Academic Writing: Writing the Summary: Definition and Basic Information

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Definition of Summary

A summary is a shortened version of the original text. The main purpose of such a simplification is to highlight the major points from the original (much longer) subject, e.g. a text, a film or an event. The target is to help the audience get the gist in a short period of time.

Written summary: characteristics

--A written summary starts with a lead, including title, author, text type and the main idea of the text.

--It has a clearly arranged structure and is written in a logical, chronological and traceable manner.

--In contrast to a résumé or a review, a summary contains neither interpretation nor rating. Only the opinion of the original writer is reflected – paraphrased with new words without quotations from the text.

--Unlike a retelling, a summary has no dramatic structure and is written in present tense or historic present.

--Because summaries should be significantly shorter than the original, minor facts have to be left out.

--However, all major conclusions should remain. In summaries only indirect speech is used and depictions and direct quotations are avoided.

--Summaries of books or dissertations present the major facts in common scientific language and should be about from a half up to one page long.

How to write a summary

--Read the text

--Formulate the main statement

--Reread the text and underline important ideas and arguments according to the main statement

--Introduce the author and title of the work in the opening sentence

--Mention the important facts in chronological order

--Check that your summary reflects the original conclusion, not your own opinion

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From: Wikipedia
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