Summarize Nonfiction and Fiction
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What you will learn
- 1Summarize a nonfiction passage using key points without copying the original text
- 2Summarize a fiction story by identifying who, what, when, where, why, and how
- 3Distinguish between a summary and a retelling
Mini Lesson
A summary is a short version of a text that includes only the most important ideas. A good summary does not copy the original — it uses your own words to capture the key points. Summarizing nonfiction and fiction requires slightly different skills.
Summarizing Nonfiction
- Find the main idea of each section or paragraph.
- Note the most important supporting facts — skip minor details.
- Restate the ideas in your own words, in a shorter form.
- Check: does your summary cover the key points without copying?
Summarizing Fiction
- Identify: WHO (characters), WHAT (main problem/events), WHEN and WHERE (setting).
- Include WHY the events happen and HOW the problem is resolved.
- Focus on major plot points — leave out small scenes and descriptions.
- Keep the summary in order: beginning, middle, end.
Words to know
Summary
A short version of a text, written in your own words, with only the key points
e.g. My summary of the chapter was three sentences long.
Retelling
A detailed account of events in a text, often following every scene
e.g. She retold the whole story from start to finish.
Key point
The most important idea or event in a section of text
e.g. The key point of the article was that rainforests produce oxygen.
Paraphrase
To restate a text in your own words without changing the meaning
e.g. He paraphrased the scientist's findings in simple language.
A summary is NOT a retelling. A retelling goes through every event in detail. A summary covers only the most important points in a few sentences.
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