The six-step process for summarizing a document involves reading the document thoroughly, re-reading to identify the main idea and key terms, outlining the information by dividing it into sections, writing a rough draft of the summary in your own words while maintaining the original sequence of ideas, editing the rough draft, and comparing the summary to the original document. When writing a summary, the introduction should state the main idea, the body should explain each section using the author's key words and important ideas, and the conclusion should avoid adding new data and not use your own ideas. Summaries must avoid plagiarism by stating all references used, avoiding direct quotes, and properly citing sources using APA style.

1. HOW
TO SUMMARIZE
University of the Sacred Heart
Center for Language Development Across the Disciplines
LAD

2. Objectives
 Identify main idea
 Understand key terms
 Outline information
 Summarize in your own
words
 Avoid plagiarism

3. Six Steps for Summarizing
Read
• Identify the main point
Re-read • Circle key terms
• Divide article into sections
• Write the main idea
Make an outline • Summarize each section
• Follow original sequence of ideas
Write a rough
draft
Edit
Compare

4. What to include in the rough draft
 Introduction
 Main idea
 Body
 Author’skey words
 Important ideas and data
 Conclusion
 Avoid adding new data
 Do not use your own ideas

5. How to Avoid Plagriarisim
What is plagiarism? You should…
 Unauthorized use or  State all references
close imitation of the used
language and thoughts  Avoid using quotes
of another author as  Cite correctly
one’s original work.
 APA Style

6. Remember
 When writing a
summary…
 State the main point
first
 Explain each section
 Never use your ideas
 Finish with the author’s
conclusion
 Avoid plagiarism

7. References
 [Standing Books]. (n.d.) [Photograph]. Retrieved on January 25, 2012 from
http://zerocars.blogspot.com/2009_03_25_archive.html
 [Checklist]. (n.d.) [Photograph] Retieved on January 25, 2012 from
http://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/european-and-language-
services/apply/application-checklist.cfm
 [Sharpened Pencils] (n.d.) [Photograph]. Retrieved on January 23, 2012
from http://lovell.com/copywriting/eight-common-errors-in-writing/

8. Prepared by P. Fuertes
Revised by LAD professors in May 2012.