Summary Writing in English: Purpose, Sample, Format & Tips

What Is Summary Writing?

A summary writing in English is creating or drafting a shorter version of the original text that outlines the main points in a specific structure. The length of your summary usually depends on the length of the original text. Longer articles or proposals may require longer summaries to address all the ideas, while short texts may have only one paragraph. There are four summary writing rules to include when creating a summary, which includes the following:

• Introductory Sentence: An introductory sentence for a summary often states the author and the text’s title.
• Main Points of the Original Text: This restates the main points the author conveyed.
• Supporting Arguments: Here, you list the arguments that support the writer’s thesis or main idea.
• Final Point: Conclude your summary writing in English with the final point from the author.

By reading the above section you get an understanding of what summary writing is.

What’s the Purpose of Writing a Summary?

The purpose of summary writing is to provide readers with a short brief overview of important details or interesting information, without inserting a personal opinion. A summary gives a brief rundown of the main points of a text or piece of media, like the abstract to a scientific paper, a description of a movie’s plot, or the form of a novel synopsis.

Get to know the purpose of summary writing in English in detail.

Format of Writing a Summary

Here you will get to know how to write a summary in easy points:

• Include an opening line listing the author’s name, the title of the work, and a broad overview of the work. Such as the genre or overall idea of the work.
• A summary should include all of the main points or ideas in the content but avoid smaller details or ideas. You do not want to provide every aspect of the plot or smaller points in your summary.
• Your summary writing in English should be written using your own words.
• Present the main ideas objectively, avoiding your own opinions and thoughts about the work.
• Avoid including direct quotes from the work within your summary. Rather, present the main points in your own words,
• Finish your summary writing by restating an overview of the work in one sentence.

Example of Summary Writing Format

In the essay, the author _____ main point is (state the main point). According to Khatri “...passage 1...” (para 3). Khatri also writes “....passage 2...” (para 8). Finally, she states “......passage 3.....” (para 12). Write the last sentence that “wraps” up your summary, usually a simple rephrasing of the main point.

This was the summary writing format you can take as a reference.

Summary Writing Sample Answers

Here are some summary writing examples that can help you craft effectively:

Summary Writing - Sample 1

In “The Global Warming Threat,” Mark Thunen, a professor at the Central University of Norway, claims global warming is becoming a severe issue. Thunen supports this view by pointing out that natural disasters, like floods and wildfires, have become more common and disastrous than before. He notes that the statistics from the meteorological institute and scientific proof support his claim. In conclusion, Thunen points out that it is time for humans to take action.”

Summary Writing - Sample 2

“According to Natasha Benton in her article “Teens and Social Media,’ social media could be a source of lower self-esteem and anxiety. Benton, a clinical psychologist and author of “Disconnect”, uses proof from a recent survey conducted by the English mental health institute to support her case. She suggests that teens spending extended time on social media platforms are more subject to depression. Additionally, Benton invites presents to reduce their children’s screen time and expose them to real social interactions.

These were two summary writing examples for your practice.

Tips to Write Effective Summary in English

Here are some summary writing tips that you should follow:

• First, find the content’s thesis and main ideas. Breaking down the text into sections helps you to understand the writer’s flow and organization.
• Focus on the need-to-know information. Remember, a summary in English is a shortened version of the original text.
• Compress the text, but beware of misrepresenting the writer’s context. Sometimes omitting information can change the spirit of the text.
• Transition words can signal emphasis and guide you through the logic of the paragraph’s argument. Look out for words like “however,” “therefore”, “so,” “thus” and more.
• You do not have to maintain the same order as the writer. Re-organize your points so that your summary is logical. Also, refer to a summary writing format for effective writing.
• Lastly, your analysis of the text is crucial, but it does not belong in a summary.

Note: A summary writing is a considered form of the writer’s ideas and intent. Save your opinions on the passage for a discussion. These are the summary writing tips you should follow while creating a summary.

Conclusion

Summing up, summary writing is a valuable skill. By understanding what a summary is and following a structured approach, you can condense complex details into a concise and impactful form. Whether you are summarizing for academic, professional, or personal purposes. The above-mentioned tips and summary writing samples will help you craft clear and compelling summaries.

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FAQ’s

What Is a Good Summary Writing?

To write a summary you should isolate all the important points in the original passage and note them down in a list. Review all the ideas on your list, and include in your summary all the ones that are indispensable to the author’s development of her/his thesis or main idea. Refer to some summary writing samples for a better understanding.

What Are the 5 Questions for a Summary?

One of the best practices for writers is to follow “The 5Ws” guideline, by investing in the Who, What, Where, When, and Why of content.

What Is the Purpose of Writing a Summary?

Summary writing teaches students how to identify the most important ideas in a text, how to ignore irrelevant details, and how to integrate the central ideas in a meaningful way. Thus, the purpose of writing a summary is to give the reader an idea of what this whole content is saying.

What Are the Basic Rules of Summary?

To write an effective summary writing rules, consider following these guidelines:

• Read the Text Thoroughly: Take the time to understand the material fully.
• Take Notes: Identify the main idea and key points while you read.
• Identify the Main Arguments: Focus on the essential arguments presented in the text.
• Prepare Your Draft: Organize your notes and thoughts to create a coherent outline.
• Write the Summary: Using your outline, compose a concise summary of the text.
• Quote the Author: Include relevant quotes to support your summary and give credit to the original author.
• Conclude the Summary: Provide a brief conclusion that encapsulates the summary’s main points.
• Correct and Refine: Review your summary writing in English for clarity, grammar, and punctuation errors, making necessary adjustments.

By following these steps, you can create a clear and effective summary.