Definition

A summary presents the basic meaning/core ideas/main ideas of a

longer passage. The summary does not change the meaning of the

original passage. It is concise (shorter than the original/pay attention to

the required word length).

What is the purpose of doing a summary?

•Emphasize the main points

•To report the content of a speech, movie, argument,
discussion or meeting
Features of a summary:
• It is shorter than the original passage

• It comprises the main ideas in as few words as possible

• It contains the writer’s (you) own expressions. It does not mean you
can’t use any words/phrases from the original passage.

• It must be coherent (make sense) and unified (flow smoothly)

Summary writing techniques:
• Selecting main ideas
• Combining main ideas using transitional words
• Omitting examples
• Deleting statistical data
• Using concise language
• Omitting repetition
• Determining writer’s intention
• Using synonyms/group words/expression to replace original main
ideas/points
• Developing Language Skills
Page 250 Choosing the main ideas
 Break from the screen
• Review what was discussed
•Q & A
• Read the passage page 250 Developing Language Skills
Try to:-
Identify by writing down at least 4 main categories of information
you must discuss in your final summary
identify by underlining in your text the main ideas (it may be a
whole sentence or more/or part of a sentence)
Selecting the main idea
The islands of the Caribbean add the enchantment of adventure to a holiday trip and they offer
such a variety of attractions that there is something to appeal to every taste. To please the eye
there is the lush tropical vegetation and the beauty of the anthurium, bougainvillea and
jasmine. Indeed there is an infinite variety of flora and fauna to enthrall the discerning
naturalist. One can relax on the magnificent beaches amongst breathtaking coastal scenery
warmed by the generous sunshine. The food is often exotic, always different: mangoes,
paw-paws and pineapples, sweet peppers, breadfruit and limes, bananas and coconuts in
plenty. The days and nights of Carnival have become world-famous attractions: costumed
bands and fancy headpieces, flaring torches and Bajan rum, milling crowds full of laughter and
excitement, and the calypso rhythms of steel bands. These unique musical combinations have
developed such sophistication that they are internationally known and a tourist attraction in
themselves. In brief, the Caribbean as a tourist area offers the diversion of a new way of life.
Main categories/points to be discussed in a successful summary:-
• Writer’s purpose
• Variety of attraction
• Natural flora and fauna
• Exotic foods
• Major festival
Main ideas presented in the passage:
• What is the passage about?
-The variety of attraction in the Caribbean islands
• The purpose of the Caribbean to tourists …The islands of the Caribbean add the
enchantment of adventure to a holiday trip and they offer such a variety of
attractions that there is something to appeal to every taste.
• Main attractions:-
Natural vegetation… there is an infinite variety of flora and fauna to enthrall the
discerning naturalist.
Foods… The food is often exotic, always different: mangoes, paw-paws and
pineapples, sweet peppers, breadfruit and limes, bananas and coconuts in plenty.
Festivals… The days and nights of Carnival have become world-famous attractions:
costumed bands and fancy headpieces, flaring torches and Bajan rum, milling
crowds full of laughter and excitement, and the calypso rhythms of steel bands.
A poor summary:-
The islands of the Caribbean add the enchantment of adventure to a
holiday trip and they offer such a variety of attractions that there is
something to appeal to every taste. There is an infinite variety of flora
and fauna to enthrall the discerning naturalist. The food is often exotic,
always different: mangoes, paw-paws and pineapples, sweet peppers,
breadfruit and limes, bananas and coconuts in plenty. The days and
nights of Carnival have become world-famous attractions: costumed
bands and fancy headpieces, flaring torches and Bajan rum, milling
crowds full of laughter and excitement, and the calypso rhythms of steel
bands.
Example of weak summary:
• The Caribbean lures the visitor with its lushness of vegetation, alluring
coastal life of beaches and sunshine and the enchanted mix of
entertainment and exciting people. (26 words)
Example of a successful summary
The islands of the Caribbean offer visitors numerous opportunities for adventure

that distracts from the routine of normal lifestyles. The islands’ flora and fauna will

fascinate any insightful guest. Also, the coastal scenery, warm sunshine and striking

cuisines are in abundance. Additionally, the Caribbean islands offer the renowned

Carnival festival accompanied by costumes, revelry and crowds. (56 words)