How+to+write+a+summary

When we write a summary, we reduce a large amount of information to a few sentences. Only major points are included in a summary; details and examples are omitted unless they are essential to the main idea. **Connectors** show you when important points are introduced (//Firstly, Secondly, It is important to note, Finally//, etc.). Other connectors can show you where additional details are added (for example, in addition) and are thus not important enough to be included in a summary. Summaries vary slightly according to the kind of text you have to summarise. A summary of a narrative, for example, would include the main events, when, where and who was involved and why something happened. E.g.: //In this first chapter (story/ passage/ article/ interview, etc.) Ava falls in love at first sight with ALEX when she sees him at the mail box. // 1) Writer and nationality: An American teenager. 2) Main characters (Name, age): Ava-17, Alex-18 3) First meeting E.g.: //Ava is the main character of this American story written by a teenager. //  //Ava and Alex (who is the other important character in the story) are teenagers as well. They are 17 and 18 respectively. //  //They see each other at a winter break in December 1964 when Alex is helping his wealthy father move to a new house in a coastal town of New England. Ava is collecting the mail when she first sees Alex. However, it is not until the next day that they talk to each other while taking their dogs out for a walk. Not for long, because Ava’s mom is calling her. But, something has started. // The car is the result of over 200 years of technical progress. Earlier inventors of the 1700s had built vehicles with steam power. However, the car we know today was only developed in the late 1880s. It was the result of research into petrol engines by two Germans – Daimler and Benz, and the work of a Frenchman – Michelin, who introduced pneumatic tires. Soon cars were being produced all over Europe, but they were hand-made and very expensive. The great leap forward took place in America. When oil was discovered in Texas, in 1901, the fuel for cars became plentiful and cheap. Furthermore, in 1924, a man called Henry Ford was able to mass produce a car for only $290. It was called the Model T and it sold more than any other car for 20 years. People called it the “Tin Lizzie”. After World War Two, car manufacture increased dramatically. For example, the German Volkswagen Beetle sold in millions from the 1950s to the 1980s. In addition, the design of cars changed to meet modern needs. Cars became more powerful and could travel at speeds of over 120 kph. The design became aerodynamic, with curved windscreens and sealed headlights, other improvements, such as new braking systems and automatic gears, were added. Today, about 370 million cars travel the roads of the world. The car has solved transport problems for both drivers and passengers, and has provided many jobs in the insurance, car repair and petrol industries. However, it has also created many serious problems, such as air pollution, traffic congestion, noise and loss of life in road accidents. Exercise 1: Write a summary by following the four steps given // Cars were first developed... // // In America... // // Henry Ford... // // Since World War Two, car... // // Cars have provided transport and jobs, but... // Exercise 2: Summarise the following passage in not more than 40 words. The best way to travel on holiday is on a motorcycle, not by car. In a car, behind your steering wheel, you’re sitting in a box. You are passively observing everything around you – why, it’s almost like watching TV. And we all know how boring that can be. In contrast, when you ride a bike, the whole world looks and feels different. Feel the rush, the wind in your hair, the sun at your back and the open road ahead of you. You see, when you get on a bike, you and the frame become one; one living, speeding, vibrating movement. You’re not just watching the road, you can feel it. A11 you have to do is put your foot down and touch it. In other words, you are constantly in touch with a very vivid, exciting reality. Sometimes I feel 1 could just take off. Ride ’n be free!
 * HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY **
 * Remember: ** It is important not to change the meaning of the original text. When you write a summary, **follow the steps below.**
 * 1) ** Read ** carefully. **Underline** **the main points**: Connectors can help you identify main points.
 * 2) ** Write out ** these points in your own words.
 * 3) ** Review ** your summary to see if you can reduce it any further.
 * 4) ** Write out ** your summary. **Check** you have used **the number of words** specified in your composition question.
 * Every summary should include: **
 * 1. An OPENING STATEMENT ** : All the key things in one sentence (type of text, people, time, and place).
 * 2. KEY ASPECTS ** in an organized way (name, explain and give examples)
 * //The History of the Car //**
 * Step 1: ** Read the text again, underlining the connectors.
 * Step 2: ** Write the main points of your summary by completing the sentences below.
 * Step 3: ** Review your summary. Can you reduce it any further?
 * Step 4: ** Write out your summary in not more than 50 words.