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ENGLISH HL PAPER 1
QUESTION 2: SUMMARY WRITING
TECHNIQUES FOR EFFECTIVE SUMMARY WRITING
[An abstract of the audio notes presented by Ms P Chetty: Working with Summary
Writing in NSC ENGHL P1]

1. Read the text during the 10-minute Reading Time before you commence
with answering the paper – this allows you to get the ‘feel’ of the text.

2. Proceed to read the instructions:

2.1 Focus on what you’ve been instructed to do.
2.2 Highlight the maximum number of words you’re supposed to
use - your word count.
2.3 Highlight the word: ‘PARAGRAPH’-
[In the FET / NSC ENG HL P1 you will always be expected to
present your summary in a paragraph form.]

3. Be familiar with what’s expected of you – stick to what is required.

4. Read through the text again and highlight only that information which is
related to the question … ignore all that is irrelevant.

5. THE SUMMARISING PROCESS:

5.1 PLANNING PROCESS

Follow the sequence of the sentences and simply recast (write
them down in their original form).

5.2 FINAL COPY

• Tweak or paraphrase each sentence by using alternate
suitable synonyms / changing the order of the sentence /
switching from active to passive voice or vice versa etc.
• Remember that each statement must be presented as a full
sentence and not a fragmented sentence.
• Each statement must be grammatically correct.

IMPORTANT NOTE 1:
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• Make your changes without changing the essence of the

statement.
• Ensure that you’re doing exactly what your question
requires of you.
• Do not include your point(s) of view – stick to what’s given
to you and what’s asked of you.

IMPORTANT NOTE 2:

• Stick to the word count- do not exceed the max by more

than 5 words.

• DO NOT give a fictitious word count. The Markers and

Moderators count the number of words used in a summary,
in each script.

• DELETE / STRIKE OFF THE PLAN / DRAFT. The markers

will mark what comes first, and that is usually the draft.

• Write down the seven points as statements and not as

questions.

• Obey the rules of good handwriting, all aspects of sentence

structure, language usage and punctuation.

• Ensure that you’ve numbered your work correctly.

• Stick to the traditional blue-inked pen – your response is

an academic piece.

• The use of Tippex / correcting fluid is prohibited.

• Do not number your points in the paragraph.

• Ensure you’ve written down the word count at the end of

the summary.

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