In writing a summary, you should purpose to provide the reader with a complete and thorough understanding of the original text. It is a way in which you include the ideas of others, in your work. Also, it allows you to demonstrate your interpretation and understanding of a particular content. When you need to summarize an article; you are required to give an overview of it. In that, you should only present the given main ideas, and leave out examples, details or formalities used. In other words, it is a short way of retelling the main views of the author.
Effective Summarizing Involves
1. Understanding the Purpose of the Summary
It all depends on the task at hand. If the summary is for your notes; you need to include as many details as possible. However, in the case of summarizing as part of your essay; your focus should be on the information that correlates with your thesis.
2. Identifying the Main Idea
You first need to read the article to gain its general notion. Read it several times if you need to. Then, jot down your initial impression of the text.
That is, what you think the author is trying to say.
3. Writing down the ideas in your own words
As you read through the material, take note of compelling arguments that you come across. Rewrite the information entirely and not merely rephrasing. It will help you avoid plagiarism in when you summarize text. Write down short phrases if you are having difficulty crafting full sentences in your own words.
4. Stating the Source of Information
You can start your summary by mentioning the title of the article or name of the author. It demonstrates to the reader that you are providing an overview of what another person has written.
Remember to introduce the main idea with a reporting verb, e.g., argue, show, point out, and more.
What do you need to Summarize?
5. Take Note of Supporting Points
A suitable summarizing app should be able to provide supporting details to the main point. Identify areas of repetition or references to the title of the piece. Alternatively, you should pay attention to the arguments by the author.
Focus on these points more than the evidence provided in the material. These details are essential in understanding the message of the original.
6. Work from Memory
It is vital to use your own words in writing a summary. Therefore, it is best if you write the first draft without looking at your notes. When it’s ideal to use the exact words by the author to convey the message; put them in quotes.
Keep in mind that you need to use the correct format of quoting.
7. Demonstration of your Understanding
An exercise to summarize text is to test your comprehension about a particular topic/article. Use your own words to demonstrate your familiarity with the content.
In Summary
Purpose to be objective in your writing. In that, you present the material using the point of view of the author. Therefore, you need to retain both the ideas and tone used by the author.
Compare the draft to your notes. also, don’t forget to proofread this.
