SUMMARY
As you highlight ideas in the text, annotate on the side, in
your own words, the exact point that is being made.
You need 9-10 relevant points for a well written summary.
You must use your own words– your own understanding. Just
be very careful not to change the meaning of the original
ideas.
Group similar ideas and write them close together in your
summary. This will greatly help in the coherence of your
summary.
Use connectives to link ideas together.
To build ideas use, Firstly, secondly, Moreover, in addition,
furthermore, also etc.
To contrast use however, in contrast, unfortunately, on the
other hand.
Write your summary in a single paragraph. For summaries
with two strands, you can divide your work into two
paragraphs.
Stick to the word limit. Writing beyond 120 words is not
recommended.
As you write your summary, begin with a topic sentence that
answers at least one of the relevant points.
Avoid simple sentences. Maximize on using compound and
complex sentences.
DON’T explain each point. Some ideas will need to be
combined together for them to explain each other. ONLY
elaborate points that need elaboration.
DON’T use first person pronouns. You should be impersonal.
DON’T write include examples and descriptions.
DON’T mix tenses. Stick to one, based on what the question
requires.
DON’T use figurative language like imagery, rule of three,
repetition etc. Stick to factual language and clearly organised
sentences.