Text

3 Summary Strategies


Step 1: Analysing the Summary Question

Take note of:

i. The topics that need to be summarised. The question may require you to summarise one,
two or even three topics. Make sure you cover all the required topics in your summary.

Summary Question No. of topics

Write a summary of the main threats faced by the Panda. 1

Write a summary about the advantages and disadvantages

2
of the Internet.
Write a report, giving the factors that led to the oil spill, the
steps taken to clean up the spill and the effects of the spill 3
on aquatic life.

ii. The source of your points. Draw a line to mark out where you should start and stop looking
for the points. Ensure that you neither leave out necessary details nor include excess details.
iii. The word limit, which is 80 words. Remember that the word limit does not include the
number of words given to help you begin your summary.


Step 2: Search for Main Points

i. Read the relevant section of the text, and as you read it, number and underline each main
point you find, then immediately decide if you can change its sentence structure, rephrase it
in your own words, or do both.
ii. Include only main points in your answer.
Leave out the following:
Details
Examples (unless the question specifically asks you to summarise examples)
Elaboration
Repetitions
Quotations
iii. As 8 marks are allocated to Content, you should have 8 main points in your summary.

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Step 3: Organising Your Points

i. Number the points you have written along the margin in the order that you will present
them in your summary (unless you are presenting them in the order that you found them in
the text).
ii. For example, if you are required to summarise the advantages and disadvantages the
Internet, it would be good to write about the advantages first, then the disadvantages (or
vice versa).
iii. Remember, you do not always have to write them according to the order found!
Reorganising your points can help your writing to flow better.

Step 4: Writing Your First Draft

i. Draw a grid (10 columns x 8 rows).
ii. Write only one word per box in the grid.
iii. If you have extra words, write them directly below the grid, one word below each column, to
make it easier for you to count the number of words you've written in excess of the word
limit.

Language Use

You must, as far as possible, use your own words when you write your summary, i.e., you
must rephrase the language used in the text.
You will be allowed to use words and phrases (not sentences!) from the text, that are
difficult to substitute, but you must change the sentence structure.
Write in complete sentences - not in note form and use a variety of sentence structures.
Do not attempt to replace word for word. Think about the idea that the writer is trying to
convey in the sentence or phrase.
You should also use linking words to make your summary more cohesive. (e.g. however, but,
finally, and, so, next, then, eventually, nevertheless, since, because, soon, suddenly ... )
Remember to use punctuation accurately and check that you have not made any spelling
errors.
Write your summary in one paragraph only.























Notes adapted from Distinction in English, O Level Comprehension by Marife Cruz Yap

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Introductory Practice
Summarise each sentence using your own words and a new sentence structure where applicable.

1. Tigers usually live alone and tend to be more active at night.



2. Cars have been seen as the main cause for air pollution in large cities.



3. The child kicked up a fit of rage when his mother refused to let him have his toys.



4. Sarah received a scolding from her teacher after she poked fun at a disabled student.



5. Grace started to stammer when she saw the large number of people who turned up to listen
to her speech.



6. Oil spills often threaten the lives of fishes and marine mammals such as dolphins.



7. The food safety experiment failed and everybody refused to take responsibility for it.



8. Amelia gave up her job despite the prospects of promotion because of her commitments to
her family.



9. Seeing that he was already behind schedule, James decided to pass over the lunch date with
his co-workers and rushed to his meeting place.



10. Beatrices parents gave her a lot of stress by holding onto the belief that she would one day
be a doctor.

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Introductory Practice Answers

1 Tigers are nocturnal and solitary animals.

2 In big cities, cars are regarded as the primary source of air pollution.

3 When his mother denied him of his toys, the child threw a tantrum.

4 After teasing the handicapped pupil, Sarah was reprimanded by her teacher.

5 Seeing the huge audience, Grace began stuttering.

6 Aquatic life is frequently endangered by oil spills.

7 Nobody wanted to take the blame for the unsuccessful food safety trial.

8 Due to family obligations, Amelia resigned despite having good promotional potential.

9 James chose to skip the lunch appointment with his colleagues and hurried to his destination
because he was late.

10 Her parents expectations of her eventually becoming a doctor put Beatrice under immense
pressure.

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