What You Need to Know

Key Concept Diagram

A summary includes only the main ideas, not every detail

Good summaries are written in your own words, not copied from the text

For narrative texts, summarise the key events using beginning, middle, and end

For informational texts, identify the topic, main points, and conclusion

Key Vocabulary

Summary

A short retelling of the most important ideas or events in a text

Main idea

The most important point or message in a paragraph or whole text

Paraphrase

To restate information in your own words while keeping the meaning the same

Key detail

An important piece of information that supports the main idea

Knowledge Check

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

What is the main purpose of a summary?

To retell the most important ideas in your own words To include every detail from the text To copy the text word for word To add your own opinion about the text

Question 2

Which of these belongs in a summary of a story?

The colour of the main character's hair The main problem the character faces Every line of dialogue The page numbers

Question 3

When summarising an information text, you should:

Write down every fact you find Only include your own opinion Identify the topic and the most important points Ignore the conclusion

Summarising a Text