How to Write Summaries

What is the primary purpose of a summary?

Which of the following best describes the Six Ws important for writing a summary?

What should a writer focus on when finding the central idea of a narrative?

When writing a summary, what type of detail should be excluded?

What should a summary NOT include?

In the context of summaries, what is a topic sentence?

Why is it important to find the central theme before writing a summary?

What is an example of irrelevant information that should be avoided in a summary?

How should the main details of the story be presented in a summary?

What is a common misconception about writing a summary?

What is a Summary?

A summary is a concise and shortened version of a longer piece of work (e.g., movie, book, play).
It communicates the essential ideas and relevant details of the original.
It offers a brief overview for those unfamiliar with the source.
Summaries often appear as short blurbs on book covers or in academic writing.

How to Write Summaries

Read or watch the original carefully.
Identify the key elements (Six Ws): Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. Include these only if they are essential to understanding the text.
Determine the central idea (or theme). Locate the main point or focus of the text, either in a stated topic sentence or implied throughout.
Create a topic sentence: Clearly convey the central theme in your own words.
Provide essential details: Include beginning, middle, and end. Use your own words.
Omit irrelevant information: Avoid minor details or personal opinions.
Include important characters. Focus on the significant characters from the text.

Example: The Three Little Pigs Summary

Topic Sentence Example: Three pig brothers built houses to avoid a hungry wolf, each with different approaches to the task.
Summary Structure Example: The summary should summarize the plot points, from the pigs' different building choices to being chased by the wolf, to their varied fates.

This quiz teaches you the essentials of summarizing texts effectively. Learn the Six Ws and discover how to identify the central idea, create an informative topic sentence, and include necessary details while omitting the irrelevant. Perfect for students and anyone looking to improve their summarization skills!