3.

Form a brief outline of the passage, and use it to write a summary of the

passage.

4. Use your own words/language to convey ideas.

5. Use key words or phrases to identify the main points from the text.

6. Write in simple and understandable English.

7. The summary must be objective and written in third person

8. Rephrase long phrases with single words

9. Write a rough draft, edit, adjust the length and finalize.

10.Follow the original organization of the passage for accuracy.

Take note that summaries are not a place for…

▪ Reader’s opinions

▪ Background knowledge

▪ Personal information

▪ Technical Language use

▪ Irrelevant and unnecessary information from the text

▪ Examples, and illustration and quotations from the text

Remember: Summary contains only the major ideas and necessary information.

Main Idea and Key Points

The main idea is what the text is about. Key points are arguments or information

that is used to support the main idea.

Key points may be developed or elaborated with supporting details.

Your summary should only include main ideas and key points, not supporting

details.

Possible questions to ask and answer when reading a text

• What issue is the writer focusing on?

• Does the writer take a clear stand on this issue?

• What is the writer’s thesis (if there is one)?

• What is the writer’s purpose for writing?

• Who is the audience for this writing?

• What is the writer’s tone?

• What evidence does the writer use to support the essay’s thesis/central

argument? Does the writer include enough evidence?

• Does the writer consider, address and/or refute opposing arguments?

You may mark up the text for easy comprehension and distinction of

ideas

• Underline key ideas – for example, topic sentences.

• Box or circle words or phrases you want to remember.

• Place a checkmark or a star next to an important idea.

• Place a double check mark or star next to an especially significant idea.

• Put a question mark near unfamiliar reference or a word you need to look up.

• Number the writer’s key supporting points or examples.

• Use different color highlighters.