Summarizing Literary Text

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What is a summary?

Back

A summary is a brief statement that includes the main ideas and important details of a text.

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What details should be included in a summary?

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Important major details that are essential to understanding the text.

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What details should NOT be included in a summary?

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Minor details that do not contribute to the main ideas.

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Why is it important to ask who, what, when, where, why, and how when summarizing?

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These questions help identify the key details needed for an accurate summary.

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How long should a summary be?

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A summary should be short and include only important details from the text.

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What is the purpose of a summary?

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To provide a concise overview of the main points of a text.

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What is the difference between a summary and a retelling?

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A summary condenses the main ideas, while a retelling includes more details and may follow the original order.

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What is an example of an important detail in a story?

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The main event or conflict that drives the plot.

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What is an example of a minor detail in a story?

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Descriptions of characters' clothing or background information that is not essential to the plot.

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What should you do before writing a summary?

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Read the text carefully and identify the main ideas and important details.