SUMMARIZING

Summarizing
using your own words to describe the MAIN IDEAS of a text
Summary
shorter than the original (1/3 length)
written in your own words
meaning is the same as the original
does not include your opinion
2 kinds of summaries
Formal Summary
written to describe the main ideas of an entire text
include the authors name and title of the text in the first sentence
Example
In the Macleans article Its So Not Cool, author Anne Kingston (2007) argues that both governments and
consumers are beginning to show concern over problems associated with bottle water. In particular,
people are worried about the increasing environmental toll of both the disposal and manufacturing of
plastic water bottles, as well as the questionable health benefits of bottled water. In fact, only about 12
per cent of water bottles are recycled, and in 2002 alone, 65,000 tonnes of PET (polyethylene
terephthalate) bottles were not recycled. Studies have also shown that chemicals from plastic bottles are
infiltrating the water inside, and further studies will likely test for human contamination. This sudden
distrust of the popular bottled water commodity has led some to consider whether the marked up product
is worth it.

Informal Summary

written to provide support in your essays and reports

mention the author and his or her qualifications in the lead-in when you use the
material in an essay or report

Example
Anne Kingston (2007) explains that although the general public sees bottled water as a safe and healthy
convenience, environmentalists are concerned about its negative environmental aspect, and church
groups are worried that selling bottle water violates human rights.

SUMMARIZING

SUMMARIZING STEPS
1.
a)
b)
c)

READING
Pre-reading
Reading
Reading with a pen

2.
a)
b)
c)
d)

WRITING
Generate Ideas
Outline
Rough Draft
Final Draft

READING
Pre-reading

Look at the following for

clues about the main

Reading

Title

Subheadings

Introduction

reading

Look up and write

definitions of words you

parts

dont know

First sentence

Write notes in the

margins

of each paragraph

Underline important
sections

Reread confusing

and conclusion

the whole piece you are

point of the text:

Try to get a sense of

Reading with a pen

Photos,

illustrations, charts,

Put an asterisk *
next to very important

graphs, captions

items

WRITING
Generating Ideas & Outline

Rough Draft

Final Draft

SUMMARIZING

Write in your own

words the key points

write the summary

that you have

underlined

has the same meaning

Main Point becomes

Everything must be

as the original

text citations

the MAIN POINT

Write further drafts

until you are satisfied

Check spelling,
grammar, and
punctuation

Avoid using
quotations; include in-

Write what you think is

Review your
summary to ensure it

in your own words

grouping related ideas

under headings

your Topic Sentence

Reorganize your list

into a logical order

Use your notes to

Create a Reference
List on a separate page