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A summary is a short version of a passage or text *written or spoken * which contains only main point of the original. Summary writing is a process of separating important ideas from a text and presenting them in a shortened form, usually in your own words. This involves analysing information and differentiating central or main ideas from supporting or less important ideas. In other words,

*a summary is shorter than the original text and it repeats the ideas of the original in different phrases and sentences. *

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Basic Summary Writing Terms

1. Topic sentences: This is the sentence in a paragraph which summarises the main idea of that paragraph. It is usually the first or second sentence in the paragraph. it could sometimes be the last sentence
2. Thesis statement: This is a statement that states the thesis or argument of the author in an essay or a passage.

the Thesis statement says what the writer is trying to prove in the passage.

It may be in the first paragraph of a passage or essay, or the readers may personally construct one themselves. Briefly, *the thesis statement is like a summary of the whole passage *

1. Paraphrase: This means that you read the writer's words and, without referring to the text, write down the writer's idea in your own words. *A good summary should avoid using the exact words of the original passage.
2. Supporting idea: this refers to some details in the passage or paragraph that are less important than the topic sentence yet add more details to aid understanding.

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               WRITING A GOOD SUMMARY

1. Read the passage carefully at least twice.
2. Identify the topic sentence of each paragraph and write them out. you may not need to write the topic sentence of the first paragraph, as this is usually introductory.
3. Write the thesis statement of the whole passage.

if you cannot find the thesis statement in the first paragraph, construct one yourself from the topic sentences you have written down

1. Write the first draft of your summary by combining the thesis statement and all the topic sentences.
2. Identify supporting ideas significant details from the passage and combine them with the topic sentences.
3. Check your summary with the original passage and make necessary adjustments. Longer sentences can be made shorter.
4. Revise your summary and write a final draft in your own words but remember to include key or technical word from the original passage.
5. A summary should not include your own opinion. Remains as objective or imparcial as possible. do not include extraneous, irrelevant or unrelated illustrations in your summary.
6. Do not copy the passage verbatim or word for word. Use your own words as far as possible.
7. Always prepare rough drafts before the final draft for your summary.

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