Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Summary in English
Learning how to write a summary in English is a valuable skill. Summaries help you understand texts, prepare for school or competitive exams, and develop effective writing abilities. Being able to write concise, clear summaries supports you in English assignments and real-life communication too.
| Feature | Summary | Paraphrase |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Short version of a text with only main points | Restating the text in new words, usually same length |
| Length | Much shorter than the original | About the same as the original |
| Purpose | Show understanding and capture key ideas | Clarify or simplify ideas, avoid plagiarism |
How to Write a Summary
To write a summary in English, read the original text, find its main points, avoid personal opinions, and briefly rewrite the key ideas in your own words.
- Read the passage carefully to understand it fully.
- Underline or note the main ideas and important points.
- Ignore supporting details, examples, and extra descriptions.
- Rewrite the main points using your own sentences.
- Check your summary for clarity and keep it concise.
Summary Writing Format in English
A correct summary writing format helps organize your answer. Most English exams and assignments follow this structure for summaries:
- Start with the title and author (if given).
- Use present tense wherever possible.
- Introduce the text's subject in the first line.
- Focus only on main points and key facts.
- Keep it brief (about one-third the original length).
- End with the overall idea or conclusion if needed.
Summary Example With Explanation
| Part | Summary Example | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | "In the fable 'The Lion and the Mouse,' the author shows how kindness returns in unexpected ways." | Mentions title and author, gives theme. |
| Main Point 1 | "A lion spares a tiny mouse who promises to help him someday." | Tells the first key event. |
| Main Point 2 | "Later, the lion is trapped and the mouse frees him by gnawing the ropes." | Explains the turning point. |
| Conclusion | "The story teaches that even the small can help the mighty." | States the overall message. |
Summary Writing Dos and Don'ts
- Do write in your own words.
- Do keep it short and clear.
- Do focus on main ideas, not examples.
- Do use present tense wherever possible.
- Don't include your opinion or judgment.
- Don't copy whole sentences from the text.
- Don't use unnecessary quotes.
- Don't exceed recommended length.
Useful Reporting Verbs for Summaries
| Reporting Verb | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| states | The author states that exercise improves health. |
| describes | The writer describes how seeds grow into plants. |
| explains | The article explains the process of recycling. |
| argues | The researcher argues that sleep is essential for memory. |
| claims | He claims that reading daily builds vocabulary. |
Practice Exercise – Write Your Own Summary
Read the short passage and write a summary using the format above. Try to keep your summary to just 2-3 lines.
Passage: “In the morning, Sara found a bird with a hurt wing in her garden. She took it inside, cleaned the wound, and gave it food and water. After two days, the bird was strong enough to fly away. Sara watched happily as her little friend soared into the sky.”
Sample summary (click to reveal):
Show Sample Summary
The story shows how Sara helps an injured bird recover and fly again by caring for it. It highlights the effect of kindness towards animals.
Where Is Summary Writing Used?
Summary writing is used in English exams, answering comprehension questions, writing book or chapter reviews, and note-making. It is also helpful in emails, work reports, and daily communication where sharing main ideas quickly is needed.
Benefits of Learning Summary Writing
Practicing summary writing improves your reading comprehension, helps you remember lessons, and builds better writing and paraphrasing skills. These skills are useful for school students, competitive exam aspirants, and anyone wanting clear, effective writing.
Related Guides and Practice
- Summary Writing Examples with Answers for more solved samples.
- Summarizing Skills Guide for techniques and tips.
- Reading Comprehension to practice finding main ideas.
- Article Writing to strengthen your writing skills further.
- Academic Summary Guide for exam-specific formats.
In summary, learning how to write a summary in English helps you express main ideas clearly and concisely. This skill is vital for exams, assignments, and real-life communication. Practice regularly to gain confidence and improve your writing, reading, and thinking skills for academic and daily success.
FAQs on How to Write a Summary: A Complete Student Guide
1. What is a summary in English?
A summary is a concise overview of a text's main points, written in your own words. It omits minor details and focuses on the core ideas. Summary writing requires strong comprehension skills and the ability to synthesize information.
2. How do you write a good summary?
To write a good summary, follow these steps: Read the text carefully, identify the main ideas and supporting points, paraphrase the key information in your own words, and ensure accuracy and brevity. Avoid including personal opinions or irrelevant details. Use summary writing techniques to effectively condense the original text.
3. What are the 5 steps to writing a summary?
The five steps are: 1. Read the text thoroughly; 2. Identify the main idea and supporting details; 3. Condense the key points; 4. Paraphrase information using your own words; and 5. Review for clarity and conciseness. Mastering these summary writing steps is crucial for success.
4. What is the format of writing a summary?
The format varies depending on the context, but generally includes a concise introductory sentence stating the main idea, followed by supporting details presented in a logical order. A concluding sentence may reiterate the main point. Always ensure it aligns with summary writing guidelines.
5. What are the 7 steps in writing a summary?
While five steps are sufficient, a more detailed approach might involve: 1. Pre-reading; 2. Reading for comprehension; 3. Identifying the central theme; 4. Selecting key details; 5. Organizing the information; 6. Writing the summary; and 7. Proofreading for clarity and conciseness. These summary writing steps help students approach the task methodically.
6. How do I write a summary for an article?
Summarizing an article involves identifying the main argument, supporting evidence, and conclusion. Focus on the author's main points and supporting details. Paraphrase the text in your own words, ensuring accuracy and conciseness. This process is a key summary writing skill.
7. How to write a summary of a book?
Summarizing a book requires understanding the plot, characters, and themes. Identify the major events and their significance to the narrative. Focus on the central conflict and resolution. Use your own words to create a concise overview. Effective summary writing is key for book reviews and discussions.
8. How to write a summary for students?
For students, summary writing emphasizes clear, concise language and accurate representation of the original text. Focus on the main ideas and avoid personal opinions. Use reporting verbs to show the author's perspective. Practicing regularly is essential for exam success.
9. How to write a summary essay?
A summary essay requires a more structured approach than a simple summary. It begins with an introduction that identifies the text's author, title, and main idea. The body paragraphs summarize key points, and a conclusion restates the main argument. This is a more advanced form of summary writing.
10. Should I use quotes in summaries?
Generally, avoid direct quotes in summaries. Paraphrasing demonstrates comprehension and avoids plagiarism. However, exceptionally important or impactful phrases *can* be quoted sparingly, always with proper attribution. This is crucial for effective summary writing.
11. How long should a summary be?
A summary's length depends on the original text and assignment requirements. A typical guideline is one-third to one-fourth the length of the source material. Always check instructions for specific word limits or length guidelines. Proper length management is vital for summary writing.
