Parts of a Summary
This page provides a detailed breakdown of the essential components and best practices for writing a summary. It offers valuable guidance on structuring and crafting effective summaries.
The key elements of a summary are outlined as follows:
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The umbrella sentence, which includes the author, source, publication date/place, title, and main idea of the original text.
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Examples of typical phrases in a more formal register, appropriate for a summary.
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Examples from the original text that illustrate its main points.
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Writing skills, including dos and don'ts for summary creation.
Highlight: Summaries should typically be 30-40% of the original article's length.
Example: The page provides a sample summary about child labor in cocoa plantations, demonstrating how to apply the outlined techniques.
Vocabulary: Linking adverbs such as "furthermore," "however," "in fact," "nevertheless," "therefore," and "in conclusion" are recommended for use in summaries.
The guide emphasizes several important points for how to write a summary structure:
- The order of information doesn't have to match the original text.
- Avoid including irrelevant information or direct speech.
- Do not copy original lines verbatim.
- Exclude personal feelings or views.
- Use a more formal register than the original text.
Definition: An umbrella sentence is a comprehensive opening statement that encapsulates the key details of the source material.
The page concludes with a list of useful phrases for introducing and developing ideas in a summary, providing students with practical tools for writing a summary introduction and body.
Quote: "According to the author," "The writer illustrates," and "The author concludes by" are examples of phrases recommended for use in summaries.
This comprehensive guide serves as an excellent resource for students learning how to write a summary in English, offering both theoretical knowledge and practical examples.
