If you are taking an exam, the instruction gives the number of words required. The key is to be methodical and to respect the instructions. If you are in a professional setting, you are simply expected to be synthetic.
The summary really illustrates our capacity for synthesis.
Do a first reading
To make a good summary, you must fully understand the original text. This is why you have to do a first reading without any objective. You read the text. Nothing more.
Take a second reading
Once you have an overview, you can do a second reading to determine the structure of the text.
It is at this stage that you will extract the main ideas. You can underline them to make them stand out.
Cut out the text
Now share the text according to the key ideas of each part. You can use colors to make this cutout stand out.
Do not confuse an example or illustration of the main idea with the main idea itself. Remember that you don't have to go into details.
Then you can write next to each part the main idea.
For an exam, depending on the number of words requested, assess how many words you have to Summarize each part.
Identify text joints
This step highlights the way the ideas are linked together. The articulations of a text are visible through logical connectors.
The link can be:
-an addition: moreover, then, not only… but also…
-an alternative: on one side… on the other side, either
-a consequence: therefore, thus, consequently, this is why
-an opposition: but, however, nevertheless
Go to writing text
Once the text is marked up and well cut, you can move on to writing.
A summary often includes a sentence that gives the subject and other sentences that give the main information around this subject.
The first sentence simply states the title, what it is about and the author or speaker.
Tip: try as much as possible to use the same structure as the text for the summary. Keep the same order and keep the same logical articulations.
When writing, follow these simple rules:
-one idea per sentence.
-be logical.
Of course you have to rephrase. Don't copy and paste bits of the original text. And when reformulating, try to find synthetic formulas to gain brevity.
You can use a thesaurus to help you rephrase. As part of an exam, with a precise instruction of the number of words to respect, check that you are in the nails.
Last tip: use logical connectors. This is often appreciated by the correctors (when you pass a test). And it helps the reader know how the ideas fit together.
Make time for proofreading
Have good time management, if you are in a timed event. Many mistakes are careless mistakes. They can be easily corrected.
Remember that any communication from you represents you. A well-written and error-free text conveys a professional image.
To conclude
-The first step is a first reading of the text to be summarized to identify the main idea.
-The second step, for its part, is an in-depth reading of the text to be summarized. It aims to bring out the words carrying ideas, the significant passages, the facts, the arguments and the connecting words. All means are good to identify these elements. Do not hesitate to highlight, circle, tick or number what is relevant in the text.
-Writing a plan is the third step. Your outline serves to put in order the ideas that you have extracted from the text. You can follow the original text or create one specific to your summary.
-It is in the fourth step that you compose your summary. You must clearly state the subject or issue, state the main idea and supporting ideas, and demonstrate the author's reasoning, argumentation, and conclusions.
-The fifth is that of revision. This is the time to make sure your summary is faithful to the original text. You must read and reread it to verify that the ideas presented there are the same as those of the original text and that you have respected the author's vision.
-Finally, remember that when summarizing, you must convey, in your own words, the main ideas of the original text.