The document provides guidelines for writing an effective summary in 3 sentences or less. It advises determining the main idea of the original piece and writing one sentence to capture it. Note the major areas of evidence and write one sentence about each. Avoid plagiarism by not looking at the source while summarizing and write the summary in your own words.

1. Writing an
Effective
Summary

2. A summary is a
significant reduction
of the original source.

3. To write an effective summary, follow these
guidelines:
• Determine the main idea of the piece you have
read or viewed.
• Write one sentence that captures that main idea.
• As you read or view, note the major areas of
evidence that the piece provides.
• Then write one sentence that communicates the
gist of each of these major areas.

4. Avoid these common
problems …

5. To avoid plagiarizing, do not look at the source while you are
composing the summary.

6. Use what
you
remember
from the
reading or
viewing.

7. Write the summary in your own
words.

8. After you have
written the
summary, you can
revisit the source to
confirm facts.

9. Do not express an opinion about the source.
Neither disagree ...

10. … nor sing its praises.

11. Do not open
the summary
with “In this
article, it says
...” or “This
video is about
…”
Stinks!

12. Use this formula:
Specific name of piece +
strong action verb + main
idea.

13. That sounds
so much
better!

14. Show me what
you can do!

15. First Summary Directions
• Watch the documentary video “Silicon Prairie:
America’s New Internet Economy
• Determine the main idea.
• Decide the areas of evidence.
• Write a summary of the video in 8 – 10 sentences.
• Be sure to follow the format guidelines in your
text!
• This summary is due at our next class meeting.