Writing in English

How to Write
a Summary
Sa
Lesson Objective
In this lesson, you will practice using your own words to explain the
main idea of something you have learned. This is called summarizing.
We summarize for a variety of reasons in both speaking and writing.
In this lesson, we will focus on writing summaries of texts.

Warm-Up
m
A. Writing

Find an article or blog post (no more than three 1. What type of work did you choose?
paragraphs) and try to find the main idea. Highlight
2. What was the piece mainly about?
the three most important details in the text. Discuss
the following questions with a partner. 3. W
 hat were the three most
important details in this piece?
pl
B. Vocabulary Preview

Match up as many words and meanings as you can.

Check this exercise again after seeing the words in context in this lesson.

1. summarize a)  necessary, essential

2. paraphrase b)  shortened
3. attributive tag c)  to the point, brief
4. relevant d)  to shorten someone’s work into the main idea and important details
e
5. sparingly e)  to reword in one’s own words (crediting the original source)
6. condensed f)  to mark up or add notes to a document
7. objective g)  without one’s own personal ideas
8. concise h)  in a limited way
9. proofread i)  to do a final check for mistakes in a text
10. annotate j)  a phrase that indicates who the original author is

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 1
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Introduction to Summarizing
A. What Is a Summary?
Parts of Speech
A summary is a condensed overview of the main idea(s) and essential
Sa
summary (n):
details of a longer work (e.g., an article or story). A summary should be a short description in one’s own
objective and concise. It should be able to stand alone as its own work. words about the main idea and
The target audience is a reader who is not familiar with the original work. essential parts of a longer piece

summarize (v):
to shorten a longer piece
B. What a Summary Is NOT using in one’s own words

When you summarize, you use your own words but NOT your
own opinions, ideas, or interpretations. You use attributive tags
(e.g., the author suggests...) to show that the ideas are not your own. Rule of Thumb
Use direct quotes sparingly in a
A summary is NOT an outline. An outline is a summary in point form. summary. Only quote directly
m
You can write an outline first. Then you can use your notes to write a from the source if you cannot
paraphrase an idea in your own
summary in paragraph form. A summary may be one paragraph or
words. If you must use exact
a few, depending on the length of the original work. wording within your summary,
use quotation marks around it
A summary does NOT include specific details and credit the source.
such as dates, times, and statistics.

Task 1 Task 2
pl
Look at the text on this page of the lesson. Identify Choose a topic from ESL Library’s Historic Events
the title. Circle the main idea. Place a star beside three section. Ask your teacher to provide you with
relevant points that relate to the main idea. Place an X the reading (page 2) from the topic you choose.
beside information that is irrelevant or unnecessary to You will use this reading at a later time.
the general idea of this page.
https://esllibrary.com/courses/98/lessons
e

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 2
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

3 Reasons for Summarizing

There are many different reasons your teacher, employer, or friend may
ask you to summarize something. Here are few of the main reasons why
it’s important to learn this skill.
Sa
# Reason Explanation

If you can write a summary, you know what a text is about. In an

1 to demonstrate comprehension academic setting, it is important for your instructor to know that
you understand the main idea of the content.

An important reading skill is being able to easily find the most

important parts and to ignore the parts that aren’t essential.
2 to find the important parts
Summary writing requires you to practice and demonstrate this
real-life skill.
m
In the real world, you often need to summarize content to help
others learn what they have missed. In a work setting, your
3 to report to others colleagues may be unable to attend a presentation or read a
report. In an academic setting, you may need to summarize a
lecture that a friend missed.

Task 3

1. Read the article from the Historic Events topic you chose in Task 2.
pl
Write five Wh- Questions that relate to the main idea.
e
2. W
 rite three details from the Historic Events article
that are irrelevant to a summary on this topic.

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 3
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Formatting a Summary
A summary is formatted in paragraph form. One paragraph is long enough *Note:
to summarize a short article, story, or film.* A summary is usually written Your teacher may have different
in the present tense. It follows the traditional format of a paragraph. expectations for the length of
Sa
It should include: your summary.

1. an introductory (topic) sentence (includes the title and author)

that briefly tells the reader what the piece is about

2. three to five supporting sentences that relate to the central idea

(about one sentence per section of original text, in logical order)

3. attributive tags to show that thoughts are not the writer’s own
(avoid direct quotes if possible)

4. a concluding sentence that rephrases the main idea

Task 4
m
Read the example summary
Example Summary
to the right and annotate it.
In “Research Writing with Digital Tools,” ESL Library’s guest blogger
1. Circle the Shelly Terrell offers teachers tips and resources for helping English
introductory sentence. language learners improve academic writing skills through technology.
Terrell claims that ELLs need extra help learning how to organize and
2. P
 lace a star above the title
of the original source. present their thoughts in writing. She offers four main suggestions to
teachers. First, she provides resources that help students improve on
pl
3. P
 lace two stars above
process writing, such as ReadWriteThink and Creately. Next, she covers
the author’s name.
the importance of developing research skills. Terrell recommends
4. C
 ross out the sentence that
several social bookmarking tools, including Pinterest. Terrell also
introduces the summary
emphasizes the importance of learning how to cite sources. She
writer’s own opinion.
mentions academic style guides and identifies apps that make citing
5. D
 raw a squiggly line under easy, including Easy Bib. Citation generators should not be used
the concluding statement.
unless ELLs already know how to cite sources. Lastly, Terrell notes that
feedback requires a “safe environment.” She suggests using tools such
e
as audio and video feedback. In summary, Shelly Terrell shares several
tips and tools to help ELLs with their research and academic writing.

“Research Writing with Digital Tools”

http://blog.esllibrary.com/2015/03/25/digital-tools/

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 4
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Writing a Summary
A STEP-BASED APPROACH

When summarizing in writing, use paragraph form. You can summarize

Sa
a short article in a single paragraph. It may take a few paragraphs to
summarize a longer work, such as a novel.

Follow these steps to create a summary of a short text, such as an article.

1. Read the article once.

2. Reread the article armed with a pen and a blank piece of paper.

3. As you reread, write down the title and author of the original work.

4. Find the main idea. (Why was this text written?) Circle it.

5. Divide the article into its main sections. Draw boxes around them.
m
6. Place a star beside one important detail in each box.

7. Read the starred parts over to yourself.

8. Put the original article away.

9. Write the main idea in point form on your paper.

10. Write points for each important detail (look at the article if necessary).

11. Get a new piece of blank paper. Use your notes to write a paragraph
that summarizes the article.
pl
12. Read the original work again.

13. Reread your summary and add any key parts you missed.

14. Omit any parts in your summary that are not central to the main idea.
Make sure you haven’t introduced your own personal opinions.

15. Make a final copy of your summary. (Proofread it the next day.)
e

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 5
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Reference
SENTENCE STARTERS FOR SUMMARIZING

How you word your summary is important. You need to be concise and
Sa
objective. Here are some useful words and phrases to use in your summary.
Keep this page handy when you move on to the Writing Challenge.

Use Useful Words & Phrases

• In “      ,”      covers/writes about/discusses           .

(title) (author) (main idea / theme)
Introductory • As      explains in “      ,”...
Sentence (author) (title)

•      , in “      ,” focuses on...

(Author) (title)
m
• The piece covers... • The article/piece is mainly about...
Main Idea
• “      ” is a story about... • The main point the author makes is...
(Title)

• As      notes/tells us, ... • A report about      claims that...

(author) (topic)

Relevant Details • The article/piece/text says that... •      argues that...

(Author)
• According to      , ...
(author)
pl
• In short, ... • In brief, ...

Summing Up • To summarize, ... • To conclude, ...

• In summary, ... • As mentioned, ...

Attributive Tags
e
THE AUTHOR / NAME / HE / SHE...
• believes • insists • reminds
• claims • informs • reports
• demonstrates • maintains • says
• suggests • notes • states
• emphasizes • observes • explains

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 6
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Comprehension Check-In
Work with a partner and answer the
following questions based on the lesson so far.
Sa
1. What is this lesson mainly about?

2. What part of speech is the word “summary”?

3. How is summarizing used in the real world?

4. What can writers use to avoid introducing their own opinions in a summary?

5. How should a summary be formatted?

6. What should writers do after they write their first draft of a summary?

Writing Challenge
m
SUMMARIZING

1. Choose a news article or informational text to work with.

2. Follow the steps on page 5.

3. Go through the checklist below.

4. Submit your summary to your teacher.

pl
A Checklist
SUMMARIZING

� Did I read the original text carefully? � Did I use attributive tags?

� Did I take notes as I read the second time? � Did I avoid introducing my own opinion?

� Did I note the title and author in my topic sentence? � Did I omit details that were too specific
(e.g., facts, stats)?
e
� Did I identify the main idea of the text?
� Did I include a concluding statement?
� Did I find three or more relevant details
that relate to the main idea?

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 7
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Writing Task Assessment

Name:                       
Sa
Date Score /
Description of Task Skills Level
Completed Success

Writing a summary
Reading, Writing
of a one-page text

Success

 Assessment Criteria Yes Almost Not Yet

m
understands what a summary is and is NOT

locates basic information from a text

begins summary with a topic sentence (includes title and source)

summarizes the main idea

includes relevant details in the summary

ends the summary with a concluding statement

pl
shows evidence of planning and proofreading

Teacher Feedback Resource Used

ESL Library: How to Write a Summary

e

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 8
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Answer Key
NOTE: LESSON DESCRIPTION: LEVEL: Int – High Int

We recommend using this lesson in In this lesson, students learn how to write TIME: 2+ hours
conjunction with ESL Library’s related an objective summary of a written work.
Sa
TAGS:  writing, academic language,
lessons, especially How to Write a Students view examples of a summary
summarizing, summary,
Paragraph: https://esllibrary.com/ and try a step-by-step approach.
reporting, writing practice,
courses/74/lessons/2563 and How to
reproducing information
Paraphrase: https://esllibrary.com/
courses/74/lessons/2465/

Lesson Objective Introduction to Summarizing

Review the lesson objective with your students. Go over the information and confirm that your students
m
understand what a summary is and what a summary is NOT.
Give students time to complete Tasks 1–2.
Warm-Up
TASK 1
A. WRITING
Answers to the questions may vary.
Give your students some time to find a short article to work
with (or assign this for homework before beginning this lesson). Title: Introduction to Summarizing
Place the students in pairs for the discussion questions.
Main idea: A summary is a condensed overview of
the main idea(s) and essential details of a longer work.
B. VOCABULARY PREVIEW
pl
3 points: A summary should be objective and concise, in one’s own
Have students complete the matching exercise,
words, and in paragraph form. (Answers will vary)
and/or print copies of page 12 and cut up the strips.
Irrelevant info: Rule of Thumb and Definition Boxes, Task 1 and 2
1. d 3. j 5. h 7. g 9. i
2. e 4. a 6. b 8. c 10. f
TASK 2

Have your students each choose a topic from the Historic Events
section of ESL Library: https://esllibrary.com/courses/98/lessons

Or, if your class is already working with specific texts, any one-page
e
text can be used. Make sure that each student has a text to work
with before moving on to page 3.

(continued on the next page...)

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 9
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Answer Key cont.

3 Reasons for Summarizing a “safe environment.” She suggests using tools such as audio and

video feedback. In summary, Shelly Terrell shares several tips and

Go over the information and confirm that your students
tools to help ELLs with their research and academic writing.
Sa
understand why summarizing is an important skill to learn.

Writing a Summary
TASK 3

Wh- Questions can help students find relevant information in Go over the step-based approach to summary writing. After you do
a text. For question 1, have students review their Historic Event this, you may want to check comprehension by having students put
reading and write five comprehension questions about it using this list away. Ask questions such as, “Which comes first, reading
Wh- Questions. Then for question 2, have students practice the article in full or searching for the main idea?” or “Which comes
isolating details that are too specific to include in a summary. first, making point-form notes or writing a paragraph?”

Formatting a Summary Reference

m
Go over the notes and have students read the example summary Encourage your students to keep this page handy for essays or
that goes with Task 4. (It has one extra sentence in it that does writing responses that require them to summarize. They may
not belong in a summary.) also want to review this list before taking a test or exam so that
some of the phrases and words are fresh in their minds for the
TASK 4 writing component.

Make sure that your students annotate

Comprehension Check-In
the summary with the following:


In “Research Writing with Digital Tools,” ESL Library’s guest blogger 1. T his lesson is mainly about how to
 write a short summary of a written text.
Shelly Terrell offers teachers tips and resources for helping
pl
2. The word “summary” is a noun.
English language learners improve academic writing skills through 3. Summarizing is used to fill others in on what they may have
technology. Terrell claims that ELLs need extra help learning how missed. It is also used to shorten a longer piece for others.
4. Using attributive tags is a good way to avoid
to organize and present their thoughts in writing. She offers four
introducing one’s own opinion in a summary.
main suggestions to teachers. First, she provides resources that
5. A summary should be written in paragraph form. It should
help students improve on process writing, such as ReadWriteThink start with an introductory sentence that identifies the original

and Creately. Next, she covers the importance of developing source for the reader. The paragraph should describe the main
idea and most important parts of the original text using one’s
research skills. Terrell recommends several social bookmarking
own words. A summary ends with a concluding statement.
e
tools, including Pinterest. Terrell also emphasizes the importance 6. After writing a first draft, writers should go over the original
of learning how to cite sources. She mentions academic style text again to see if they missed anything important. They
should also omit any of their own opinions or ideas.
guides and identifies apps that make citing easy, including Easy Bib.

Citation generators should not be used unless ELLs already know

(continued on the next page...)
how to cite sources. Lastly, Terrell notes that feedback requires

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 10
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Answer Key cont.

Writing Challenge

Your students will now choose another text to work with, such as a
Sa
news report. They will use the step-by-step approach from page 5
to write a summary for submission. Encourage them to use the
checklist afterward. If you are using this task for assessment, share
the Assessment Tool from page 8, so that students understand
what they will be assessed on.

A Checklist

You may want to go through the checklist with your students

before they begin writing. Remind them to use it before they
submit their summary.
m
SPELLING NOTE:

This lesson shows the American spelling of the word Practice.

Most other English-speaking countries spell it this way: Practise
(when used as a verb; Practice when used as a noun). Make it
a challenge for your students to find this word in the lesson
and see if they know the alternate spelling.
pl
e

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 11
 How to Write a Summary
Writing in English

Extra Vocabulary Practice (optional)

Write definitions in your own words. Cut up these vocabulary strips.
Challenge a partner to match the vocabulary to your definition.
Sa
summarize

paraphrase

attributive tag

relevant
m
sparingly

condensed

objective
pl
concise

proofread

annotate
e

Copyright 2019, Red River Press Inc. For use by ESL Library members only. ( I N T – H I G H I N T / V E R S I O N 2 . 0) 12