How To Write a Summary in 8 Steps (With Examples)

Updated July 31, 2023

A person sitting at a desk writes with a pen.

Being able to explain the main points of a document or article without reading its entirety can be useful, whether for a professional project or a personal hobby. A summary serves the purpose of offering a concise explanation of a text, which can help you communicate the most important aspects of a particular text to other people. If you want to restate important ideas from a presentation or text, learning more about summaries may benefit you.In this article, we explain what a summary is, including its common elements, detail how to write one and provide examples of two summaries you can use as reference.

What is a summary?

A summary is a shorter version of an original text that outlines the main points in a specific structure. The length of your summary usually depends on the length of the original text. Longer articles or proposals may require longer summaries to address all the ideas, while short texts may have only one paragraph. There are four common elements to include when creating a summary, which includes the following:

Introductory sentence: An introductory sentence for a summary often states the author and the text's title.
Main points of the original text: This restates the main points the author conveyed.
Supporting arguments: Here, you list the arguments that support the author's thesis or main idea.
Final point: Conclude your summary with the final point from the author.

How to write a summary

Here are steps you can follow to help you write more effective summaries:

1. Read the text thoroughly

Read the text several times to ensure you understand everything about the author's message. On the first read, focus simply on reading instead of pausing to take notes. Try to identify the purpose, the supporting argument and any additional details. When you read the text the second time, you can make comments in a notebook or in the margins of the text if you have a physical copy.Related: How To Improve Your Reading Skills

2. Take notes to identify the main idea

Write the main points, themes or thesis you recognize in the text. To identify this concept, try to determine the tone and category of the text. For example, it may be a literary essay or a scientific article. Next, try to find any repetitions in the text. If the author repeats some specific arguments throughout the text, it means they likely are essential. Reading the title and determining the publication place and date can help you learn more about the intended audience.Related: 5 Ways To Improve Your Cognitive Abilities

3. Identify the main arguments

Reread the text more carefully to find elements that support those main points. For example, you can look for repetitions, details referring to the title or descriptions of characters. Here are tips for identifying important arguments in an article:

Print a paper copy or use a digital version that allows you to take notes.
Look for the sentence that tells the main concept in each paragraph and underline it.
After you finish reading the entire article, read the topic sentences you underlined.

4. Prepare your draft

Rephrase those sentences on the side of the page or in your notebook. When you note these elements, consider writing them in your own words and leave out any unimportant details. Write down the author's first and last name and the title of the article for later reference.Related: 14 Tips for Becoming a Better Writer

5. Write the summary

You can start your summary with the author's name and the title of the text. For example, you can use some variation of, "According to Martin Somers in 'The Child and the Wolf,'" to introduce your text. Then, include the thesis of the author in your first sentence. Ideally, your first sentence summarizes the text, while the rest of your summary restates the main concepts that support the thesis. It’s essential to use your own words and paraphrase these ideas. Try to make your summary as concise as possible by avoiding examples of unrelated facts.Related: How To Write an Analysis (With Examples and Tips)

6. Quote the author

Quoting a specific passage from the author may be one of the best ways to explain their main point. If the author has a credential, such as a position of power or a relevant award, you can mention it to help demonstrate the authority of the text. For example, you can say something like, "In his lecture about inflation, Polders, a professor in economics at the Southern University," to introduce the author and make the claim that comes next to sound more reputable.Related: How To Paraphrase Without Plagiarizing (With Importance and Tips)

7. Conclude the summary

Restate the author's conclusion or last main point to end your summary. Even though a summary is a short text, restating the most important part can help ensure your audience understands what you’re trying to convey. If this summary is for a professional presentation, consider listing the most important piece of data in the summary to help the audience remember it.Related: How To Write a Conclusion (With Tips and Examples)

8. Correct and refine

Once you complete your summary, consider reading it out loud and make any necessary corrections. Delete any repetition, and try to transition words when necessary to help every sentence flow to the next. Also, check your grammar and spelling to ensure your summary doesn’t have errors. You can have a friend or colleague read your summary to help notice any corrections you may have missed.Related: Copyediting vs. Proofreading (Definitions, Differences and Similarities)

Examples of a summary

Here are two examples that can help you craft your own summary:

Example 1

"In 'The Global Warming Threat,' Mark Thunen, a professor at the Central University of Norway, claims global warming is becoming a severe issue. Thunen supports this view by pointing out that natural disasters, like floods and wildfires, have become more frequent and disastrous than before. He notes that the statistics from meteorological institutes and scientific evidence support his claim. In conclusion, Thunen points out that it’s time for humans to take action."

Example 2

"According to Natasha Benton in her article 'Teens and Social Media,' social media could be the source of lower self-esteem and anxiety. Benton, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Disconnect,' uses evidence from a recent survey conducted by the English mental health institute to support her case. She suggests that teens spending extended time on social media platforms are more subject to depression. In addition, Benton invites parents to reduce their children's screen time and expose them to real social interactions."

Frequently asked questions

What point of view should you use in a summary?

It's most appropriate to write your summary in the third-person point of view. By writing in the third-person perspective, you can adopt a more objective and professional tone. This perspective also allows you to present information without personal bias or subjective opinions, which fosters a sense of neutrality. This approach is common in formal writing and for writing summaries within various contexts, including resumes, academic papers, and business reports.

How do you make a summary more engaging?

You can make your summary more engaging by highlighting the most important and intriguing aspects. Be sure to use clear and concise language, incorporate vivid details and share relevant examples. It's also important to structure your summary to create a compelling narrative flow. Additionally, consider the audience's interests and tailor the summary to resonate with their needs and expectations.

What skills are essential to write a summary?

Essential skills for writing a summary include strong reading comprehension to grasp key points, effective paraphrasing to condense information, and the ability to identify and prioritize essential details. In addition, your critical thinking skills are essential to disseminate complex ideas into an understandable and accessible narrative.