Summary writing – cont’d

HELLO, STUDENTS! Now, in this lesson, I am going to take you through the process of summarising a CXC-type extract. Let’s get to it!

Read the extract carefully and list FIVE MAIN points discussed, then, using your own words, write a summary of the article in NOT MORE THAN 120 words. If this limit is exceeded, only the first 120 words of your answer will be read and assessed. Your summary must be in ONE paragraph.

Your answer will be assessed on how well you:

a. Identified the main ideas and opinions in the extract;

b. Organised and expressed these ideas and opinions in your own words;

c. Used appropriate grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.

“People generally take the brain and its functions for granted, especially in the first forty years of life. Even though the brain is considered to be one of the most important organs in the human body, we don’t pay much attention to keeping it fit and healthy. This is an understandable situation, since life usually forces us to be active on many levels in our younger years, but we need to pay more careful attention to brain health, especially in light of the demands of modern life. Generally, when people think about staying fit, they only focus from the neck down. However, the health of your body should also include your brain. A healthy brain plays a critical role in almost everything you do: thinking, feeling, remembering, working, playing, and even sleeping. Improving your brain health can protect you from dementia, increase your memory, and sharpen your concentration.

“There is much that can be done to keep the brain healthy at any stage. Lists widely offered include simple, and even funny things, like brushing your teeth with the unfamiliar hand, or showering in the dark, walking and gardening, all of which are low, or free of, cost. Recommended routines include physical activity, which increases the flow of blood to the brain, maintaining social contacts, having intelligent conversations, and sleeping well.

On the other hand, there is a list of things to avoid. Examples from that list include that you should be careful not to drink to excess, you should not ignore any changes in your physical or mental health, try not to be isolated in your home, and certainly do not entertain the idea that you are too old to take up something new. The most outstanding of all the recommendations is physical activity.

“Physical activity is one of the best ways to promote the growth of new brain cells and keep the brain healthy. Exercise increases levels of brain chemicals that encourage the growth of nerve cells and this explains, to some extent, why aerobic activity enhances memory skills, and why moderately strenuous activity is strongly associated with successful brain ageing. An interesting form of physical activity is dance. Learning a dance can nourish brain cells, which translates to cognitive skills in the real world, and dancing requires twists and turns that strengthen the brain connections.

“There is always the caution attached, that you use common sense when increasing physical activity. Extra care is necessary when you have not exercised for a long time, and it is very important to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting an exercise programme or increasing your activity.

Once you have read the extract, try to establish the following:

■ Main idea: The health of the body is not limited to below the neck, but also includes brain health. A healthy brain is very critical to all our everyday activities.

■ Writer’s purpose: The writer’s purpose is to emphasise that keeping one’s body healthy should also include maintaining a healthy brain. He also provides ways the brain can be kept healthy and things we should avoid.

MAIN POINTS

In order to communicate the central message, the writer discusses several points in the extract. You will notice that each paragraph focuses on different aspects of the brain.

■ Paragraph 1: The brain’s health is not taken seriously although it is critical to all our daily activities. The overall health of the body should not be restricted to below the neck, but should also include the brain.

■ Paragraph 2: Several activities can be engaged in to keep the brain healthy. They can even be simple and inexpensive. There are also things that should be avoided. Physical activity is the most outstanding.

■ Paragraph 3: Engaging in physical activity is a great way to stimulate the development of new brain cells and keep the brain healthy.

■ Paragraph 4: People should take precautions before exercising or doing any physical activity by consulting a medical practitioner.

CXC requires you to list FIVE main points. Select the FIVE most significant points for your list. When you are going to write your summary, ensure the points you listed are a part of it. Please note, your summary should not be limited to the five main points. There are other points that must be included in the summary. You need to be strategic about what you identify as necessary and the information that you know is repetitive and irrelevant.

Below, I am going to list the main points that were covered in the extract.

1. The brain’s roles are not usually taken seriously.

2. The brain is a very vital organ in our body, but people neglect maintaining its health.

3. Special attention must still be paid to brain health, especially if we have a lot to do.

4. The brain plays a huge role in all the activities we engage in.

5. Many things can be done to ensure the brain is kept in a healthy condition.

6. People can engage in activities that are simple and cost-effective.

7. Physical activity, maintaining relationships, sleeping well, and having stimulating conversations are suggested.

8. There are several things, though, that we should not do that may compromise brain health.

9. Physical activity is the most significant of them all, as it facilitates the development of new brain cells and maintains its health.

10. When you are going to engage in physical activity, you must be cautious and ensure you visit a doctor.

Remember, any FIVE can form the list that is required by CXC.

Below, I have provided a sample summary. Read it and note how the content is worded and organised.

SAMPLE SUMMARY

“Although the brain plays an important role in our bodies, its health is often downplayed. However, the brain’s health must be emphasised as well when one thinks of the health of one’s body. Its role is significant in our daily activities and a healthy brain promotes improved memory and focus. There are several ways the brain’s health can be maintained and these include simple activities, as well as particular routines like exercising, socialising and resting. However, one must avoid excessive drinking and neglecting changes to one’s health. Above all, physical activity is the most recommended way to achieve brain health, as it facilitates the development of new brain cells. Before intensifying physical activity, though, be careful, and see a doctor.”

Remember, your summary should be written in one paragraph and the information should flow in a coherent manner. Please read over what we have covered in this lesson and ascertain that you understand what is required when you are to write a summary.

Until next week!