1、How to Write a SummarySept. 6, 2017Definition of Summary A summary is a brief restatement of the essential thought of a longer composition. It reproduces the theme of the original with as few words as possible. When one writes a summary, one should not interpret or comment. All one has to do is to g

2、ive the gist (general meaning) of the authors exact and essential meaning. Uses of Summary Writing Summary writing is a very good exercise for improving reading comprehension. Summary writing is also helpful to composition writing. Summary writing is necessary for your future professions. Procedure1

3、. Reading2. Writing3. Revision1. Reading First read the passage through carefully to get the gist of it. Give a title to your summary. You should now be in a position to decide what parts of the passage are essential and what parts are comparatively unimportant and can be omitted without much loss.

4、Write down in brief notes the main points: the subject, the title, and the essential or important details.2. Writing A summary should usually be about one-third to one-fourth as long as the original passage, but for a summary of a novel or a play, one-hundredth or even one-thousandth of the length o

5、f the original book. The summary should be all in your own words. You should follow the logical order of the original passage, if possible. Summary writing is an exercise in compression. Omit the details. Reduce the examples. Simplify the descriptions. Eliminate all repetitions. Compress wordy sente

6、nces and change phrases to words. Use general words instead of specific words. Use the shortest possible transitions. Put the main points of a dialogue in indirect speech.3. Revision Compress it by omitting unnecessary words and phrases. Correct mistakes in spelling and grammar.Examples of compressi

7、on His courage in battle might without exaggeration be called lion-like.He was very brave in battle. John fell into the river and, before help could reach him, he sank.John was drowned in the river. She brought home several Chinese and English novels, a few copies of Time and Newsweek, and some textbooks. She intended to read a