SUMMARIZING
EXPOSITORY TEXT
GOOD HOPE ELEMENTARY
• Writing a summary of an expository text is an
authentic writing task that follows the reading of the
text. An effective summary of an expository text is
an accurate, concise restatement of the text’s
main ideas and important details. A summary
should be paraphrased or written in one’s own
words—not copied verbatim (word for word) from
the original text.
In order to do this properly, one must:
• Carefully read the text (preferably more than once)
• Determine the topic
• Identify the overall text structure being used by the
author (concept and definition, sequence,
compare and contrast, cause and effect, and/or
problem and solution) Look for signal words to help
you with this
• Draw or select the most appropriate graphic
organizer, then record ONLY key ideas and details
GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS
• See handout.
Remember, graphic organizers aren’t always going
to look the same. What you need to remember is the
purpose for each one.
Once you’ve completed your graphic organizer, it’s
time to start drafting.
General outlines to follow:
-Adhere to the writing process (prewrite, draft, revise,
edit, publish)
-Your summary should be approximately 1/3 length of
the text being summarized
-Always flash back to your graphic organizer when
you’re feeling a little lost
DRAFTING
• Step #1: Begin with a clear and concise topic
sentence that reflects the overall meaning of the
original text.
What does this mean?
A summary of an expository text typically opens with
a topic sentence that explains what the text is about
and suggests the contents of the summary. A
summary usually does not begin with a traditional
introduction.
• Step #2 Includes all the main ideas and important
supporting details in the body of the summary.
What does this mean?
A summary of an expository text distinguishes the
important from the less important information in the
text.
• Step #3 Does not repeat any information.
What does this mean?
Surprise! A standard conclusion is not needed in a
summary of an expository text. A simple concluding
statement might be more appropriate.
• Step #4 Does not include any trivial or unimportant
information.
What does this mean?
Simple. Leave out all the fluff. You’re only including key
ideas and details.
• Step #5 Use purposeful and precise words to
suggest a category, rather than listing all the
examples or details in the original text.
What does this mean?
For example, if summarizing a passage about sports,
use the word exercising, instead of listing all the
different actions, such as biking, jogging, and
weightlifting. Or use the word equipment, rather than
listing all the exercise items, such as a bike, running
shoes, mats, and weights.
REVISING
• Has an appropriate thesis statement
• Make sure the writing is appropriate for your intended
audience
• Look for ways to make your writing even more concise
without omitting any key ideas or details
• Make sure writing stays on topic
• Is written in 3rd person
• Uses transition words and phrases in a way that makes
sense
• Mention the author’s name, if provided
• Ends with an appropriate concluding statement
EDITING
• Check all sentences for correct capitalization and
punctuation
• Make sure subjects and verbs agree
• Check spelling
PUBLISH
• Type your summary in Pages, or rewrite in your finest
printing
• Include graphs, charts, or any other visual aids if
necessary
• Be prepared to share your summary with others
LET’S LOOK AT AN EXAMPLE
Chemical and Noise Pollution
Many types of pollution affect whales, dolphins, and
porpoises. The differences between noise pollution and
chemical pollution are vast, but they have similar effects
on these marine animals. Chemical pollution may cause
disease and destroy food supplies and natural habitats.
Some chemicals are so toxic that they may even cause
death. Chemical pollutants hurt marine animals by
accumulating in the body tissue while they are feeding
and are passed on through mother’s milk. Most affected
are those who are found along coastlines and feed on
other animals in the food chain that may also have been
affected by the chemical pollution.
Noise pollution in the form of underwater blasts from
military sonar or seismic testing can travel more than 60
miles. These loud noises are more damaging to whales,
porpoises, and dolphins than previously thought. Research
suggests that seismic blasts can kill marine animals that are
too close. In addition, some blasts have been
documented to cause lung and sinus hemorrhages,
disease, or maybe even death of the marine animal.
Perhaps the most documented detriment of noise
pollution is the interruption of the marine animal’s sonar
capabilities. This interference threatens the marine
animals’ survival. Although noise and chemical pollution
are very different, they are similar in nature because both
harm the health and well being of ocean dwellers.
• The topic is “pollution in the ocean and how is
harms ocean life”
• Clearly this is an example of compare/contrast text
structure. I would use a venn diagram to record
similarities and differences of the two different types
of pollution.
• *Complete a Venn Diagram with your teacher
highlighting the key details.
ANNOTATED SUMMARY
Noise and Chemical pollution in our oceans
pose serious problems for marine life [Thesis].
Chemical pollution disrupts the natural food chain
and can destroy ocean habitats across entire
oceans [para. 1]. When reproducing, babies are also
effected through consumption of their mother’s milk
[para. 1]. On the other hand, noise pollution harms
animals only within a certain radius of the blast [para.
2]. The blast could cause hemorrhaging and
damage to animals’ sonar capabilities [para. 2].
Clearly, some human activity is having tremendous
negative effects on ocean animals each and every
day [concluding statement].
PUBLISH
• Noise and Chemical pollution in our oceans pose
serious problems for marine life. Chemical pollution
disrupts the natural food chain and can destroy
ocean habitats across entire oceans. When
reproducing, babies are also effected through
consumption of their mother’s milk. On the other
hand, noise pollution harms animals only within a
certain radius of the blast. The blast could cause
hemorrhaging and damage to animals’ sonar
capabilities. Clearly, some human activity is having
tremendous negative effects on ocean animals
each and every day.