Question

How to Write an Effective Summary

The goal of writing a summary of an article, a chapter, or a book is to offer as accurately as possible the full sense of the original, but in a more condensed(缩减的) form. A summary restates the author’s main point, purpose, intent, and supporting details in your own words.1.

Read the passage carefully.

Determine its structure. Identify the author’s purpose in writing. After you finish reading, write down in one sentence the point that is made about the subject. 2.

Reread, label and underline.

Once you clearly understand the writer’s major point(or purpose) for writing, read the article again, underline the major points supporting the thesis. 3. In addition, underline key transitional(过渡的) elements which show how parts are connected. Omit specific details, examples, description, and unnecessary explanations.

Write, revise and edit

Now begin writing your summary. 4.Then write your summary, omitting nothing important, eliminating repetition, disregarding minor details, or generalizing them, using as few words as possible to convey the main ideas and striving for overall coherence through appropriate transitions. Conclude with a final statement reflecting the significance of the article.

Revise your summary. After you’ve completed a draft, read your summary and check for accuracy. Keep in mind that a summary should generally be no more than one-fourth the length of the original.

5.Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, looking particularly for those common in your writing. Write a clean draft and proofread for copying errors.

A. Edit your summary.

B. Do not insert your own opinions or thoughts.

C. A suitable thesis may already be in the original passage.

D. Writing an effective summary requires you to focus on the series of steps.

E. These should be words or phrases here and there rather than complete sentences.

F. In other words, write down a thesis statement which expresses the central idea.

G. Start with a sentence naming the writer and article title and stating the essay’s main idea.

Answer 1