Skip to main content  Print version   Summarizing is giving the
gist of a chosen passage or work in your own words. An effective
summary communicates the main points in a selection but is
significantly shorter than the original.   Summarization is a
valuable tool for academic and professional writing and can be
used for many purposes:    • To convey a general idea   • To
present only necessary information   • To set up quoted material
• To provide support or add credibility   • To establish
background   • To offer an overview of a topic   Effective
summaries use concise, coherent sentences to communicate the key
information of a passage. Writing a summary involves deleting
extraneous material, highlighting key points, synthesizing
overall meaning, and condensing primary ideas. Remember: a
summary must remain faithful to the original source’s meaning
and emphasis. Avoid giving your own opinions. Instead, maintain
a neutral tone as you convey the view expressed in the original.
Steps to Summarize    1. Read