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�Summarising �

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  • A summary is a short and concise representation of the main points, ideas, concepts, facts or statements of a text written in your own words.

When either summarising or paraphrasing, you should not alter:

the author's original idea(s) the degree of certainty with which the ideas are expressed.

How to summarise?

To create / write a good summary, you should read the article or text a number of times to develop a clear understanding of:

the author's ideas and intentions

the meaning and details

the force with which the ideas are expressed.

Referencing

Summaries need to be referenced. Whether you have summarised or paraphrased an author's words, thoughts, ideas etc, a citation to the original source of the words, thoughts, ideas etc must be provided.

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Writing a summary

  • Step 1

Write notes in point form using keywords; this will make it easier to express the ideas in your own words.

  • Step 2

Write the summary directly from your notes without re-reading the passage.

  • Step 3

Refer back to the original to ensure that your summary is a true reflection of the writer's ideas.

  • Tips

Topic sentences provide a quick outline of the main idea(s) presented in a paragraph.

When summarising a chapter or article, the introduction and conclusion should provide a good overview of the content.

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