How to Write a Summary

A summary is a shortened version of a passage containing the key points in as few words as necessary. The summary exercise requires the ability to identify the main ideas, express them in one’s own words, and arrange them in a logical sequence, all while adhering to a word limit.

General Skills for Writing Summary

Content. Answer directly the question and focus on the relevant points only. Use as much material as possible; while exercising caution towards any irrelevant details. Take points directly from the passage and avoid repeating similar points, even if they were mentioned twice.

Your summary must be supported by references and directly connected to the passage. Adding facts or opinions is not suggested since this exercise is meant to summarise, not add to the original ideas. You will only obtain content marks when you provide the right content.

Language. Write your summary in your own words as far as possible. Although the message must be the same, the wording must be different. The replaced words must convey the essence of the point. Only change the words when appropriate. Therefore, there is no need to find synonyms for technical objects, e.g., solar heaters.

Lifting a few words is acceptable if it shows evidence of understanding and focuses on key details. But avoid over-lengthy lifting and quoting straight from the passage. Find precise words to use and vary your choices.

Writing Style. Express the key points clearly, succinctly, and fluently using an impersonal and formal writing tone. Connect your ideas into a paragraph to organise and sequence points cohesively. Try to use complex sentences instead of simple or compound structures, and ensure that you use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar.

Avoid any introductions and conclusions, and instead, begin your summary with the exact wording of the question. Then, do not include examples, repetition, direct speech, figurative language, and minor details in your summary. Lastly, ensure that your ending is strong and impactful.

Word Limit. Always write your summary within the word count, as this exercise assesses the ability to write concisely. There are no penalty marks for writing more or less. However, it may be self-penalising to write more than suggested. Going over the word limit implies poor structure or unclear ideas. On the other hand, writing way too less than the limit may mean the response does not have sufficient coverage. For example, if the question requires 200 to 250 words, but you only provide 180 words, there is a chance that you do not include sufficient points.

Before the exam, check how many words you write on a line; then, you’ll know approximately how many lines you will need. Lastly, do not write beyond the lines given to avoid your answers not fitting into the scanned screen.

How to write a summary effectively?

1. Read and underline the relevant material in pencil (so that you can change your mind easily if needed).
2. Then, transfer the points into a plan whilst changing them into your own words.
3. Group the points logically (using arrows/brackets), put them in order (using numbers), and decide which ones can be combined into one sentence.
4. Write the summary in one or two paragraphs using complex sentences.
5. Lastly, check the summary for accurate expression; adapt the length and improve if necessary by adding material overlooked or removing repetition.

Aspects for English First Language Summary

• Keep within the word limit.
• Do not drift away from the passage.
• Show evidence of a clear and concise summary style throughout. Structure your answer, sequence your ideas, and use a wide range of original and appropriate language.
• Try to learn the meanings of common prefixes to guess the meanings of words. Here are some examples:

• Combine simple sentences into complex sentences, using a range of connectives and participles. Above all, avoid using “and”, “but”, and “so”.
• Practising turning passages into news reports; they have a particular style and structure that are different from any other kind of writing.
• Lifting words for more than two points is not credited. Copying a big chunk of text does not show your understanding, just your handwriting!
• Double-check for any grammatical errors and incorrect spellings that affect the accuracy of an idea.

Aspects for English as a Second Language Summary

• Keep within the specified word limit.
• The summary must be based on the text you have read. Keep to the topic at all times.
• Read the instructions carefully – do you need to summarise the whole text or just part of it? Don’t waste time reading unnecessary parts of the text.
• Identify all the relevant points according to the question. Include all the key facts relating to the subject of your summary.
• Connect the ideas using linking words to make a clear paragraph. Practise connecting phrases to create sentences and connecting sentences to create paragraphs.
• Use accurate language (linking words, conjunctions, sentences which read fluently, structured paragraphs)
• Demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to have a higher chance of getting a higher mark for language.
• Practise synonyms (different words that have the same meaning) exercises to help you use your own words.
• Don’t repeat similar points – repeated points will not contribute to extra marks, just add more words.

In 2024, Cambridge IGCSE removed the summary task from its English as a Second Language Reading and Writing paper.

How an A* answer looks like?

Find out in our A* Model Answers. Copy the style and score A*!

Master exam techniques

Come join our A* revision courses that are designed based on proven A* scoring system, move up your level and reach your A*!

* Note: Some relevant info taken from CIE.