Textbook Reading, Lecture 5 Writing Effective Summaries

What is a summary? A condensed version of an original piece of writing, including all important info. & leaving out extra, non- essential details

Want to tell about event in shorter amount of time or space Why do we summarize? Want to identify main idea & impt. details of a story Want to stay alert while reading Want to better understand an article by reorganizing ideas in a meaningful way Want to make it easier to study for exams and write term papers

How do you write a good summary? Good summaries include: *Reading article first *Identifying key points and supporting details *Writing key points and details IN YOUR OWN WORDS, using concise sentences Summary writing is an art form requiring both practice and patience!

1. Begin your summary with a sentence that includes both of the What are the steps to writing an excellent summary? 1. Begin your summary with a sentence that includes both of the following: A. Title & Author (if the summary is on an essay or article) Ex. In his article, “How to Manage Your Time,” John Doe states…

2. Then, using your own words, write what the author is saying about the subject. Ex. In his article, “How to Manage Your Time,” John Doe states… that the key to effective time manage- ment lies in disciplining oneself to do tasks that are unenjoyable.

Re-read the material to separate most important points from details. After I’ve written the first sentence of my summary, then what do I do? Re-read the material to separate most important points from details. 2.List the important points in short phrases on a piece of scratch paper. 3.Put the phrases for the important points into complete sentences within a paragraph, adding in necessary supportive details as you go along.