Summarising

What is a Summary?

A summary is a short restatement of the main points of a text, written in your own words. A good summary is much shorter than the original and does not include your opinion.

Steps to Write a Summary

Step 1: Read and understand

Read the text fully before you begin. Note any key ideas.

Step 2: Identify the main idea

Ask: What is this text mostly about?

Step 3: Find the key supporting points

What are the 2–4 most important supporting ideas?

Step 4: Write in your own words

Do not copy sentences from the text. Paraphrase — rewrite the ideas using different language.

Step 5: Leave out minor details

Examples, anecdotes, and statistics are often left out unless they are central to the meaning.

What to Include vs. Exclude

Include	Exclude
Main idea	Specific examples
Key arguments	Quotes (unless crucial)
Major conclusions	Personal opinions
Central facts	Minor supporting details

Useful Phrases

• The text explains that…
• The author argues that…
• In summary, the main point is…
• Overall, the article discusses…