Steps

7
to the
Summary
Question
 A question to test your
understanding
Require you to derive
points for your answer
The from a specific section of
the passage
Summary Need to phrase answer in
Question your own words, within a
specified word limit (80
words)
(Content /8 & Language
/7 = 15 marks)
Time Management
Points to remember:
Allocate 45 mins for summary question
More time is needed to rephrase author’s expression
in your own words
Answer summary question only after attempting all
the comprehension questions
Time Allocation
2 mins Analyse the summary question

13 mins Search for points & organise them

20 mins Write 1st draft & check

10 mins Write final draft

Analyse the Summary
Question
Read the question, underline the key words & phrases
in it
Look for
- task,
- point of view i.e. who you should be
Step
Write as e.g. one of the characters in the passage (this
will affect use of language)
Look for topics that need to be summarised

e.g. Write a summary of the attractions that

Mount Fuji has to offer to tourists.. 1 topic
e.g Write a summary of the advantages and
disadvantages of using the television as a ‘babysitter’
Step
2 topics

6
Search for Main Points
Mark the relevant section of the passage
Read that section and underline each main point you
find
Rephrase them, in note form, in your own words
Include only main points; leave out: details,
examples/ illustrations, elaboration, repetitions,
quotations Step
Should have at least 10 points
Cancel unnecessary
information
Information that does not answer the qn.
Details
Examples
Elaborations
Step
Repetitions
Dialogue / Quotes
Replace key words with
synonyms Step
Do one-to-one words substitution
Beware of contextual meaning
Paraphrase Sentences
[Covered in Sec 2]
/ Drafting
On a rough sheet of paper, draw a grid freehand;
a grid for 80 words – 8 columns and 10 rows
1 word per box in the grid
As far as possible, use your own words
Write in complete sentences – not in note form Step
Write in one paragraph only – Continuous
writing
Check the number of words [80]
Final Draft
Re-write summary neatly and legibly without the
gridlines
Check final draft for any errors
Do not hand in the 1st draft
Step
Count the number of
words accurately Step
Write in the box at the end
Do not exceed 80 words.
Try it!
In your pairs/groups of 4,

Attempt Exercise 3 and go through the steps

for writing a summary