Page 2: Writing Techniques for Summaries

This section delves into specific writing strategies for effective summaries:

1. Use the simple present tense throughout the summary, regardless of the original text's tense.
2. Employ your own words to convey the information, avoiding direct copying from the source.
3. Focus solely on reporting the content without analyzing or evaluating it.
4. Rephrase important passages and alter noticeable words to demonstrate comprehension.
5. Conclude with a sentence that reiterates the main points of the text.

Vocabulary: Präsens - The simple present tense used consistently in summaries.

Example: "All in all, the text explores the fact that climate change is affecting global weather patterns and ecosystems."

Page 3: Language Tools for Neutral Summarizing

This page provides helpful phrases and structures for maintaining objectivity in summaries:

1. Introduce the text's content with phrases like "The text is about..." or "The author deals with the question of..."
2. Describe the author's actions using verbs such as "points out," "examines," "discusses," or "argues."
3. Maintain neutrality by using phrases like "according to the author" or "from the author's point of view."
4. Utilize linking words and connectives to improve the flow and coherence of the summary.

Highlight: The importance of staying neutral and accurately representing the author's views without inserting personal opinions.

Example: "According to the author, climate change poses significant risks to coastal communities."

Page 4: Grammar Focus - Simple Present Tense

This page provides a detailed breakdown of the simple present tense in English:

1. Conjugation patterns for regular verbs and the verb "to be" in affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms.
2. Examples of verb conjugations for "work," "build," "buy," and "bring."
3. Emphasis on the third-person singular form requiring an -s or -es ending.

Definition: Präsens (Simple Present) - A tense used to describe habitual actions, general truths, or states in the present.

Example: "He works (Präsens) at a local company" vs. "Does he work (Präsens) at a local company?"

Page 5: Summary Writing Checklist

This page presents a comprehensive checklist for ensuring a well-structured and complete summary:

1. Introduction should include author, title, text type, publication details, and main topic.
2. Main body should answer the wh-questions and present events in logical order.
3. Use indirect speech instead of direct quotes.
4. Write in the simple present tense.
5. Avoid repetitions and examples.
6. Use your own words and appropriate connectors.
7. Maintain a neutral point of view without personal opinions.

Highlight: The checklist serves as a valuable tool for self-assessment and quality control in summary writing.

Page 6: Comprehensive Guide to Summary Writing

This final page provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to writing summaries:

1. Planning phase: Careful reading, note-taking, and identifying key information using the "5 Ws" method.
2. Writing phase: Crafting an introductory paragraph, presenting facts in logical order, using present tense, and avoiding direct quotes or personal opinions.
3. Checking phase: Ensuring all important facts are included and verifying grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

The page concludes with language support for introductions, offering templates and examples for starting summaries effectively.

Example: "The article 'Songs at the Eurovision Song Contest', written by H. Wyne and published in The Economist on 20 May 2015, deals with the languages of songs entered for the Eurovision Song Contest."

Highlight: This comprehensive guide encapsulates the entire summary writing process, from initial reading to final proofreading, providing a valuable resource for students learning to write effective summaries.

Page 1: Preparing to Write a Summary

This page outlines the initial steps for creating a summary:

1. Read the text carefully, marking important points and noting key terms.
2. Determine the text type to establish a foundational understanding.
3. Re-read the text to deepen comprehension, focusing on answering the "W-questions" (Who, What, Where, When, Why, How).
4. Begin summarizing by focusing on the most crucial aspects, avoiding examples, direct quotes, and comparisons.
5. Start with an introductory sentence that briefly mentions the text type, title, author, publication year, and main topic.

Highlight: The emphasis on multiple readings and identifying key information sets the stage for a thorough summary.

Example: An introductory sentence might look like: "The article 'Climate Change Effects', written by Dr. Jane Smith in 2023, discusses the global impact of rising temperatures."