Technique of summarizing

Sentence 1: introduce author & title.

Sentence 2: Main point 1 + Supporting details (explanation/reason) 1

Sentence 3: Main point 2 + Supporting details (explanation/reason) 2

Sentence 4: Main point 3 + Supporting details (explanation/reason) 3

Sentence 5: Main point 4 + Supporting details (explanation/reason) 4

Sentence 6: Main point 5 + Supporting details (explanation/reason) 5

*Of course, there is a case when you can’t combine these two (main idea 1 and supporting detail 1) in
one sentence, rather to put them in two sentences separately. This is where linking words play a role
to connect them.

• In 1st sentence (introductory sentence) should introduce the author and title. If no
author, can include publisher or just provide title of the essay.
• Sentences after that is the main ideas and supporting details found in the essay. Any
combination of main points and supporting details is accepted, as long as they make
sense and fit into the requirements of the question.
• Why need to combine main points and supporting details? To see if you can distinguish
between main points and supporting details effectively.
• Conveys all required information using own sentences – means you need to
paraphrase the information taken from the essay to your summary.
• However, not all main points have to be there, as putting them all in the summary may
exceed 120 words.
• The summary should be in a paragraph. One paragraph only.
• Use linkers to connect every sentence.
Linking words are words that connect ideas together in a piece of writing. It shows that
two things are related in some way, or that the point you are making has supporting
information.
Eg: Firstly-Secondly-Thirdly-Finally
To begin with-Another reason-Then-Next
Initially-Furthermore-Moreover-Besides-In addition