Writing a summary is an important skill for students, professionals, and English learners. Whether you’re reading an article, a story, or a report, knowing how to write a good summary helps you understand the main ideas and communicate them clearly.
In this blog post, you’ll learn how to write a summary in one paragraph using your own words. Let’s take a look at the key steps!
What is a Summary?
A summary is a short paragraph that tells the most important information from a longer text. It does not include your personal opinion. You only write what the author said in the original text.
How to Write a Summary: Step by Step
Here are some important tips to help you write a strong summary:
1. Keep It Short
Your summary should be about ¼ of a page. Usually, one paragraph is enough. Don’t try to include everything—just the main points.
2. Use Your Own Words
Don’t copy the text. Try to explain the ideas in your own way, using vocabulary and grammar you know. This shows you really understand the text.
3. Mention the Title and Author
Always start your summary by saying the title of the text and the author’s name. Also, mention the main topic of the text.
Example: In the article “The Importance of Sleep” by Dr. Sarah Jones, the author explains why getting enough sleep is essential for good health.
4. Focus on the Main Points
Think about what the author is trying to say. Write down the main ideas and the most important supporting details or examples for each one.
Example: She explains that sleep helps the brain function properly, and gives the example of how students do better in school when they sleep well.
5. Don’t Add Your Opinion
Your summary should only include information from the original text. Don’t write what you think about it—just report what the author said.
Example Summary
Here’s an example of a good summary:
In the article “How Music Affects the Brain” by Emily Chen, the author discusses the positive effects of music on mental health. She explains that music can reduce stress and improve focus. One study showed that students who listened to classical music while studying felt calmer. The article also mentions that playing an instrument can help develop memory and concentration skills. Overall, the article highlights the benefits of music for emotional and mental well-being.
Final Tip
When you finish writing your summary, read it again. Ask yourself:
- Did I mention the title and author?
- Did I include the main topic?
- Are the main points clear?
- Did I avoid giving my opinion?
If you can answer “yes” to all these questions, you’ve written a great summary!
Let’s Practice!
Have you tried writing a summary in English before? Try choosing a short article and follow these steps. Then, share your summary in the comments!
And remember—if you want help writing summaries or improving your English writing skills, I offer private online English classes to help you grow. Contact me to learn more!