1. Writing an Objective Summary
English 9

2. Definition – Objective Summary
An objective summary is a concise, complete, and accurate overview of a text.

3. An objective summary should:
focus on the main theme or central idea of a text.
include relevant details that support the theme only.
be an objective piece of writing. This means that the author should refrain from inserting his or her own opinions or reactions to the text.

4. An objective summary should not:
feature a collection of sentences that are simply copied from the text. This is plagiarism.
be a long recounting of every single event, detail, or point in the original text.
include evaluative comments or the reader’s interpretation of the work.

5. Tips
Author, Title, Theme
Organization
Essence of the Text
Relating the author and title of the work, including an overview of the text’s theme, can be an effective means of opening your summary.
Relating your summary of the text in chronological order should make it easy to follow.
Try to maintain the essence of the text. If the setting is dark and dreary, your summary should reflect that.