Writing a Summary Revision Notes for Grade 11 NSC Matric English HL

Writing a Summary

What is a summary?

A summary is a condensed version of a longer text that includes only the most important information relevant to the specific topic mentioned in the question. Think of it as extracting the essence of a passage whilst leaving out unnecessary details, examples, and extra explanations.

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When writing a summary, you're not retelling the entire story or passage. Instead, you're identifying and presenting only the key points that directly answer the question being asked.

Characteristics of a good summary

When you write a summary for your NSC exam, you need to ensure it meets specific criteria. A well-written summary should demonstrate that you can identify key information and express it clearly and concisely.

Key requirements:

Include seven clear, relevant points - Your summary must contain exactly seven distinct points that directly relate to the question topic. Each point should address the specific focus given in the instructions.
Use your own words - Avoid copying phrases directly from the original text. Instead, rephrase the ideas to show you understand the content. This is called paraphrasing.
Maintain accuracy - Your summary must contain no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Proofread carefully before submitting your work.
Stay objective - Do not add your personal opinions, feelings, or additional explanations. Simply present the writer's ideas as they appear in the text.
Follow the word limit - Summary questions specify a word count (typically 80-90 words). Staying within this limit is essential. Write the exact word count in brackets at the end.

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The seven-point requirement is non-negotiable. Writing fewer than seven points or more than seven points will result in lost marks, even if your summary is otherwise excellent.

Steps to writing a summary in the exam

Step 1: Read the question carefully

Before you start reading the passage, make sure you fully understand what the question is asking you to do. This will guide your entire approach to the task.

What to do:

Identify the focus - Look for the specific topic 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 only for suggestions about reducing pollution, not general information about pollution.
Underline key words - Circle or underline important words in the question. These words will help you stay focused whilst reading the passage.
Follow every instruction - Pay attention to how you must write your answer. Some questions ask for a paragraph written in continuous sentences, whilst others might have different requirements.

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Common Mistake to Avoid:

If the question states "Write a paragraph summarising...", you must write in full, connected sentences. Do not use bullet points or numbered lists, as this will cost you marks.

Step 2: Read the passage

Once you understand the question, turn your attention to the text itself. You'll need to read it more than once to fully grasp the content.

Reading strategy:

First reading - Read the entire text once to get an overall understanding of what it's about. Don't worry about identifying points yet.
Second reading - Read the passage again more carefully, this time highlighting or underlining key ideas that relate directly to the question. Use your pen to mark important information as you go.
Focus on main points - Ignore examples, background details, descriptive language, and the writer's opinions. Look only for the core ideas that answer the question.

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Strategy for Success:

After reading each paragraph, pause and ask yourself: "Does this part help to answer the question?" If yes, underline or make a note of the idea. If no, move on to the next paragraph.

Step 3: Plan your summary

Planning is crucial for producing a well-organised summary. Don't skip this step, even if you're short on time.

Planning process:

Review your underlined ideas - Look at all the key points you marked whilst reading.
Select seven points - Choose the seven most important ideas that directly address the question. These should be the points that best answer what the question asks.
Number your points 1-7 - This helps you check that each point is distinct and different from the others. If two points seem similar, choose the stronger one and find a different seventh point.
Remove repetition - Make sure you haven't included the same idea twice. Each of your seven points should add new information.

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Writing Tip:

Use short, simple sentences when writing your summary. Each sentence should communicate one clear point. This makes your summary easier to understand and helps you stay within the word limit.

Step 4: Write and edit your draft

Now it's time to write your first version. This is your opportunity to shape your ideas into a coherent paragraph.

Writing guidelines:

Rewrite in your own words - Take the points you've identified and express them using different vocabulary and sentence structures. This demonstrates your understanding.
Avoid copying - Do not lift long phrases directly from the passage. If you find yourself using more than two or three words in a row from the text, rephrase the idea.
Combine ideas - Where appropriate, combine similar concepts to keep your summary concise and to stay within the word limit.
Check your work - Review your draft for accuracy, fluency, and correct grammar. Make sure your sentences flow well and make sense.

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Useful phrases for summarising:

These sentence starters can help you introduce ideas in your own words:

"The writer explains that..."
"According to the text..."
"The passage suggests that..."
"It is stated that..."
"In summary, the author emphasises..."

Using these phrases shows you're reporting what the text says rather than adding your own ideas.

Step 5: Write the final version

Your final version should be neat, accurate, and properly formatted.

Final writing checklist:

Write seven key points - Present your seven points clearly in complete sentences.
Stay within the word limit - Keep to the specified word count (for example, 80-90 words). Count carefully.
Include the word count - Write the exact number of words in brackets at the end of your summary, like this: (85 words)
Cross out your draft - Draw a clear line through your planning and draft work so the examiner knows which version to mark.

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Final Quality Check:

Before you finish, verify that your summary includes:

✓ Seven points only (no more, no fewer)

✓ All points are relevant to the question

✓ Everything is written in your own words

✓ The writing is clear, correct, and concise

✓ You're within the word limit

✓ Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are accurate

Remember!

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Key Points to Remember:

A summary captures only the main ideas from a text, focusing specifically on what the question asks.
Your summary must include exactly seven clear, relevant points written in your own words.
Always read the question carefully to identify what you need to summarise before reading the passage.
Avoid copying phrases from the text - rephrase ideas to show your understanding.
Stay objective (no personal opinions), stay within the word limit, and ensure your work is grammatically correct.

Writing a Summary (Grade 11 NSC Matric English HL): Revision Notes