Summarization is a foundational reading skill that involves condensing a text into a shortened version that focuses on the essential main ideas and important supporting details. It differs from paraphrasing in that a summary is shorter than the original text, while paraphrasing restates ideas using different words. When summarizing, one should maintain the overall structure of the original piece and focus on the top main ideas, connecting them in a cohesive manner using transitions while employing formal academic language. The skill of summarization is a key aspect of reading comprehension.

1. Sum ar i zat i on
m
A Key Skill in Reading
Comprehension

2. Summary is the
foundational
skill of reading.
It is the heart of
comprehension and the
very essence of what
you should be able to
do when reading.

3. Summarizing and Paraphrasing
are not the same thing.
Summarizing
Paraphrasing
 A shortened version
of the original text
 Restating ideas in
different words
 The essential and
key points
 Putting things in
one’s own words

4. FEATURES
• Short
 A summary should be shorter than the
original (a paragraph or a page).
• Main Ideas
 Stating the main idea is often the most
difficult part, unless the author comes
right out and states it in the reading.
• Reflect Structure
 Consider the structure (problem/solution,
compare/contrast, cause/effect, etc.) of
the original and follow suit.
• Important Details
 Include the important details that support
the main points.

5. STEPS
1. Read a selection  Choose a text to read and mark it up with
annotations (similar to the Think Aloud)
2. Examples
 Consider all the times you already use the skill
of summarization (i.e. telling about a movie).
3. Focus on main
ideas
 Decide on the top 5 main ideas
4. Connect the main  Since the main ideas are drawn from different
ideas
parts of the text, think about transitions and
ways to connect the distinct ideas.
5. Learn the
language
 Use the language of academic writing (i.e.
“According to the author…”)