English 11.1
Skills Sheet: Writing a Summary
20-08-09
Writing a Summary
Writing a summary is effective for passing on the content of a long text. You need to include the most important
information, but also to be brief.
Step 1 Read the text you want to summarize at least once. Then state in one or two sentences what the
piece is about. Use the present tense.
Step 2 You can either find headings for each sense unit/paragraph within the text (make sure that you use
neutral expressions)
or you can use the five W´s (the questions who, what, when, where, and why) to make notes or a
mind map about the text. Write down only the things you think someone needs to know about your text in
order to understand what it is about.
Step 3 Use your notes to write a first draft of your summary. Don´t use quotes or examples from the original.
Use your own words, but don´t give your opinion on anything.
Step 4 Revise your draft. If you have been told to use a certain number of words for your summary, count the
words.
Step 5 Prepare your final draft. It should contain all the important points and read well.
English 11.1
Skills Sheet: Writing a Summary
20-08-09
Writing a Summary
Writing a summary is effective for passing on the content of a long text. You need to include the most important
information, but also to be brief.
Step 1 Read the text you want to summarize at least once. Then state in one or two sentences what the
piece is about. Use the present tense.
Step 2 You can either find headings for each sense unit/paragraph within the text (make sure that you use
neutral expressions)
or you can use the five W´s (the questions who, what, when, where, and why) to make notes or a mind
map about the text. Write down only the things you think someone needs to know about your text in
order to understand what it is about.
Step 3 Use your notes to write a first draft of your summary. Don´t use quotes or examples from the original.
Use your own words, but don´t give your opinion on anything.
Step 4 Revise your draft. If you have been told to use a certain number of words for your summary, count the
words.
Step 5 Prepare your final draft. It should contain all the important points and read well.