Julie Tagg| Think and Write for CSEC

Writing an effective summary involves clearly and concisely capturing the main ideas of a text while leaving out unnecessary details and personal opinions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

---

1. Read and Understand the Text

• Read the material thoroughly.
• Identify the main idea and key supporting points.
• Take note of the who, what, when, where, why, and how.

---

2. Identify the Structure

• Understand how the text is organized (e.g., problem/solution, cause/effect, chronological).
• This helps you mirror the flow of ideas in your summary.

---

3. Write in Your Own Words

• Paraphrase instead of copying.
• Use simple, clear language.
• Focus on what the author says, not what you think.

---

4. Keep It Concise

• A good summary is usually about one-third or less of the original text.
• Only include the most essential information.

---

5. Be Objective

• Avoid personal opinions, interpretations, or examples not found in the original.
• Just report the facts and main ideas.

---

6. Use Proper Format and Grammar

• Start with a topic sentence stating the main idea.
• Use transition words for clarity (e.g., first, however, finally).
• Write in the present tense when referring to the text.

---

Example Summary

Original (85 words): “Many people struggle to manage their time effectively. This often leads to stress and missed deadlines. One solution is to create a daily schedule that includes time for breaks and unexpected tasks. Prioritizing responsibilities can also help. Experts suggest using tools like calendars and to-do lists to stay organized. Although time management takes effort, it leads to increased productivity and less anxiety.”

Summary (34 words): Many people have trouble managing time, which causes stress and missed deadlines. Experts recommend creating schedules, using tools like calendars, and prioritizing tasks to improve productivity and reduce anxiety.