Writing a Summary (Grade 11 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Writing a Summary
What is a summary?
A summary is a condensed version of a text that includes only the most important ideas that relate to the specific topic mentioned in the question. Think of it as taking a long piece of writing and reducing it to its essential points.
Key features of an effective summary
A well-written summary should have the following characteristics:
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Seven clear, relevant points: Your summary must contain exactly seven distinct points that directly address the topic. Each point should be specific and focused on the question.
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Written in your own words: Paraphrase the information from the text as much as possible. Avoid copying phrases directly from the passage.
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No language errors: Your summary must be free from grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and punctuation problems. Errors can cost you marks.
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Objective tone: Present information factually without adding your personal opinions, interpretations, or explanations. Simply state what the text says.
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Within the word limit: Follow the specified word count requirement carefully. Common limits are 80-90 words, but always check the question instructions.
Each of these features is equally important. Missing any one of them can significantly affect your mark. Pay special attention to maintaining objectivity and using your own words throughout.
Steps to writing a summary in the exam
Step 1: Read the question carefully
Before you begin reading the passage, you need to understand exactly what the question is asking you to do.
Identify the focus: Work out what specific aspect of the text you need to summarise. For example, the question might ask you to "Summarise the writer's suggestions for reducing pollution." This tells you to look specifically for suggestions about pollution reduction, not general information about pollution.
Underline key words: Circle or underline important words in the question that will guide your reading. These words show you what to focus on in the passage.
Follow the instructions: Pay close attention to how the question wants you to present your answer. Some questions require continuous sentences in paragraph form, while others might have different requirements.
Exam tip: If the question states "Write a paragraph summarising...", you must write your answer in continuous sentences, not as bullet points. The format matters!
Step 2: Read the passage
Now you're ready to read the text itself. This step requires two readings with different purposes.
First reading: Read through the entire text once to gain an overall understanding of what it's about. Don't make notes yet—just get familiar with the content.
Second reading: Read the text again more carefully, this time highlighting or underlining key ideas that relate directly to the question. Look for the main points that answer what the question is asking.
Focus on main points: As you read, ignore examples, background details, and opinions. Your summary should only include the main points or core ideas. Supporting details and elaborations are not needed.
Strategy for each paragraph: After reading each paragraph, ask yourself: "Does this part help to answer the question?" If yes, underline or make a note of the main idea. If no, move on to the next paragraph.
Step 3: Plan your summary
Planning is essential to ensure your summary is well-organised and includes the right number of points.
Review your underlined ideas: Look back at all the key ideas you identified during your second reading.
Select seven points: Choose the seven most important points that directly address the question. These should be the strongest, clearest ideas that answer what the question asks.
Number your points: Label them 1-7 to ensure each one is distinct and relevant. This helps you check that you have exactly seven separate points.
Remove repetition: If you find that two or more points are saying similar things, combine them into one point or eliminate the weaker one. Each of your seven points must be different from the others.
Exam tip: Use short, simple sentences when writing your summary. Each sentence should make one clear point. This makes your summary easier to read and ensures each point is distinct.
Step 4: Write and edit your draft
Now you're ready to write a first version of your summary.
Use your own words: Rewrite the seven points using your own phrasing. This demonstrates your understanding and avoids plagiarism.
Avoid copying: Do not copy long phrases directly from the passage. Paraphrase the information instead.
Combine ideas: If appropriate, combine similar ideas to keep your summary concise and within the word limit.
Check accuracy: Ensure your summary accurately represents what the text says. Also check that your writing flows well and that your grammar is correct.
Useful phrases for summarising
These sentence starters can help you introduce points in your summary:
- "The writer explains that..."
- "According to the text..."
- "The passage suggests that..."
- "It is stated that..."
- "In summary, the author emphasises..."
These phrases help you present information objectively and show you're summarising someone else's ideas.
Step 5: Write the final version
The final step is to produce a neat, polished version of your summary.
Write seven key points: Present your seven main points in complete, well-constructed sentences. Ensure each sentence is clear and grammatically correct.
Stay within the word limit: Keep your summary within the specified word count. For example, if the limit is 80-90 words, don't exceed 90 words.
Include your word count: Write the exact number of words in brackets at the end of your summary. For example: (87 words).
Cross out your draft: Draw a clear line through your rough draft so that only your final version is marked by the examiner.
Final checklist: Before submitting your work, verify that your summary has:
- Seven points only
- All points relevant to the question
- Written in your own words
- Clear, correct, and concise language
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- A summary must contain exactly seven clear, relevant points that address the question directly.
- Always write in your own words—avoid copying phrases from the passage.
- Keep your summary objective—no personal opinions or extra explanations.
- Follow the word limit carefully and include your word count in brackets at the end.
- Use the five-step process: Read the question, read the passage, plan your points, write a draft, and produce your final version with the draft crossed out.