Summarizing

Front

What is the purpose of summarizing a text?

Back

To condense the main ideas and important details into a shorter form.

Front

What are the key components of a good summary?

Back

A good summary includes the main ideas and important details of the text, presented in the writer's own words.

Front

How should a summary be written?

Back

A summary should be written in your own words and in complete sentences.

Front

What is the difference between a summary and a paraphrase?

Back

A summary condenses the main ideas of a text, while a paraphrase restates specific passages in different words without condensing.

Front

Why is it important to use your own words in a summary?

Back

Using your own words helps demonstrate understanding of the material and avoids plagiarism.

Front

What is an example of a summary for a passage about a birthday dinner choice?

Back

Jill has many restaurants to choose from for her birthday.

Front

What does it mean to identify the main idea of a text?

Back

Identifying the main idea means determining the central point or argument that the author is trying to convey.

Front

What is a short explanation of a text called?

Back

A summary.

Front

What should you avoid when writing a summary?

Back

Avoid including personal opinions, irrelevant details, or direct quotes from the text.

Front

How can you determine the main ideas in a passage?

Back

Look for topic sentences, repeated concepts, and conclusions drawn by the author.