Summary writing

HELLO, STUDENTS! This week’s lesson will focus on a topic that has proven to be challenging to some students. CXC’s annual reports have revealed that students are not fulfilling the requirements of this section as they should. Students have been noted to do at least one of the following when they seek to produce a summary:

■ Changing the meaning or ideas expressed in the assigned passage.

■ Lifting sentences from the passage (No attempt at paraphrasing is seen.).

■ Writing a few paragraphs expressing their views on the passage’s topic.

■ Producing a summary that is poorly organised and confusing to read.

Avoid these areas of concern at all cost!

Students will be considered to have produced an effective summary if it:

■ Identifies the main points.

■ Organises the information in the prescribed word limit.

■ Shows the candidate’s ability to use language.

It is important to remind you that summary writing is a life skill; it is not only required for examination purposes. Summary is used every day in our conversations, minutes, notices at church, news reports and movie reviews.

As a reminder, here is a definition of a summary:

Definition: A summary is a shortened version of a longer text. It omits irrelevant details. like examples, quotes, redundancy and opinions. Its main purpose is to capture the main points of what has been communicated.

According to the CSEC English A syllabus, summary writing involves two main processes: information gathering (reading, identifying, choosing and interpreting what is relevant) and information giving (synthesizing, organising and writing). It is critical that you are guided by these processes as you engage in summary writing.

SUMMARY SKILLS

■ Selection – You should be able to select the appropriate points.

■ Condensation – You should be able to condense or express the main points in a concise manner.

■ Reorganisation – You should be able to organise the points you have chosen in a coherent manner so that they flow as if they are a unit and not pieced together randomly.

■ Paraphrasing - You should be able to use your own words without changing the meaning of the original passage.

If you are to be competent in summary writing, your ability to read and comprehend information cannot be stated enough. This ability is largely determined by the vocabulary at your disposal and your willingness to pay attention to the content of the extract you are given to summarise. You will not be able to summarise a passage you don’t understand, so be vigilant about upgrading your vocabulary, knowledge of a variety of topics, and your awareness of how writing is organised.

Allow me to expand on how writing is organised. Now, we have established in previous lessons that there are different styles of writing. Each style has specific features that are unique to it. Typically, the passages you get to summarise are either persuasive or expository in nature. This means that each paragraph will address a specific aspect of the passage’s central idea. For example, a passage might be about salt and as you read, you notice that each paragraph tackles a different side of the topic. At the end of reading, you might notice that the passage might focus on these areas of salt: its formation, varieties, and uses over the years. Each area would be a main point. Highlight it. Be on the lookout for organisational patterns such as: causes and effects, or problems and solutions.

When you are presented with a summary, follow these recommended steps:

■ Read the instructions carefully.

■ Read the passage once to get its general meaning and purpose.

■ Read the passage a second time and underline the main points that are connected to the overall message or theme of the passage. The areas that you have underlined should be included in your summary – in a paraphrased form.

■ Write FIVE main points as instructed by CXC. These must be included in your summary, along with others you may have identified.

■ Write a draft summary in the box provided by CXC.

■ Write the final summary in one paragraph using your own words. You will be penalised if you change the meaning of the given passage or use a number of sentences verbatim.

■ As you write, ensure that your sentences are properly constructed and the ideas flow smoothly and coherently.

■ Proofread what you have written to ensure you have done all you intended to do.

Below I have shared a simple passage for you to examine. Read it and look at the questions and answers that follow.

“As drivers, we have a responsibility on the road to ourselves, our loved ones and to other drivers. Responsibility here involves a few things. It means that we must be careful on the road. We must look out for other drivers, especially people in smaller vehicles, and pedestrians. We must think of others and not be so selfish as to expect to get our way all the time. Give way once in a while, be courteous and you will find driving a more pleasant experience.

“It is also our responsibility to ensure that our vehicles are in tip-top condition. This is to make sure that our vehicles do not break down or cause accidents. Therefore, service your vehicles regularly, at least once in every six months. While driving on the road, keep to the speed limit all the time, not only when we suspect there is a speed trap ahead.

It is also the duty of the police to organise road-safety campaigns to educate and raise awareness among road users about the dangers of inconsiderate driving. Drivers who are caught breaking traffic rules should be punished or fined severely. Right now, the punishment imposed is not enough to prevent drivers from repeating the offence or to scare off potential selfish drivers.”

1. What is the passage about?

Answer: The passage is about the roles drivers and the police have to play in ensuring that the roads are safe for driving and even walking.

2. What is the writer’s purpose?

Answer: The writer’s purpose is to provide ways drivers and the police can make sure the roads and safe for drivers and other road users.

3. What are the main points in the passage?

Answer:

a. Drivers must be careful, considerate and courteous towards other road users.

b. Drivers should keep their vehicles in road-ready conditions.

c. The police must be vigilant in teaching road users about the consequences of reckless driving.

d. Drivers who are caught breaking traffic rules must face extreme repercussions.

Here is information from the passage that would be considered examples:

■ Servicing your vehicle regularly.

■ Keeping the speed limit at all times.

■ Expecting to get our way all the time.

Writing an effective summary requires you to be keen on distinguishing between what is relevant and what is irrelevant.

We will continue looking at summary writing next week.

“Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pocket.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger