Oxford Dictionary Notes on 'Writing a Summary'

Writing a Summary

A summary is a shortened version of a text containing only the key information. The aim is to present readers with a short. clear account of the ideas in the text. Summary writing is an important skill in both academic and business contexts. Follow the steps in order to write a successful summary. 

PREPARING TO WRITE 

Select Key Information :

1. Read the text carefully, looking up words you don't know. It is important to understand the whole sequence of the argument. Ask yourself what the text is about. Think about the purpose of your summary and what your readers need to know.

2. Highlight the Key Infromation (the main ideas). Omit details such as examples, quotations, information in brackets, repetitions, figures of speech, and most fugures and statistics.

3. Underline any information which you are not sure about. Only include it in your summary if you have space.

4. Make notes on the key information in your own words.

WRITING A SUMMARY 

Write a first draft of your summary using the information you have selected.

1. Organize the ideas in your notes into a logical order. This need not to be the same order as in the original text, but must show the sample argument.

2. Condense the information where possible.

3. Express The Ideas In Your Own Words. This will usually be shorter than the original. 

Rewrite phrases in the text, but keep any Key Terms from the subject area. 

4. Do not give your own opinion on the topic. 

~ YOUR OWN WORDS :

    Synonyms or rephrasing words and expressions such as Adjective + Noun phrases. Use the dictionary to help you.

-- Everyday - ordinary

-- their own consumer CCTV systems for personal...use 

- Private systems 

-- No strong evidence 

- No clear proof 

-- Promising - that may be effective 

~ Introduce new terms and concepts to condense and clarify the argument. For example, opponents and supporters can be used to refer to those against, and those in favor of, CCTV 

~ COMBINE SENTENCES in new ways to condense the argument, e.g. by linking the key ideas with different conjunctions and adverbs from those in the original text. 

~ REPHRASE INFORMATION TO SHORTEN IT: Try changing the verb form or the part of speech. Examples and word families in the dictionary can help.

    e.g. Passive - Active

           Verb: Few crimes are solved through CCTV - It does not solve many crimes 

           Noun - Verb : One promising new development is...- the technology is developing. 

WORKING ON THE DRAFT 

Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. Is It The Right Length? 

If there is a word limit, rty to stay as close to as possible. If your summary is too long, you can usually reduce it further by:

- Cutting adjectives, e.g. location with an obvious security risk; no clear proof - no proof. 

- Replacing phrases with shorter versions, e.g. a lot of/ not a lot of - many/few

If it is still too long, go back and reduce your key information.

2. Does it contain all the important points from the text?

3. Does it read well?

4. Are the grammar and speeling correct?