Writing a Summary (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Writing a Summary
What is a summary?
A summary is a condensed version of a longer text that focuses only on the most important ideas related to the specific topic mentioned in the question. Think of it as creating a "highlights reel" of the original passage, but in your own words.
When you write a summary for your NSC English exam, you're demonstrating your ability to identify key information, understand the main message, and express these ideas clearly and concisely. This skill is essential not only for your English studies but also for academic work across all subjects.
Writing an effective summary is about distillation - taking a large amount of information and reducing it to its most essential elements while maintaining accuracy and clarity.
Essential features of an effective summary
Understanding what makes a good summary will help you succeed in your exam. Your summary must demonstrate several key characteristics that examiners look for when marking your work.
Focus on main ideas only: Your summary should capture the core concepts that directly relate to the question asked. Avoid including minor details, examples, or background information that doesn't contribute to answering the specific question.
Use your own words: This is crucial for showing your understanding. Rather than copying phrases directly from the passage, rephrase the ideas using different vocabulary and sentence structures whilst maintaining the original meaning.
Include seven clear points: Examiners expect exactly seven distinct, relevant points in your summary. Each point should address the question directly and be clearly distinguishable from the others.
Maintain objectivity: Keep your writing neutral and factual. Don't add your personal opinions, interpretations, or explanations that aren't present in the original text.
Follow the word limit: Pay careful attention to the word count specified in the instructions. Typically, summaries require 80-90 words, and staying within this limit demonstrates your ability to be concise whilst covering all necessary points.
Ensure accuracy: Your summary must be free from grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors, as these can affect your overall mark.
The most common mistakes students make are: copying directly from the passage, including irrelevant details, and exceeding the word limit. Avoid these pitfalls to improve your marks significantly.
Step-by-step approach to exam success
Step 1: Analyse the question thoroughly
Before reading the passage, spend time understanding exactly what the question is asking you to summarise. Look for the specific focus of the summary task, such as "Summarise the writer's suggestions for reducing pollution" or "Summarise the benefits of exercise mentioned in the passage."
Underline key words in the question that will guide your reading. These words tell you what to look for in the passage and help you stay focused on relevant information.
Pay close attention to the format requirements. If the question states "Write a paragraph summarising...", your answer must be written in continuous sentences, not as bullet points or a list.
Step 2: Read strategically for understanding
Your first reading should give you a general understanding of the passage's content and structure. Don't try to identify summary points during this initial read-through; instead, focus on grasping the overall message and tone.
During your second, more careful reading, actively highlight or underline key ideas that relate directly to the question. As you read each paragraph, ask yourself: "Does this section help answer the summary question?" If yes, mark the relevant information.
Remember to ignore examples, background details, and opinions unless they directly contribute to answering the question. Focus only on main points that address the specific topic mentioned in the question.
Reading strategy tip: After each paragraph, pause and consider whether it contains information relevant to your summary question. This helps you stay focused and avoid including unnecessary details.
Step 3: Plan your seven points carefully
Review all the key ideas you've highlighted during your reading. From these, you need to select the seven most important points that directly address the summary question.
Number your chosen points 1-7 to ensure you have exactly the right amount and to check that each point is distinct and relevant. This numbering system also helps you avoid repetition.
Remove any points that are too similar to others you've selected. Each of your seven points should offer unique information that contributes to answering the question.
Planning tip: Write each point as a short, simple sentence. This approach ensures that each sentence makes one clear point, which will help you stay within the word limit and maintain clarity.
Step 4: Draught and refine your response
Now it's time to rewrite your points using your own words. This step is essential for demonstrating your understanding and avoiding plagiarism. Look for synonyms and alternative ways to express the same ideas whilst keeping the original meaning intact.
Avoid copying long phrases directly from the passage. Instead, break down complex ideas into simpler language that shows your comprehension.
Combine similar ideas where appropriate to keep your summary concise and flowing well. However, ensure you don't lose any of your seven key points in the process.
Check your draught for accuracy, fluency, and correct grammar. Your summary should read smoothly whilst maintaining all the essential information from your plan.
Useful phrases for academic summarising:
- "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 introduce points clearly whilst showing that you're summarising rather than giving your own opinions.
Step 5: Create your final version
Write your seven key points neatly in complete sentences, ensuring they flow logically from one to the next. Your summary should read as a coherent paragraph, not as disconnected statements.
Stay within the word limit specified in the question (typically 80-90 words). Count your words carefully and make adjustments if necessary.
Write the exact word count in brackets at the end of your summary. This shows the examiner that you've paid attention to the requirements and stayed within the limit.
Cross out your draught clearly so that only your final version will be marked. This prevents confusion and ensures the examiner marks your best work.
Worked Example: Final Summary Format
After completing your summary, it should look like this:
"The writer explains that regular exercise provides numerous health benefits. According to the text, physical activity strengthens the cardiovascular system and reduces disease risk. The passage suggests that exercise improves mental health by releasing endorphins. It is stated that consistent training builds muscle strength and endurance. The author emphasises that physical activity enhances sleep quality and energy levels. The text indicates that exercise promotes weight management and metabolic health. In summary, the writer concludes that regular physical activity is essential for overall wellbeing." [87 words]
Final quality check
Before submitting your summary, review it using this checklist to ensure you've met all requirements:
Essential Quality Check:
- Content verification: Confirm you have exactly seven points that are all relevant to the question asked
- Language check: Ensure your summary is written in your own words rather than copied phrases from the passage
- Technical accuracy: Check that your writing is clear, correct, and concise, with proper grammar and spelling throughout
- Format compliance: Verify that your summary follows the format specified in the question (usually continuous sentences in paragraph form)
Key Points to Remember:
- A summary captures only the main ideas relevant to the specific question asked
- Include exactly seven clear, distinct points that directly address the topic
- Always write in your own words to demonstrate understanding and avoid copying
- Maintain objectivity by excluding personal opinions or interpretations
- Stay within the specified word limit and include your word count in brackets