A summary does not need a conclusion.
but if the original ends with a message to the reader this should not be left out.
A good summary may use key words from the original text but should not contain whole phrases or sentences from the original unless quotation marks are used.
Quotations should only be made if there is a reason for using the original words, because the choice of words is significant.
Rearranging the words used in the original, or keeping the same structure but just substituting different words is not enough.
You must express the sense of the original using your own words and structures.
How to write a summary of a short piece of writing:
As you read, underline all the important points and and all the important evidence.If there is a word or words that are repeated throughout the passage.
The main idea should be in the first or second paragraph
You could look out for the 5Ws - What?, Which?, Who?, Where?, When?, Why? - and the 1H - How?
Change the order if necessary, so that the main idea comes first and is followed by the supporting ideas and evidence in a logical sequence.
Omit any repetitions.
If the original uses 'I' replace this with the writer's actual surname, "the writer", or "she/he".
If the original uses 'you', substitute "people" or "they".
You should now be ready to write the summary. Start with a sentence that a) identifies the writer and the piece of writing, for example by giving the writer's name
the title of the piece and where/when it appeared, and b) gives the main idea. Use transition words to join everything together.
A good tip is to write down how long it takes you to produce a summary or note-taking exercise and then try to improve that time as you progress through your course.
As a general rule, you should spend 20 minutes on the summary exercise or 10 minutes on the linked summary and 15 minutes on note-taking exercise.
remember, though, that, this, has to include all the stages of the exercise, such as reading the question carefully.
final-checking and making last-minute improvements. These are important and can make a big difference to your results.
