AcDv B61: How to Write an Excellent Summary Bakersfield College Jessica Wojtysiak Spring 2016 AcDv B61: How to Write an Excellent Summary

What is a summary? A brief statement identifying the main points of a text. The goal is to give an accurate and objective representation of what the author or authors wrote.

Why Write a Summary By writing an excellent summary, you are demonstrating: Your mastery of the text Your ability to discern the major points from the supporting details Your use of precise language Your ability to keep your opinion out of it

Introductory sentence Supporting details with transitions Summary Format Introductory sentence Supporting details with transitions Summation sentence (pp. 31-32 in handout packet)

The First Sentence In ________, ____________, __________________, (title) (Author) (Qualifications) ____________ (s) that __________________. (Action verb) (explanation of author’s thesis)

Why this first Sentence? Identifies the author Identifies the title of the work Uses an active verb to catch the reader’s attention Identifies the major theme/assertion/thesis/subject of the text. It’s grammatically correct.

Ask yourself questions: Who? When? Where? What happened? Supporting Details Facts Events Explanation Reasons Outcomes Ask yourself questions: Who? When? Where? What happened?

Closing Sentences Sums up the significance of the selection Example: Ultimately, the early chapters of True Notebooks provides insight into the mind and early experiences of the author as he awkwardly establishes his writing course.

Be precise and specific Use key details sparingly Other Rules to Follow Less is More Be precise and specific Use key details sparingly

Tone and Audience Paraphrase the author (no direct quotations!) No opinions (unless specifically asked) Use summarizing language – “The author claims…” or “the chapter covers…”

Any Questions ?