EAP-11_12_UNIT-3_LESSON-1_What-Is-a-Summary_

What Is a Summary?

  • A summary is a condensed version of a text, highlighting key ideas and points.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the definition and purpose of a summary.

  • Identify essential details to include in a summary.

Essential Questions

  1. What parts of the text should be summarized?

  2. What should we look for when scanning a text?

Preparing to Write a Summary

  • Goals of a Summary:

    • Reproduce key ideas of the text.

    • Express these ideas with precise language.

  • Techniques for Preparation:

    1. Previewing: Set goals for reading and focus on relevant parts.

    2. Skimming: Quickly read for an overall idea.

    3. Scanning: Look for specific facts or figures.

Previewing Techniques

  1. Title: Focus on what it indicates about the text.

  2. Subject Matter: Consider prior knowledge of the topic.

  3. Author Background: Identify author’s credibility and audience.

  4. Publication Context: Understand the publication date and relevance.

  5. Progression of Ideas: Note the structure and flow of the text.

  6. Purpose of Assignment: Understand the importance within the course context.

Tips for Academic Texts

  • Examine the abstract and discussion sections carefully.

  • Look at graphs and visuals to capture key information.

Skimming Steps

  1. Use previewing techniques before skimming.

  2. Read the introductory paragraph carefully.

  3. Focus on the first and last sentences of paragraphs.

  4. Look for overarching concepts throughout.

  5. Read the concluding paragraphs for overall purpose.

  6. Then, conduct a focused review for critical understanding.

What Is Included in a Summary?

  • A summary should condense a text while communicating essential facts.

  • Include title and author, thesis, and maintain sections with related ideas.

  • Omit minor details, examples not integral to the argument, and personal opinions.

Example Summary Structure

  • Include: Author, title, thesis, and key arguments.

  • Omit: Minor details and examples unless fundamentally crucial.

Final Activity

  • Select an academic text previously read and write a summary of at least 250 words.

Wrap Up

  • Summaries reproduce key ideas and foster efficient information retrieval.