Steps

Moreover, _______ (he or she) emphasizes that

__________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________.
Finally, _________________________ (authors last name) concludes that
____________________
_________________________________________________________________________________.

A & C: summarizing, paraphrasing and retelling: Summary for Nonfiction Text Steps