General Skills for Writing Summary
A summary is a shortened version containing the key points in as few words as necessary. It tests the candidate’s ability to form content points in a clear and concise approach to continuous writing. Writing a summary emphasises four basic skills: identifying key points of the passage, articulating in your own words, and sequencing points cohesively all within the given word count.
Content. Answer the question directly and focus on relevant points only! Use as much of the material as possible, however, be wary of some parts that are not covered in the question. Be reminded that points must be taken from the passage, and do not repeat similar points even if it was made twice.
Everything must be directly connected to the passage and supported using references. As such, adding facts or opinions are not suggested. This exercise is meant to sum up the passage and not to add original ideas. Content marks will only be obtained when the required content is provided.
Language. Write in your own words as much as possible. Although the message needs to be the same, wordings need to be different. It is important that the replaced words convey the essence of the point. No need to find synonyms for technical objects, e.g. solar heaters, and only change words when appropriate.
Lifting a few words is acceptable as long as it is evident that you understand and focus on the key details of the passage. Do avoid over-lengthy lifting and quoting straight from the passage. Find precise words to use and vary your choices.
Writing style. Express the key points clearly, succinctly and fluently using a formal tone of writing. There is no need for an introduction and conclusion. Start by rewording the question and make the ending string. Moreover, do not include examples, repetition, direct speech, figurative language, and minor details.
Organise and sequence points cohesively by connecting your ideas into a paragraph. Aim to write in complex sentences rather than simple or compound structures and make sure that the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct.
Word Limit. Always write within the word count as this exercise assesses the ability to write concisely. There are no penalty marks for writing more or less, however, it may be self-penalising to write more than suggested.
Exceeding the word limit may indicate that the summary is not structured effectively or ideas are not expressed clearly. If there are needed points inside the excess words, it would not be marked and would be crossed out.
On the other hand, writing way too little than the limit may mean that the response does not have sufficient coverage of the passage’s content. For example: if the question requires words within 200 to 250, but you only provide 180 words, there is a chance that you miss a few essential points.
Before the exam, check how many words you write on a line, so you will know the approximate number of lines that you require. Lastly, do not write beyond the lines given, to avoid your answers not being able to fit into the scanned screen.
Practice Writing Summaries
CIE recommends this five-step process to practise writing summary:
- Read and underline the relevant material in pencil (so that you can change your mind easily if needed)
- Transfer the points into a plan, whilst changing them into your own words
- Group the points logically (using arrows/brackets); put them in order (using numbers), and decide which ones can be combined into one sentence
- Write the summary in one or two paragraphs using complex sentences
- Check the summary for accurate expression; adapt the length and improve if necessary by adding material overlooked or by removing repetition.
Aspects of English First Language Summary
- Keep within the word limit.
- Do not drift away from the passage.
- Show evidence of a clear and concise summary style throughout. Make sure to structure your answer, sequence your ideas, and use a wide range of original and appropriate language.
- Try to learn the meaning of common prefixes so that you can guess the definitions of confusing words.
- Combine simple sentences into complex sentences, using a range of connectives and participles. Above all avoid using ‘and’, ‘but’ and ‘so’.
- Practise turning passages into news reports; they have a particular style and structure which are different from any other kind of writing.
- Lifting of words for more than two points is not credited. Copying big chunks of texts is not going to show your understanding, just your handwriting!
- Double-check for any grammatical errors and incorrect spellings that affect the accuracy of an idea.
Aspects for English as a Second Language summary
- Keep within the specified word limit.
- The summary must be based on the text you have read. Keep to the topic at all times!
- Read the instructions carefully. Do not waste your time reading unnecessary parts of the passage.
- Identify all the relevant points according to the question. Include all the key facts relating to the subject of your summary.
- Connect the ideas using linking words to make a clear paragraph. Practise connecting phrases to create sentences, and connecting sentences to create paragraphs.
- Use accurate language (linking words, conjunctions, sentences which read fluently, structured paragraphs)
- Demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to have more chance of getting a higher mark for language.
- Practise synonym (different words that have the same meaning) exercises to help you use your own words.
- Do not repeat similar points, as repeated points will not contribute to extra marks, just add more words.
* Note: some of the information was taken from CIE.