Summary Writing

Summarizing means giving a concise overview of a text’s main points in your own
words.
There are five key steps that can help you to write a summary:
 Read the text
 Break it down into sections
 Identify the key points in each section
 Write the summary
 Check the summary against the article

Read the text

You should read the article more than once to make sure you’ve thoroughly understood
it. It’s often effective to read in three stages:
 Scan the article quickly to get a sense of its topic and overall shape.
 Read the article carefully, highlighting important points and taking notes as you
read.
 Skim the article again to confirm you’ve understood the key points, and reread
any particularly important or difficult passages.
Example of a full article summary

Davis et al. (2015) set out to empirically test the popular saying “an apple a day keeps
the doctor away.” Apples are often used to represent a healthy lifestyle, and research
has shown their nutritional properties could be beneficial for various aspects of health.
The authors’ unique approach is to take the saying literally and ask: do people who eat
apples use healthcare services less frequently? If there is indeed such a relationship,
they suggest, promoting apple consumption could help reduce healthcare costs.

The study used publicly available cross-sectional data from the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants were categorized as either apple eaters or
non-apple eaters based on their self-reported apple consumption in an average 24-hour
period. They were also categorized as either avoiding or not avoiding the use of
healthcare services in the past year. The data was statistically analyzed to test whether
there was an association between apple consumption and several dependent variables:
physician visits, hospital stays, use of mental health services, and use of prescription
medication.

Although apple eaters were slightly more likely to have avoided physician visits, this
relationship was not statistically significant after adjusting for various relevant factors.
No association was found between apple consumption and hospital stays or mental
health service use. However, apple eaters were found to be slightly more likely to have
avoided using prescription medication. Based on these results, the authors conclude
that an apple a day does not keep the doctor away, but it may keep the pharmacist
away. They suggest that this finding could have implications for reducing healthcare
costs, considering the high annual costs of prescription medication and the
inexpensiveness of apples.

However, the authors also note several limitations of the study: most importantly, that
apple eaters are likely to differ from non-apple eaters in ways that may have
confounded the results (for example, apple eaters may be more likely to be health-
conscious). To establish any causal relationship between apple consumption and
avoidance of medication, they recommend experimental research.
Example of a concise article summary

Using national survey data, Davis et al. (2015) tested the assertion that “an apple a day
keeps the doctor away” and did not find statistically significant evidence to support this
hypothesis. While people who consumed apples were slightly less likely to use
prescription medications, the study was unable to demonstrate a causal relationship
between these variables.

Exercise 1

Recycling is a crucial process that helps reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and
protect the environment. By reusing materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metals,
recycling decreases the need for new raw materials, thus saving energy and reducing
pollution. It also lessens the burden on landfills, where waste can take years to
decompose. Additionally, recycling helps mitigate climate change by lowering
greenhouse gas emissions produced during the manufacturing of new products.
Educating communities about the benefits of recycling and encouraging them to
participate can lead to a more sustainable and cleaner planet for future generations.

Summarize the paragraph in 30-50 words.

Exercise 2
Technology has transformed the landscape of education, making learning more
accessible and engaging for students. Interactive tools such as tablets, educational
apps, and online resources provide personalized learning experiences that cater to
individual student needs. Virtual classrooms and online courses offer flexibility, enabling
students to learn at their own pace and from any location. Additionally, technology
facilitates collaboration among students and teachers through digital platforms, fostering
a more connected and supportive learning environment. As technology continues to
evolve, its role in education is likely to expand, offering even more innovative ways to
enhance learning and teaching.
Summarize the paragraph in 30-50 words.

Exercise 3

Regular exercise is not only beneficial for physical health but also plays a crucial role in
maintaining mental well-being. Engaging in physical activities such as running,
swimming, or even walking can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Exercise
stimulates the production of endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as
natural mood lifters. Moreover, participating in group sports or fitness classes can
provide social interaction and a sense of community, further enhancing mental health.
As people continue to incorporate exercise into their daily routines, they often find
themselves feeling more energized and positive.
Summarize the paragraph in 30-50 words.
Exercise 4

Bees are essential pollinators in many ecosystems, playing a critical role in the growth
of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. By transferring pollen from one plant to another, bees
facilitate the reproductive process of plants, which is vital for producing seeds and fruit.
This pollination process not only supports plant biodiversity but also contributes to the
food supply for humans and other animals. The decline in bee populations due to
habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change poses a significant threat to global
agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Summarize the paragraph in 30-50 words

Exercise 5
Water conservation is crucial for sustaining life on Earth. With growing populations and
increasing demand for water, it is essential to use this precious resource wisely. Simple
actions like fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing water waste can
significantly contribute to conserving water. Protecting water sources from pollution and
managing our consumption can ensure that future generations have access to clean
and safe water. Conservation efforts help maintain the health of ecosystems, support
agriculture, and prevent water shortages.
Summarize the paragraph in 30-50 words

Exercise 6

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

Butterflies are among the most beautiful and interesting creatures in the insect world.
Their life cycle, which consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis),
and adult, is a fascinating example of metamorphosis.
Egg Stage:
The life cycle of a butterfly begins with the egg stage. Female butterflies lay their eggs
on the leaves of plants. These eggs are usually very small and can be round, oval, or
cylindrical. The type of plant that the female chooses for laying eggs is crucial, as it
provides the food for the next stage of life.
Larva (Caterpillar) Stage:
Once the egg hatches, the larva, commonly known as a caterpillar, emerges. The
primary role of the caterpillar is to eat and grow. Caterpillars have strong jaws to chew
leaves, and they spend most of their time eating. As they grow, they shed their skin
several times in a process called molting.

Pupa (Chrysalis) Stage:

After the caterpillar has grown sufficiently, it enters the pupa stage, also known as the
chrysalis stage. During this stage, the caterpillar forms a protective casing around itself
and begins the transformation process. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar's body
undergoes significant changes, transforming into the adult butterfly. This stage can last
from a few weeks to several months, depending on the species and environmental
conditions.

Adult Butterfly Stage:

Finally, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. At first, its wings are wet and
crumpled, but after a few hours, they expand and harden, allowing the butterfly to fly.
Adult butterflies primarily focus on two activities: feeding on nectar from flowers and
reproducing to ensure the survival of their species. The entire life cycle of a butterfly can
take anywhere from a month to a year, depending on the species.

Importance of Butterflies:
Butterflies play a vital role in the ecosystem. They are important pollinators, helping
plants reproduce by transferring pollen from one flower to another. Moreover, they serve
as an essential food source for other animals, such as birds and spiders. By studying
butterflies, scientists can also learn about biodiversity and the health of the
environment.
Summarize the passage in 130-150 words