How To Summarize a Paragraph

Qualities of a summary:

• Make the summary clear to someone who hasn't seen the material that is being summarized.

• Include the author's main points.

• Paraphrase the author's main points.

• Make the summary objective.

• Don't change the meaning.

Steps to writing a summary:

1. Read to understand and take notes.

2. Identify the author's main points.

3. Write a summary from your notes.

4. Check summary against original.

5. Check for errors.

Paragraph structure:

• Topic sentence states the source information and main idea.

• Supporting sentences state the author's main points in the same order.

• Concluding sentence should give the author's conclusion.

Reporting Verbs and Transitions:

• Use reporting verbs

• Use transitional words and phrases