The Challenge of Summary Writing
A Test of Comprehension
Summary skill is very useful for both TOEFL and IELTS takers. Summary writing is not just about shortening a text. It requires a deep understanding of the main idea and key points. This demands strong reading comprehension and concentration.
When reading English texts, you need to grasp not only the meanings of words but also the context and sentence structures. Complex structures or technical terms can make comprehension more difficult.
Selecting Key Information
After understanding the full text, you must determine which information is essential and which can be omitted. This is a challenging task, as you cannot include everything in your summary. Strong judgment skills are required to extract key points, important facts, and relevant data while eliminating unnecessary details.
Reconstructing in Your Own Words
Once you have selected the key information, the next step is to rephrase it in your own words. This is not just about paraphrasing; it means expressing the original meaning in a new way while maintaining accuracy. This process enhances writing skills and requires logical thinking and clarity in expression.
Keeping It Concise and Clear
A summary must be brief and to the point. Unnecessary information should be removed, and the message should be conveyed clearly. In TOEFL and IELTS exams, you often have limited time, so efficiency is also a key factor.
Tips for Effective Summary Writing
1. Identify the Main Idea
Understanding the overall theme of the text is the first step. Read the passage carefully and grasp its key message. For academic essays or articles, pay attention to the introduction, body, and conclusion to identify the core ideas.
2. Select Key Information
Not all details are necessary for a summary. Focus on the main points, important facts, and statistics. Ask yourself these questions:
What is the main message of the text?
Which details support this message?
Which details are unnecessary?
To enhance clarity, try picking one keyword that represents the core theme of the text.
3. Reconstruct in Your Own Words
Rephrase the selected information without sticking too closely to the original wording. The goal is to convey the same meaning using your own expressions. This is not just about rewording sentences but about presenting the content from a fresh perspective.
4. Keep It Brief and Clear
Your summary should be short and precise. Remove unnecessary details and focus on delivering a clear message. Simplify complex sentences while preserving the core information.
Example of Summary Writing
Original Passage:
"The increasing use of technology in everyday life has had significant impacts on both society and individual behavior. On one hand, technology has made communication easier and more efficient, enabling people to connect with others around the world instantly. On the other hand, it has also led to issues such as decreased face-to-face interactions and increased dependency on digital devices. Overall, while technology offers many benefits, it is essential to be aware of its potential drawbacks."
Step 1: Identify the Main Idea
The rise of technology affects both society and individuals, bringing both benefits and drawbacks.
Step 2: Select Key Information
Growing use of technology
Improved communication efficiency
Decrease in face-to-face interactions
Increased reliance on digital devices
Need to balance advantages and disadvantages
Step 3: Reconstruct in Your Own Words
Growing prevalence of technology
Enhanced communication efficiency
Reduction in in-person interactions
Rising reliance on digital devices
Awareness of technology’s trade-offs
Step 4: Keep It Concise and Clear
"Technology improves global communication and efficiency but reduces face-to-face interactions and increases digital dependency."
How to Practice Summary Writing
Daily News Summaries
Read news articles daily and summarize the key points in a few sentences. This improves information selection and paraphrasing skills.
Creating Reading Notes
Summarize books or articles you read in a notebook. Writing down key points and personal insights helps strengthen summarization skills.
Essay Writing Practice
Practicing essay writing also helps improve summary skills. When structuring an essay, try summarizing its key points before expanding on them.
Conclusion
Summary writing is an essential skill for TOEFL and IELTS, as it tests your comprehension, analytical thinking, and writing ability. To master it, focus on understanding the main idea, selecting key points, rewording content effectively, and keeping your summaries clear and concise.
Incorporate summary writing into your daily study routine and practice regularly. Utilizing mock tests and feedback will further enhance your skills and improve your performance on exams.
By honing your summarization techniques, you can boost your scores and become a more effective communicator in English.
Author: Manami Palmini 
Past Support Experience
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