How to write a summary
- 1. 1 Write the key points, important events and central themes of your story or article on a separate piece of paper. You can also use a highlighter or sticky notes. 2 Organize your notes by finding the main idea, central problem of the chapter or story, key points and conclusion. 3 Write, in your own words, what you think the story is about, referencing just your notes. To find the thesis, answer in one sentence: What is the point of the story?
- 2. 4 Remove any words that show your opinion, such as "good" or "bad." Summaries should be written objectively, unless otherwise stated. 5 Rewrite your main idea sentence so that it contains a clear and cohesive objective (non- emotional) statement. This should be the first sentence of your summary. 6 Write the support, or the hows and whys, of your main idea. The support is made up of the key points or central reasoning for your main idea. Do not get overly detailed by listing names or specific locations, unless they are an integral part of your story. For example, if your story takes place on a farm, you do not need to include the name of the farm in the summary.
- 3. 7 Write a conclusion to your summary. In many book summaries, the final line usually leaves the reader wanting to find out what happens. You can hint at the conclusion of your story or give it away. 8 Reread your entire story or article, then your summary. Check to make sure that your summary is accurate and contains the general points of the story. If not, continue to revise and edit. Resource: Kim, Jen. "Family." eHow. Demand Media, 20252011. Web. 9 Nov 2011. <http://www.ehow.com/how_8458487_write- summary-middle-school.html>.