This document discusses techniques for writing effective summaries. A summary is a shortened version that retains the essential information from the original text without making judgments. It should be understandable without referring to the original, faithful to the ideas in the original, brief without unnecessary details, and a cohesive whole. Good techniques for summarizing include paraphrasing the text in one's own words, using synonyms, changing sentence structures, and combining sentences. The steps to write a summary are to identify the main theme, divide the text into sections and label them, summarize each section in one sentence, join the ideas with transition words, omit unnecessary details and opinions, and conclude with a statement of what was learned from the text.

1. Summary Writing

2. I. What is a summary?
 A summary is a shortened passage, which
retains the essential information of the
original. It is a fairly brief restatement --- in
your own words ---of the contents of a
passage.
 Note: you simply report back what the
writer has said, without making value
judgments.

3. II. Characteristics of a good summary
 Can be understood without reference
to the original;
 Is a faithful reproduction of, or contains
only the ideas or information of, the
original;
 Is brief without any unnecessary detail
(20-25% of the article);
 Is a readable unified whole

4. III. Techniques in summary writing
1. Paraphrasing
To paraphrase means to completely
and correctly express other people’s
ideas in one’s own words.

5. ★It helps us understand the original
better.
★It helps us grasp the central idea and
the main points.
★It helps us write summaries that are
brief and to the point, and in our own
words.
The importance of paraphrasing

6. 2. Ways of condensation
 Use synonyms or synonymous phrases
He had a good command of English.
(He knew English well.)
 Change the structure of simple sentences
My brother has an appreciation of modern art.
(My brother appreciates modern art.)
III. Techniques in summary writing

7.  Turn complex sentences into simple sentences
He received a welcome that was as cold as ice.
(He received an icy welcome.)
 Combine the sentences
Hurry up. If you don’t, you’ll miss the train.
(Hurry up or you’ll miss the train.)

8. IV. Steps to write a summary
1. Read the article and find the general
theme.
2. Reread the article, divide it into sections
and label the by using a general phrase
that captures its subject matter.
3. Summarize each section in one
sentence.
4. Join the ideas by using transitional
words for a smooth and logical flow of
ideas.

9. IV. Steps to write a summary
5. Omit repetitions, examples, details and
personal opinions.
6. Conclude with a summing-up sentence by
stating what can be learned from reading the
article.
7. Check grammar, punctuation and spelling.
8. Write your final draft.

10. IV. Steps to write a summary
5. Omit repetitions, examples, details and
personal opinions.
6. Conclude with a summing-up sentence by
stating what can be learned from reading the
article.
7. Check grammar, punctuation and spelling.
8. Write your final draft.