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General Skills for By: Miss.

Rania Farran

Writing Summary 12th/Sep/2019


A shortened version containing the key points in as few
words as necessary. It tests the students’ ability to form
content points in a clear and concise approach to continue
writing. It emphasizes four basic skills:
• identifying key points of the passage
• articulating in own words
• and sequencing points cohesively
• all within the given word count.

A Summary is …
• Answer directly the question and focus on the relevant
points only. Use as much of the material as it is possible,
however be wary of some parts that are not covered by
the question. Be reminded that points must be taken
from the passage and do not repeat similar points even
if it was made twice.

Content.
• Everything must be directly connected to the passage and
be supported by references to it. As such, adding facts or
opinions are not suggested. This exercise is meant for
summing up, not adding to the original ideas. Content
marks will only be obtained when the right content is
provided.
• Write in own words as far as possible. Although the
message needs to be the same, the wording needs to be
different. It is important that the replaced words must
convey the essence of the point. No need to find
synonyms for technical objects, e.g. solar heaters, and
only change the words when appropriate.

Language
• Lifting few words is acceptable as long as it shows
evidence of understanding and focused on key details. But
avoid over-lengthy lifting and quoting straight from the
passage. Find precise words to use and vary your choices.
• Express the key points clearly, briefly and fluently using
the impersonal and formal tone of writing. There is no
need for introduction and conclusion. Start by using the
wording of the question and make the ending strong.
Moreover, do not include examples, repetition, direct
speech, figurative language, and minor details.

Writing Style
• Organise and sequence point cohesively by connecting
your ideas into a paragraph. Aim to write in complex
sentences rather than simple or compound structures and
make sure that the spelling, punctuation, and grammar
are correct.
• Always write within the word count as this exercise
assesses the ability to write concisely. There are no
penalty marks writing more or less. However, it may be
self-penalising to write more than suggested. Exceeding
the word limit may indicate that the summary is not
structured effectively or the ideas are not expressed
clearly. If there are needed points inside the excess
words, it won’t be marked and would be crossed out.

Word Limit
• On the other hand, writing way too less than the limit may
mean the response does not have sufficient coverage. For
example: of the question requires within 100 to 120
words, but you only provide 80 words, there is a chance
that you do not include sufficient points that are needed.
• Check how many words you write on a line, then you’ll
know approximately how many lines you will need.
Lastly, do not write beyond the lines given, to avoid your
answers not being able to fit into the scanned screen.

Before the exam


• Cambridge International Examination recommends this five-
step process to practise writing summary:
1- Read and underline the relevant material in pencil (so that
Practise you can change your mind easily if needed)
2- Transfer the points into a plan, whilst changing them into
Writing your own words

Summary
3- Group the points logically (using arrows/brackets); put them
in order (using numbers), and decide which ones can be
combined into one sentence
4- Write the summary in one or two paragraphs using complex
sentences
5- Check the summary for accurate expression; adapt the
length and improve if necessary by adding material overlooked
or by removing repetition.
Keep Keep within the specified word limit.

The summary must be based on the text you have read. Keep to the topic at all
Be times.

Aspects for Read the instructions carefully. Do you need to summarise the whole text or just

English as a
Read part of it? Don’t waste time reading unnecessary parts of the text.

Second Identify Identify all the relevant points according to the question. Include all the key facts
relating to the subject of your summary.

Language Connect Connect the ideas using linking words to make a clear paragraph. Practise
connecting phrases to create paragraphs.

summary Use Use accurate language (linking words, conjunctions, sentences which read fluently,
structured paragraphs)

Demonstrate sufficient range of vocabulary to have more chance of getting a


Demonstrate higher mark for language.

Practise synonym (different words that have the same meaning) exercises to help
Practise you use your own words.
Don’t include Don’t include an introduction or conclusion

Don’t copy the wording from the passages – the information needs to be the
Don’t copy same, but the wording needs to be different – Use your own words throughout.

Don’t
Don’t write Don’t write using “I” or “you”

Don’t use Don’t use informal language or slang

Don’t add Don’t add to descriptions using unnecessary adjectives or adverbs.

Don’t repeat similar points. Repeated points will not contribute to extra marks,
Don’t repeat just add more words.

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