Summarizing Informational Text: Fundamentals and Process

A full retelling including every detail

A persuasive opinion about the topic

A brief explanation highlighting main ideas

A list of quotations copied from the text

To argue against the author's ideas

To entertain with creative storytelling

To tell what the text is mostly about

To replace the original text completely

Fictional character arcs

Dialogue-heavy scenes

Rhyme and meter patterns

Headings and subheadings

Main idea is overall point; details support it

Main idea is a single fact; details are summaries

Main idea lists captions; details use headings

Main idea repeats examples; details add opinions

Use your own words

Find key details

Read the text carefully

Write a clear summary

Where are all the bold words placed?

What is this text mostly about?

How many charts are shown overall?

Which sentences are longest here?

Two to four key details

Eight to ten side notes

Five to seven repeated facts

One long anecdote only

Focus on facts that support the main idea

Choose repeated phrases regardless

Include every example from the text

Pick the most entertaining story lines

Paraphrase ideas using clear language

Copy sentences exactly from the text

Replace facts with creative imagery

Add opinions to sound personal

Avoid any structure or transitions

Present many unrelated side stories

Include the main idea and key details

Use complex vocabulary and jargon