How to Write a Summary: 7 Steps for Writing a Good Summary

The ability to summarize is a critical skill for academic success, particularly for Grade 12 students and GCE candidates preparing for the Examination Council of Zambia (ECZ) exams. Summarizing is not only an essential part of English Paper 2 but also an indispensable skill for extracting and condensing information from texts in other subjects.

Mastering this skill requires understanding the key components of summary writing and applying them effectively.

In this article, we will explore the concept of summary, the different types of summaries, and the practical steps for answering summary questions, particularly in the Zambian examination context.

Defining Summary

A summary is a concise and focused restatement of the main ideas of a text, written in your own words. It involves eliminating unnecessary details, examples, and repetitions while preserving the essence of the original content.

Summaries are designed to give the reader a quick and accurate understanding of a larger text without needing to read it in its entirety. In the context of the ECZ exams, students are often asked to read a passage and condense its main points within a specified word limit.

Summarizing requires active reading and critical thinking. It goes beyond simply extracting sentences from the text; it involves interpreting the information, identifying key ideas, and expressing them clearly and briefly. A good summary demonstrates comprehension of the text and the ability to communicate its core meaning effectively.

Note Summary

A note summary is a brief, point-form extraction of key information from a text. This type of summary is often used for study purposes or when preparing answers to comprehension questions.

In a note summary, students focus on jotting down main points and keywords without worrying about full sentences or grammatical accuracy.

For example, when summarizing a text about climate change in note form, you might write:

• Causes: deforestation, industrial emissions, fossil fuels.
• Effects: rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather events.
• Solutions: renewable energy, reforestation, global agreements.

Advantages of Note Summaries

1. Efficiency: Notes help you quickly capture the main ideas.
2. Clarity: They distill information into manageable chunks.
3. Preparation: They serve as an excellent reference when reviewing materials.

In the ECZ exam, note summaries can serve as a first step in processing the information in a passage before rewriting it as a prose summary.

However, let me mention that if you are in grade nine (9), you will be asked to write a note summary, that is, writing in point form and not in paragraph form.

Prose Summary

A prose summary is a paragraph that succinctly conveys the key ideas of a text in complete sentences. This type of summary is more formal and is often the format required in the G12 exams. Unlike note summaries, prose summaries must adhere to rules of grammar, coherence, and logical flow.

In the Grade 12 ECZ exams, candidates are typically instructed to write prose summaries within a given word limit, such as 120 or 130 words. This requires careful selection of details and precise language to convey the main ideas effectively.

Key Features of a Prose Summary

1. Brevity: Keep the summary short, focusing only on the main ideas.
2. Clarity: Use simple and clear language to ensure the ideas are easily understood.
3. Coherence: Arrange the ideas logically and maintain a smooth flow.
4. Neutrality: Avoid adding personal opinions or interpretations.

Key Steps to Understand the Question

One of the most common mistakes students make when attempting summary questions is failing to fully understand the requirements of the question. Misinterpreting the question can lead to irrelevant answers or the omission of key points.

1. Read the instructions carefully: Pay attention to what the examiner is asking. Are you summarizing causes, effects, solutions, or a combination?
2. Identify the word limit: Ensure you do not exceed the specified number of words.
3. Determine the scope: Focus only on the part of the text that relates to the question. For example, if the question asks for “causes of deforestation,” exclude unrelated details about its effects or solutions.
4. Underline keywords: Highlight critical terms in the question, such as “summarize,” “causes,” “benefits,” or “challenges.”

Understanding the question provides direction, ensuring that your summary is relevant and focused. It also prevents wastage of time on unnecessary details.

Steps in Answering Summary Questions

Successfully answering summary questions involves a systematic approach. The following steps will guide you in crafting a concise and effective summary:

1. Read the Passage Thoroughly Begin by reading the entire passage to understand its main ideas and supporting details. Pay close attention to any repetitive or irrelevant information that can be omitted.
2. Identify Key Points Reread the passage and underline or note the most important ideas related to the question. Focus on points that answer the specific requirements of the question.
3. Organize the Ideas Arrange the key points in a logical sequence. Group similar ideas together to ensure your summary flows coherently.
4. Eliminate Redundancies and Details Remove examples, illustrations, and other unnecessary details that do not add value to the main points.
5. Write the Summary in Your Own Words Using your notes or underlined points, rewrite the ideas in your own words while maintaining the original meaning.
6. Check the Word Count Count the number of words in your summary to ensure it does not exceed the limit. If necessary, revise by combining ideas or rephrasing to reduce the word count.
7. Proofread Your Work Finally, read through your summary to check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and overall clarity. Ensure that your summary is concise, coherent, and focused.

Example: Given a passage about the benefits of exercise, the question might ask you to summarize the “health benefits” in no more than 120 words. A possible response could be:

“Exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and boosts immunity. It helps in managing weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and enhancing mental health by alleviating stress and anxiety. Regular physical activity promotes better sleep and increases energy levels, contributing to overall well-being.”

Conclusion

Summary is an essential part of Grade 12 and GCE exams in Zambia, particularly in the ECZ English exams. Understanding how to extract and condense information is valuable not only for academic success but also for real-life applications such as report writing and decision-making.

By distinguishing between note summaries and prose summaries, focusing on the question requirements, and following a systematic approach, students can excel in summary writing tasks. Practice and attention to detail are key to mastering this skill,