How to write a summary

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How to write a summary

• English 124

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Read, Re-Read, Re-Re-Read!

• Spend at least half an hour reading and
  re-reading before writing the summary.

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and then read again.

• Make sure you understand the article before you
  start writing. That doesnt mean you know all the
  words - just the ideas.

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Dont Look!

• Don't look at the article while you are writing
  the summary. Put it away. Write from your head.

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except to check!

• When you start writing, you can look at the
  article to check facts or names

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No Names, Quotations

• But unless they are very important, dont use
  names or quotations

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Learn New Words

• Know the meanings of some of the new words

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but dont use them

• Don't use new words in the summary

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Use simple English

• Use English your 16-year old brother or sister
  could understand. Dont be fancy.

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Change the Order

• You dont have to follow the order of the
  article. Change it if you like.

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Keywords

• Write headings or keywords for each paragraph.

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Use Paragraphs

• Use paragraphs, even in a short summary. Group
  your keywords together to make new paragraphs.
• Dont write one sentence for every paragraph in
  the article. It wont work.

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Synonyms

• Have synonyms for the words you will use most
• employee, worker, candidate, applicant,
  job-seeker, potential employee, interviewee