Summarize Paragraphs
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What you will learn
- 1Explain what a summary is and how it differs from a retelling
- 2Identify the key information needed to summarize a paragraph
- 3Write a one- or two-sentence summary of a paragraph in your own words
Mini Lesson
A summary is a short statement of the most important ideas in a text — in your own words. A good summary leaves out small details and keeps only what is essential to understanding the passage.
Summary vs Retelling
- A retelling repeats everything that happened — every detail, in order.
- A summary picks out only the most important ideas and states them briefly.
- A summary is always shorter than the original text.
- A summary is written in your own words, not copied from the text.
What to Include in a Summary
- The main idea — what is the paragraph mostly about?
- One or two key supporting details that are essential to understanding the main idea.
- Leave out examples, repetition, and minor facts that do not change the meaning.
Steps to Write a Summary
- Read the paragraph carefully.
- Identify the main idea (what is it mostly about?).
- Pick one or two key details that best support the main idea.
- Write one or two sentences combining the main idea and key details — in your own words.
- Check: is your summary shorter than the original? Does it make sense on its own?
Words to know
Summary
A short statement of the most important points of a text, in your own words
e.g. Her summary of the chapter was just two sentences long.
Retelling
A longer re-statement of what happened, usually including all the details
e.g. His retelling of the story took five minutes.
Essential
Absolutely necessary; cannot be left out without losing the meaning
e.g. The date of the discovery is essential information.
Paraphrase
To restate something in different words while keeping the same meaning
e.g. She paraphrased the main point rather than copying the sentence.
A useful test: if a friend had not read the paragraph, would your summary give them the essential idea? If yes, it is a good summary. If they would be confused, add one more key detail.
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