Summary Writing Guidelines

This page provides comprehensive instructions on how to write a summary in English, offering valuable insights for students and writers looking to improve their summarizing skills.

Key points for writing an effective summary include:

1. Length: The summary should be approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the original text's length.

2. Tense: Use present tense in the summary, converting simple past to present perfect where necessary.

3. Content selection: Exclude unimportant details, personal opinions, comments, direct speech, and quotations. Avoid copying the text verbatim.

4. Language use: Do not use short forms (e.g., don't, she's) in formal summaries.

5. Linking words: Incorporate appropriate linking words essay to enhance coherence and flow.

6. Reporting verbs: Use varied reporting verbs (e.g., explain, agree, complain, apologize) instead of repeatedly using "say".

7. Introductory sentence: Begin with a sentence that includes the text type/genre, title, author, year/date, and main idea.

Example: The guide provides a summary introduction sentence example: "The short story 'Mr. Mumsford' written by Larry Frenche and published in [...] deals with (or is about) a conflict between a principal and the school's janitor about respect."

Highlight: This example demonstrates how to effectively introduce a summary, providing context and the main theme of the text being summarized.

Definition: A summary is a concise restatement of the main ideas of a text, typically shorter than the original and in one's own words.

These guidelines serve as an excellent resource for students practicing summary writing examples pdf or looking for how to write a summary phrases. By following these instructions, learners can develop their skills in creating clear, concise, and accurate summaries.