1. Read the extract to be summarized. Reading the text is important because you want to be sure that you understand the writer and his style. Also, you will get insight about the content. Read several times if possible!
2. Identify how many paragraphs are to be summarized. Identifying paragraphs is important because you must divide the work specifically paying attention to one paragraph at a time. Also you will be able to add appropriate transitions for each.
3. Identify the thesis- Identifying the thesis is important because you need to understand the direction of the text. Usually found in the first paragraph, it outlines the central issues or points to be discussed.
4. Identify the main point in each paragraph. Identifying the main point is important because this is the sentence the reader/writer acknowledges. The main point would be the central idea or the topic sentence to be summarized
5. Avoid details and facts that expand on the topic sentence. Do not give examples unless told to do so.
6. Write a rough draft of the summary. After you have done steps 1-3 focus on the first paragraph and identify the main point. Write it down somewhere. Do not pay attention to details and examples. Do the same for the other paragraphs and then
7. Rewrite a final draft (in your own words).
Once you are finished you can correct for spelling, punctuation and grammar. And finally, try to make sure that the writers ideas (not the words) are summarized and not your own opinion. Meaning, even though it is in your own words you are not to suggest, give opinion that cannot be proven or formulate anything the writer did not say. Good luck!
Written and edited by Martin Semugeshi Mutabazi
2011 August
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