The word summary is a noun that refers to the “concise but comprehensive rewriting of an

original body of work.” aka synopsis, epitome, condensation, to write briefly

What Is a Summary?
A summary is a concise distillation of a larger body of work that briefly but thoroughly
encapsulates its main ideas and essential points. It is designed to give the reader a clear
understanding of the original project without needing to read it in full.

Being able to restate in your own words

How To Write a Summary in Five Easy Steps

Keep in mind that summaries can encompass a wide range of subjects, including books,
articles, movies, meetings, and more. Also, a summarization isn’t necessarily always
confined to writing; you can verbally summarize something, too. However, the steps below
are designed to help you compose a written summary.

1. Read and take notes.

First things first: Read or watch the original work you’ll be summarizing. While you do, take
brief pauses and explain to yourself what you just read or watched. As the main ideas start
becoming clear to you, take notes. This will make the writing process easier.

2. Start with an introductory sentence.

In academic and formal contexts, summaries typically begin with an introductory sentence
that states the work’s title and author. This sets the stage for the reader by immediately
identifying what is being discussed. However, if the work has already been identified, it may
not be necessary to start with the title and author. For example, if you’re in a class that is
currently discussing Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, then you may not need to include that
information in the introduction.

3. Explain the main points.

Identify and elaborate on the main arguments or messages, and seek supporting evidence,
topic sentences, or thesis statements.

It’s also a good idea to focus on the what, how, and why:

What are the key ideas or events?

How do they develop throughout the work?
Why are they important to the work’s overall message?
Remember, be selective in what you include. Summaries are about the bigger picture, not
the small details.
4. Organize your summary to ensure a smooth flow.
Your summary should be coherent and easy to read. Therefore, you should use transition
words to ensure logical progression from one idea to the next. It’s best to structure your
summary similarly to the original work. Despite being a condensed version, it should still
stand on its own as a cohesive piece of writing. In other words, ensure that there is a clear
beginning, middle, and end.

5. Conclude by restating the author’s thesis.

Finish your summary with a clear statement that effectively captures the author’s main
argument or purpose. Keep in mind that the conclusion of a summary should not introduce
new information but instead provide a sense of closure. This will leave the reader with a
comprehensive understanding of the original text.
Example of a Summary
Imagine you’re taking a class on Shakespeare, and you’re assigned to write a one-
paragraph summary of Romeo and Juliet. It should be similar to the following example:

“Romeo and Juliet” is a tragic play that tells the story of two young, star-crossed lovers. It
begins with a street brawl between servants from the wealthy Montague and Capulet
families and ends with two shocking deaths that ultimately reconcile a long-time feud.
Romeo, a Montague, falls in love with Juliet, a Capulet, at a masquerade ball. Despite their
families’ conflict, they marry in secret. After Romeo is banished for avenging the death of his
friend, Juliet fakes her death to be with him. The plan goes awry, leading to Romeo and
Juliet’s actual deaths. When the families learn of the tragic sequence of events, they decide
to end their bitter feud once and for all.