HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY

A summary is telling the main ideas of the article in your own words. The summary has the following strong
aspects:
It begins with the title and author.
It is much shorter than the original.
It focuses on the most important parts of the argument.
It uses reporting verbs.
It remains objective.
SAMPLE SUMMARY FORMAT
Introduction
You need to start your summary by telling the name of the article and the author:
1. In How the Civil War Began," historian John Jones explains...
2. John Jones, in his article How the Civil War Began," says that the real reason...
3. "How the Civil War Began," by historian John Jones, describes....
4. The article is entitled How the Civil War Began and it was written by John Jones.
Main Paragraph
Then you should present the main point (idea) of the article and describe its structure. It should answer the
questions: What is this essay/article/piece of news about? and What is its structure? The rest of your main
paragraph is going to give the reasons and evidence for the main statement.
Conclusion
The conclusion should restate the main idea of the text and answer the following question: Why was the article
written? or What do we learn from the article? You may express your personal opinion as well.
USEFUL PHRASES FOR SUMMARIES
The article/paper presents/deals with/ focuses on/ examines/ describes/ concentrates on, etc.
The study/research aims to illustrate ['lstrets]/ examines the role of/ explores why/ investigates the effects
of/assesses the impact ofon/ outlines how.. /examines the relationship between A and B/ draws attention
to/ provides an analysis and evaluation of , etc.
The author/writer/historian, etc. states/claims/argues/criticizes/describes/explains/says/persuades/suggests/
reminds/ helps us understand / creates the impression/ mentions/ points out/ concludes/ offers a two-part
solution, etc.
The researchers state/claim /report, etc.
The purpose/aim of the article is to
The text/article is divided into/consists of/may be divided into.
In the first paragraph, the author.
In the second part of the text, the writer.
Another example may be found in paragraph 3.
The author begins by explaining how ...
Then the author ...
Paragraph 2 focuses on (details).
In the last part/ In his final remark/ statement the author concludes that...
To sum up,
All things considered,
In conclusion,
The article was written to:
educate the reader on.

describe the experiment and its results.

call attention to the problem of.
inform the reader/people of/about
announce the discovery of
stimulate discussion about/on
promote smth.
highlight the idea of/support the idea of
raise awareness of
demystify smth.
let other people know about
provide useful tips on
provide an overview of
show a different perspective on
dispel/scotch a myth that
entertain the reader.
give insights into how
Expressing opinion
As for me,
To my mind,
From my point of view,
As far as I am concerned,
Personally, I think
To be frank/honest, I
In my view/opinion,
To tell you the truth,
Listing points:
Firstly,
Furthermore,/In addition,/Besides,
Finally,/Lastly,
Showing contrast
However,/Nevertheless,
On the other hand,
Despite the fact that,
In spite of the fact that,