Writing Summaries

What is a summary(noun)?
It is a short statement that gives the most important information about something.
How do you summarize(verb)?
In your own words, you tell something again with fewer words.

The Steps:
Step 1: Identify the title(s), author, topic, and main idea of what you are summarizing.
Step 2: Explain how the author supports the main idea.
Step 3: Write the main message of what youre summarizing.

*A summary is usually 3-5 sentences.

The Basic Format:
The (article, essay, interview, story) ____(title)____ by____(author)______
(is about, talks about, discusses, argues, explains, tells the story, presents, describes,
examines)____________(topic and main idea)_______________. The author (describes, discusses,
compares, contrasts, illustrates, argues)_______________________________________. (Overall,
Ultimately, All in all, In the end) _______(the main message)____________________.

Example Summaries
For Unit One's Reading I and Reading II:

The articles "Advertising all over the World" and "Changing World Markets" discuss how
advertisers can be successful in global markets. The author discusses how advertisers must pay
attention to the cultures of the countries where they want to sell products. They must understand the
likes and dislikes, the common customs, and the preferred forms of advertisements. Advertisers must
also learn the laws and regulations for advertising campaigns. All in all, the author says advertisers
must know their market to successfully sell products.

For the Unit 7 Example Essay:
The Unit 7 Example Essay is about the authors difficult decision to move to Rio de
Janeiro. The author explains the pros and cons of moving to Rio. On one hand, Rio offered beautiful
beaches, a higher salary and good career opportunities. On the other hand, the authors family was
not in Rio, the cost of living was high, and the author had no place to live. The decision was difficult,
but in the end, the author moved to Rio and is happy about the decision.