Summarizing

What is a summary?

• a short explanation of a text

• a movie synopsis

• a persuasive argument about a text

• a theme or universal lesson

Which of the following statements about SUMMARIZING is true?

• The Summary is a thought that is true but is not in the passage.

• The Summary is specific, detailed information contained in the passage.

• The Summary is what the passage is mostly about.

• The Summary is always found in the first sentence of the passage.

You should write your summary

• in your own words with complete sentences

• in one draft without revising

• in a secret language that you make up

• in fragments without punctuation

Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg, better known as Johannes Gutenberg, was born in the German city of Mainz. Though most of Gutenberg’s early life is a mystery, historians believe that he studied at the University of Erfurtin 1418 and spent much of his young adult life practicing the profession of his father: gold-smithing. Gutenberg borrowed money from investors in 1439 and found himself in financial trouble.

Which is the best summary?

• Gutenberg's life remains a mystery.

• Gutenberg went to college and became a goldsmith but wound up in debt.

• Gutenberg was born in Mainz and went to college.

• Gutenberg's father was a goldsmith.

Alexander Graham Bell is the man credited with inventing the telephone. He was born in Scotland in 1847, but later moved to Canada, where he taught deaf people. His invention was based on his discovery that sound waves could travel through wire; once electricity was added to his listening contraption it was possible to extend the distances that the sound waves could be sent. He registered his invention in 1876, thereby, ensuring his position in history as the man who invented the telephone.

Which is the best summary?

• Alexander Graham Bell is a Scottish.

• Alexander Graham Bell taught deaf people.

• Alexander Graham Bell is a Scotland born scientist who invented the telephone by making an appliance that permitted sound waves to travel through wire via an electric current.

• Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone in 1876.