Summary - Language Notes
The point of a summary is to make a document, be it a story, an article etc, smaller. It is the process of 'shortening', therefore omit all details that support the basic facts. Consider the steps below to be 'training wheels', some of which can be discarded with practice. The steps to producing a summary are:
PARTICULAR SUMMARY
Step 1: Read the question that relates to the excerpt to be summarized carefully.
Step 2: Highlight key words in the question in order to enable a better understanding of the question.
Step 3: Rewrite the question, using your key words, and write it in the vicinity of the passage to be summarized.
Step 4: Read the passage carefully with only the question in mind.
Step 5: Underline ONLY the answers to your question.
Step 6: Jot these points down in point form.
Step 7: Rewrite the points [in the same point form] , in your own words, while still maintaining the original meaning.
Step 8: Count the words to identify if the word limit is being observed.
Step 9: Based on the word, either start deleting and rewording, or move on to step 10.
Step 10: Transform your points into a single paragraph by using conjunctions to link the ideas.
Step 11: Do a final word count in order to ensure that you are compliant with the word limit.
Sample Question:
I am staring out the window. The dawn is sweeping stealthily across the horizon like a cunning leopard hunting its prey. I sullenly wondered for the millionth time if I really had to attend the party. Christa’s last part was a hippo that swallowed Dora! Can you believe it? How can a thirteen year old throw a kiddie’s party and expect teens to want to attend? I really do not want to go, but my mother is not giving me a choice. I would rather stay at home and read a book than attend that party. I want to attend a party that goes off like a bang! The party should say “Attend me because I’m the best!
My idea of a great party for teenagers is one that is like a racing train. The music at a teen party should be an exciting rollercoaster that is calm and low one minute and exciting and high the next. Therefore, we should hear music from Justin Beiber to Miley Cyrus. The food should say eat me and my chair should groan in protest after I’ve finished eating protest. The decorations should definitely not be Dora paraphernalia, no no, no. There should be a million sparkly ribbons that follow a theme, as well as thousands of pictures of the birthday girl placed at strategic points. This description will make any party a success. An invitation to this party would make any girl a bubbly bundle of bursting energy! This is in direct opposition to the Dora extravaganza that I am forced to attend. The solution is simple, I must be a slow turtle in responding to the invitation, despite the fact that I am only delaying the inevitable.
'The Party' by Leisa Samuels - Thomas
QUESTION: Using the excerpt provided, summarize, in 70 words, the narrator's views on what characterizes a good teen party.
DEMONSTRATION - *not all the steps are included in this demonstration. Skip, or utilize the steps based on your comfort level.
Step 2: Highlight key words in the question in order to enable a better understanding of the question
summarize / 70 words / narrator's views / characterizes / good / teen party
Step 5: Underline ONLY the answers to your question
I am staring out the window. The dawn is sweeping stealthily across the horizon like a cunning leopard hunting its prey. I sullenly wondered for the millionth time if I really had to attend the party. Christa’s last part was a hippo that swallowed Dora! Can you believe it? How can a thirteen year old throw a kiddie’s party and expect teens to want to attend? I really do not want to go, but my mother is not giving me a choice. I would rather stay at home and read a book than attend that party. I want to attend a party that goes off like a bang! The party should say “Attend me because I’m the best!
My idea of a great party for teenagers is (1) one that is like a racing train. (2) The music at a teen party should be an exciting rollercoaster that is calm and low one minute and exciting and high the next. Therefore, we should hear music from Justin Beiber to Miley Cyrus. (3) The food should say eat me and my chair should groan in protest after I’ve finished eating protest. (4) The decorations should definitely not be Dora paraphernalia, no no, no. There should be a million sparkly ribbons that follow a theme, as well as thousands of pictures of the birthday girl placed at strategic points. This description will make any party a success. An invitation to this party would make any girl a bubbly bundle of bursting energy! This is in direct opposition to the Dora extravaganza that I am forced to attend. The solution is simple, I must be a slow turtle in responding to the invitation, despite the fact that I am only delaying the inevitable.
Step 6: Jot these points down in point form
(1) one that is like a racing train.
(2) the music at a teen party should be an exciting roller coaster
(3) the food should say eat me
(4) the decorations should definitely not be Dora paraphernalia
Step 7: Rewrite the points [in the same point form] , in your own words, while still maintaining the original meaning
(1) the party should be exciting
(2) the music should be exciting and filled with variety
(3) the food should be delicious
(4) the theme for the party should not be childish
Step 10: Transform your points into a single paragraph by use conjunctions to link the ideas
The major characteristic of a good teen party is that it should be exciting. Things that promote this characteristic good music, good food and an age appropriate theme. The music should be exciting and filled with variety and the food should be delicious. Finally, the theme for the party should not be childish, but rather, it should reflect a teenage sensibility.
[62 words]
BASIC SUMMARY
Step 1: Read the question, that relates to the excerpt to be summarized, carefully.
Step 2: Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph.
Step 3: Jot these points down in point form
Step 4: Reword the topic sentences, while maintaining the original meaning, in point form.
Step 5: Count the words for each point that is identified in order to ascertain that you have not exceeded the word limit, as well as the amount of spare words that are available for use.
Step 6: Based on your word count, decide on the linking words that will be used to join the sentences.
Step 7: Use your linking words to construct a rough paragraph.
Step 8: Do a word count to ensure that you have not exceeded the word limit, or are significantly under the word limit.
Step 9: Rewrite the final draft.
Sample Question:
Tattoos and piercings are becoming more accepted as a form of art and expression. They are a big part of the cultural landscape in cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles. To give you an idea of their rise in popularity here are a few figures. Thirty years ago, 1 in 100 people in this country had tattoos. Now 1 in 10 Americans have them, and one-third of those aged 25 to 30 have tattoos. While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and piercings and tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.
If your company tells you that you can’t wear piercings or reveal your tattoos at work, they aren’t doing anything illegal. Don’t look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art. The law covers discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, nationality, origin and gender. The one exception may be if you’re a Hindu with a nose ring, which could be a religious observation.
But there are limits. Your company can’t use tats or piercings as an excuse to fire you. A company can, on the flipside, use it as an excuse not to hire you. I’ll cover more reasons for this later.
Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings that are generally outlined in their handbook and/or employee manual. If the policy is new, it may be given out in memo form (or they may revise the current employee handbook). An employer may change a dress code at any time, with or without warning. To cover their derrières legally, the employer will generally give the new guidelines in written form. If an employer does change the dress code, it must be applicable to all employees.
'Tattoos and Piercings in the Workplace: Common Sense Advice for Workers with Body Art' by Erika Icon. (http://www.workingworld.com/articles/tattoos-and-piercings-in-the-workplace)
QUESTION: In 110 words, summarize the following excerpt..
DEMONSTRATION - *not all the steps are included in this demonstration. Skip, or utilize the steps based on your comfort level.
Step 2: Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph.
Tattoos and piercings are becoming more accepted as a form of art and expression. They are a big part of the cultural landscape in cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles. To give you an idea of their rise in popularity here are a few figures. Thirty years ago, 1 in 100 people in this country had tattoos. Now 1 in 10 Americans have them, and one-third of those aged 25 to 30 have tattoos.
(1) While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and piercings and tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.
If your company tells you that you can’t wear piercings or reveal your tattoos at work, they aren’t doing anything illegal. (2) Don’t look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art. The law covers discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, nationality, origin and gender. (3) The one exception may be if you’re a Hindu with a nose ring, which could be a religious observation.
But there are limits. (4) Your company can’t use tats or piercings as an excuse to fire you. A company can, on the flipside, use it as an excuse not to hire you. I’ll cover more reasons for this later.
(5) Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings that are generally outlined in their handbook and/or employee manual. If the policy is new, it may be given out in memo form (or they may revise the current employee handbook). An employer may change a dress code at any time, with or without warning. To cover their derrières legally, the employer will generally give the new guidelines in written form. If an employer does change the dress code, it must be applicable to all employees.
Step 3: Jot these points down in point form
(1) While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and piercings and tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.
(2) Don’t look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art.
(3) The one exception may be if you’re a Hindu with a nose ring, which could be a religious observation.
(4) Your company can’t use tats or piercings as an excuse to fire you. A company can, on the flipside, use it as an excuse not to hire you.
(5) Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings that are generally outlined in their handbook and/or employee manual.
Step 4: Reword the topic sentences, while maintaining the original meaning, in point form.
(1) Despite the fact that society is becoming more open minded, some employers are not accepting of body art.
(2) The legal system will not protect workers with body art.
(3) The only exceptions are people who have body art as a part of their religious observances.
(4) Tattoos can be used an excuse to not hire you, but they cannot be used to fire you.
(5) Many companies have handbooks and/ or employee manuals that outline their prohibitive policies of tattoos in the work place.
Step 9: Rewrite the final draft.
Despite the fact that society is becoming more open minded, some employers are not accepting of body art. The legal system has a similar stance because it will not protect workers with body art. The only exceptions are people who have body art as a part of their religious observances. Unfortunately, tattoos can be used as an excuse to not hire you, but they cannot be used to fire you. Workers can be informed on their work place's stance on body art, however, because many companies have handbooks and/ or employee manuals that outline their prohibitive policies of tattoos in the work place.
[103 words]
GENERAL TIPS:
1. Do NOT exceed the word limit.
2. Ensure that your final product is saying the same thing as the original, the difference being that it is in your own words.
3. Omit ALL details.
4. Write one, or two paragraphs ONLY. Do NOT exceed two paragraphs.
5. Ensure that you are NOT very far below the word limit. If this is the case, then it is probable that you have omitted a point. A safe number is 10 words below the word limit.
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
BACK
PARTICULAR SUMMARY
Step 1: Read the question that relates to the excerpt to be summarized carefully.
Step 2: Highlight key words in the question in order to enable a better understanding of the question.
Step 3: Rewrite the question, using your key words, and write it in the vicinity of the passage to be summarized.
Step 4: Read the passage carefully with only the question in mind.
Step 5: Underline ONLY the answers to your question.
Step 6: Jot these points down in point form.
Step 7: Rewrite the points [in the same point form] , in your own words, while still maintaining the original meaning.
Step 8: Count the words to identify if the word limit is being observed.
Step 9: Based on the word, either start deleting and rewording, or move on to step 10.
Step 10: Transform your points into a single paragraph by using conjunctions to link the ideas.
Step 11: Do a final word count in order to ensure that you are compliant with the word limit.
Sample Question:
I am staring out the window. The dawn is sweeping stealthily across the horizon like a cunning leopard hunting its prey. I sullenly wondered for the millionth time if I really had to attend the party. Christa’s last part was a hippo that swallowed Dora! Can you believe it? How can a thirteen year old throw a kiddie’s party and expect teens to want to attend? I really do not want to go, but my mother is not giving me a choice. I would rather stay at home and read a book than attend that party. I want to attend a party that goes off like a bang! The party should say “Attend me because I’m the best!
My idea of a great party for teenagers is one that is like a racing train. The music at a teen party should be an exciting rollercoaster that is calm and low one minute and exciting and high the next. Therefore, we should hear music from Justin Beiber to Miley Cyrus. The food should say eat me and my chair should groan in protest after I’ve finished eating protest. The decorations should definitely not be Dora paraphernalia, no no, no. There should be a million sparkly ribbons that follow a theme, as well as thousands of pictures of the birthday girl placed at strategic points. This description will make any party a success. An invitation to this party would make any girl a bubbly bundle of bursting energy! This is in direct opposition to the Dora extravaganza that I am forced to attend. The solution is simple, I must be a slow turtle in responding to the invitation, despite the fact that I am only delaying the inevitable.
'The Party' by Leisa Samuels - Thomas
QUESTION: Using the excerpt provided, summarize, in 70 words, the narrator's views on what characterizes a good teen party.
DEMONSTRATION - *not all the steps are included in this demonstration. Skip, or utilize the steps based on your comfort level.
Step 2: Highlight key words in the question in order to enable a better understanding of the question
summarize / 70 words / narrator's views / characterizes / good / teen party
Step 5: Underline ONLY the answers to your question
I am staring out the window. The dawn is sweeping stealthily across the horizon like a cunning leopard hunting its prey. I sullenly wondered for the millionth time if I really had to attend the party. Christa’s last part was a hippo that swallowed Dora! Can you believe it? How can a thirteen year old throw a kiddie’s party and expect teens to want to attend? I really do not want to go, but my mother is not giving me a choice. I would rather stay at home and read a book than attend that party. I want to attend a party that goes off like a bang! The party should say “Attend me because I’m the best!
My idea of a great party for teenagers is (1) one that is like a racing train. (2) The music at a teen party should be an exciting rollercoaster that is calm and low one minute and exciting and high the next. Therefore, we should hear music from Justin Beiber to Miley Cyrus. (3) The food should say eat me and my chair should groan in protest after I’ve finished eating protest. (4) The decorations should definitely not be Dora paraphernalia, no no, no. There should be a million sparkly ribbons that follow a theme, as well as thousands of pictures of the birthday girl placed at strategic points. This description will make any party a success. An invitation to this party would make any girl a bubbly bundle of bursting energy! This is in direct opposition to the Dora extravaganza that I am forced to attend. The solution is simple, I must be a slow turtle in responding to the invitation, despite the fact that I am only delaying the inevitable.
Step 6: Jot these points down in point form
(1) one that is like a racing train.
(2) the music at a teen party should be an exciting roller coaster
(3) the food should say eat me
(4) the decorations should definitely not be Dora paraphernalia
Step 7: Rewrite the points [in the same point form] , in your own words, while still maintaining the original meaning
(1) the party should be exciting
(2) the music should be exciting and filled with variety
(3) the food should be delicious
(4) the theme for the party should not be childish
Step 10: Transform your points into a single paragraph by use conjunctions to link the ideas
The major characteristic of a good teen party is that it should be exciting. Things that promote this characteristic good music, good food and an age appropriate theme. The music should be exciting and filled with variety and the food should be delicious. Finally, the theme for the party should not be childish, but rather, it should reflect a teenage sensibility.
[62 words]
BASIC SUMMARY
Step 1: Read the question, that relates to the excerpt to be summarized, carefully.
Step 2: Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph.
Step 3: Jot these points down in point form
Step 4: Reword the topic sentences, while maintaining the original meaning, in point form.
Step 5: Count the words for each point that is identified in order to ascertain that you have not exceeded the word limit, as well as the amount of spare words that are available for use.
Step 6: Based on your word count, decide on the linking words that will be used to join the sentences.
Step 7: Use your linking words to construct a rough paragraph.
Step 8: Do a word count to ensure that you have not exceeded the word limit, or are significantly under the word limit.
Step 9: Rewrite the final draft.
Sample Question:
Tattoos and piercings are becoming more accepted as a form of art and expression. They are a big part of the cultural landscape in cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles. To give you an idea of their rise in popularity here are a few figures. Thirty years ago, 1 in 100 people in this country had tattoos. Now 1 in 10 Americans have them, and one-third of those aged 25 to 30 have tattoos. While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and piercings and tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.
If your company tells you that you can’t wear piercings or reveal your tattoos at work, they aren’t doing anything illegal. Don’t look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art. The law covers discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, nationality, origin and gender. The one exception may be if you’re a Hindu with a nose ring, which could be a religious observation.
But there are limits. Your company can’t use tats or piercings as an excuse to fire you. A company can, on the flipside, use it as an excuse not to hire you. I’ll cover more reasons for this later.
Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings that are generally outlined in their handbook and/or employee manual. If the policy is new, it may be given out in memo form (or they may revise the current employee handbook). An employer may change a dress code at any time, with or without warning. To cover their derrières legally, the employer will generally give the new guidelines in written form. If an employer does change the dress code, it must be applicable to all employees.
'Tattoos and Piercings in the Workplace: Common Sense Advice for Workers with Body Art' by Erika Icon. (http://www.workingworld.com/articles/tattoos-and-piercings-in-the-workplace)
QUESTION: In 110 words, summarize the following excerpt..
DEMONSTRATION - *not all the steps are included in this demonstration. Skip, or utilize the steps based on your comfort level.
Step 2: Underline the topic sentence in each paragraph.
Tattoos and piercings are becoming more accepted as a form of art and expression. They are a big part of the cultural landscape in cosmopolitan cities like Los Angeles. To give you an idea of their rise in popularity here are a few figures. Thirty years ago, 1 in 100 people in this country had tattoos. Now 1 in 10 Americans have them, and one-third of those aged 25 to 30 have tattoos.
(1) While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and piercings and tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.
If your company tells you that you can’t wear piercings or reveal your tattoos at work, they aren’t doing anything illegal. (2) Don’t look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art. The law covers discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, nationality, origin and gender. (3) The one exception may be if you’re a Hindu with a nose ring, which could be a religious observation.
But there are limits. (4) Your company can’t use tats or piercings as an excuse to fire you. A company can, on the flipside, use it as an excuse not to hire you. I’ll cover more reasons for this later.
(5) Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings that are generally outlined in their handbook and/or employee manual. If the policy is new, it may be given out in memo form (or they may revise the current employee handbook). An employer may change a dress code at any time, with or without warning. To cover their derrières legally, the employer will generally give the new guidelines in written form. If an employer does change the dress code, it must be applicable to all employees.
Step 3: Jot these points down in point form
(1) While society is becoming more liberated and expressive, and piercings and tattoos become part of mainstream culture, some employers are still having a hard time wrapping their heads around body art in the workplace.
(2) Don’t look to the legal system to protect workers who have body art.
(3) The one exception may be if you’re a Hindu with a nose ring, which could be a religious observation.
(4) Your company can’t use tats or piercings as an excuse to fire you. A company can, on the flipside, use it as an excuse not to hire you.
(5) Many companies have policies that prohibit tats and piercings that are generally outlined in their handbook and/or employee manual.
Step 4: Reword the topic sentences, while maintaining the original meaning, in point form.
(1) Despite the fact that society is becoming more open minded, some employers are not accepting of body art.
(2) The legal system will not protect workers with body art.
(3) The only exceptions are people who have body art as a part of their religious observances.
(4) Tattoos can be used an excuse to not hire you, but they cannot be used to fire you.
(5) Many companies have handbooks and/ or employee manuals that outline their prohibitive policies of tattoos in the work place.
Step 9: Rewrite the final draft.
Despite the fact that society is becoming more open minded, some employers are not accepting of body art. The legal system has a similar stance because it will not protect workers with body art. The only exceptions are people who have body art as a part of their religious observances. Unfortunately, tattoos can be used as an excuse to not hire you, but they cannot be used to fire you. Workers can be informed on their work place's stance on body art, however, because many companies have handbooks and/ or employee manuals that outline their prohibitive policies of tattoos in the work place.
[103 words]
GENERAL TIPS:
1. Do NOT exceed the word limit.
2. Ensure that your final product is saying the same thing as the original, the difference being that it is in your own words.
3. Omit ALL details.
4. Write one, or two paragraphs ONLY. Do NOT exceed two paragraphs.
5. Ensure that you are NOT very far below the word limit. If this is the case, then it is probable that you have omitted a point. A safe number is 10 words below the word limit.
Contributor: Leisa Samuels-Thomas
BACK
