Steps to Writing a Summary

Step 1        Read the entire selection and highlight the most important points.

Step 2       Make a brief outline of those points.

Step 3       Mention the author, genre, and title of the reading in your first sentence.

Step 4       State the main topic of the reading at the beginning of your summary.

Step 5       Include only the most important supporting points; present these inthe order in which they were discussed

                in the reading.

Step 6       Use mainly your own words to summarize.

Step 7       Do not include personal opinions or experiences.

Step 8       Introduce the author’s points by using citation verbs and expressions (see handout).  

Step 9       Incorporate some of the lesson vocabulary into your summary writing.

Step 10      Include enough information so that a classmate who had not read the selection could read your summary

                and get a passing grade on a quiz.