Summary Writing

Summary Writing 101

Summary writing walkthrough

First Steps

• Only summarise what is needed

• Read the question – twice!

• Underline what the question is asking you to find in the text - In your case, have a scrap piece of paper handy, and quickly jot down what the question is asking

• You are looking for 8 content points relating to the question

  8 points for language - Again, jot down these content points on paper.

2nd Step

• Read the text carefully

• Underline any lines in the text you feel answer the question - Remember, use paper.

• Discard / ignore the rest

• Number them so you know you have at least 8 content points

Next Steps

• Use your own words

• Try to change one or two words to another word

  Some are easy, eg, 50% = half

  Rising = increasing

  Severe = bad

• Be careful when changing words. Be careful that you don't change the whole point.

• Change the structure of the sentence

Write down what the question is asking!

Open Ended

What does the question on the last page specifically ask for?

Are there any points in this section?

Are there any points in this section?

NO

Are there any points in this section?

Are there any points in this section?

Yes – few opportunities to achieve success in life

Yes – high rate of unemployment

Yes – feel isolated from the rest of the community / gives them a feeling of a family relationship

Yes – boxing achievements inspire others

Any points?

Any points?

Yes – her strength of character

Yes – admired for defiance and

forcefulness

Final points?

Final points?

Yes – came from a very simple background

Yes – totally dedicated and trained

twice as hard as anyone else

Open Ended

List the points made throughout the passage

All points

—few opportunities to achieve success in life

—high rate of unemployment

—feel isolated from the rest of the community / gives them a feeling of a family relationship

—boxing achievements inspire others

—her strength of character

—admired for defiance and forcefulness

—came from a very simple background

—totally dedicated and trained twice as hard as anyone else