SUMMARY WRITING by Samson Mwita

SUMMARY WRITING

Definition

A SUMMARY is a short description of something that gives only the main ideas/points without any details.

A summary is a brief account that contains the main points/ideas of a piece of writing in a person’s own words, while omitting unimportant details.

The skills for summary writing are very important since they help you to organize your work in a comprehensive way. When summarizing it is important to observe the principles of summary writing including but not limited to;

Ø  Paraphrasing the passage in your own words without distorting the original idea.

Ø  Ensure a good flow of ideas.

Ø  Better use of punctuation marks (mechanics of writing) such as full stops and commas. Correct use of grammar, spellings, and appropriate vocabularies.

Ø  Consider the number of sentences, words or points required.

TIPS FOR SUMMARY WRITING.

 In examinations, students may be asked to summarize the passage in one of the following parameters.

    i.      IN SENTENCES.

If you are told to summarize in a particular number of sentences, you are required to organize your sentences in a single paragraph. Do not number the sentences but use punctuation marks as appropriate.

  ii.      IN POINTS

If you are asked to summarize in point form, it is advised that you number the points. Numbering can be done by using

Arabic numerals 1, 2,3,4,5…

Roman numerals i ,ii, iii, iv, v…

Letters of alphabet, a, b, c, d, e…

 iii.      IN WORDS

Sometimes you are told to summarize in a particular number of words. It is advised that first you look for main points then organize them in a single paragraph and balance the words as instructed.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER.

a)    Read carefully the passage so that you understand the main points being dealt with.

b)   Read the questions carefully to understand what aspects of the passage you are being asked to summarize. Read the passage again and note down each point in the passage that you think relevant to the summary question.

c)    Read your rough notes again and ensure that the points you have written down are all relevant to summary question.

d)    Write a paragraph in your own words and in continuous sentences. Avoid copying verbatim the sentences from the passage but summarize in your own word and ensure that your paragraphs and points are flowing in a logical and sensible way.

e)    Use transitional words to link similar points. This will make the summary sound like a set of connected points and ideas. These include, firstly, secondly, therefore, consequently, even though, thus, however, furthermore, additionally, finally etc

f)     Try your level best to stick to word limit. It is always advised to count the number of words you have used after you have drafted you summary. You can make your words fewer or more by adjusting the language and sentence structure.

REMEMBER: If you are told “not more than 100 words” the summary should not exceed 100 words. If you are told “about 100 words” it can be 95 – 105 word.