Writing an Effective

Summary

A summary is a significant reduction

of the original source.

To write an effective summary, follow these guidelines:

• Determine the main idea of the piece you have read or viewed.

• Write one sentence that captures that main idea.

• As you read or view, note the major areas of evidence that the piece provides.

• Then write one sentence that communicates the gist of each of these major areas.

Avoid these common

problems …

To avoid plagiarizing, do not look at the source while you are composing the summary.

Use whatyou remember from the reading orviewing.

Write the summary in your own words.

After you have written the

summary, you can revisit the

source to confirm facts.

Do not express an opinion about the source. Neither disagree ...

… nor sing its praises.

Do not open the summary with “In this article, it says ...” or “This video is about …”

Stinks!

Use this formula:Specific name of piece + strong action verb +

main idea.

That sounds so much better!

Show me what you can

do!

First Summary Directions• Watch the documentary video “Silicon Prairie:

America’s New Internet Economy• Determine the main idea.• Decide the areas of evidence.• Write a summary of the video in 8 – 10

sentences.• Be sure to follow the format guidelines in your

text!• This summary is due at our next class

meeting.