Tips on Summarizing!
Few quick tips.
Keep these things in mind when summarizing...
- Use your own words
- Include the main points of the original and keep it brief—you're just going for the original's essence
- Do not include your interpretation/analysis within the summary—make a clear distinction between your thoughts and someone else's
- Vary how you introduce or attribute your sources, like "according to…," or "so-and-so concludes that..." so your readers don't get bored
- Always include a citation
Visual for how the original is compared to your summary...short!
Check the video below for Oprah* and Grog!
Let them give you some examples of summarizing.
*not actually Oprah haha
Oprah and Grog summarizing
Example: Original Text
Buffy, a small, delicate-looking blonde of superhuman strength, relies on Giles not only for adult support and coaching, but also for the research necessary to do that for which the Vampire Slayer has been chosen. In the third season, Giles was officially relieved from his Watcher duties, but he ignores that and continues as Buffy's trainer, confidant, and father-figure.
Summary in a Paper Using a Citation...notice how brief it is.
To help her fulfill her Slayer duties, Buffy can always turn to Giles (DeCandido 44).