!

WRITING A
SUCCESFULL
SUMMARY
Source:
Academic Writing for
Graduate Students,
John M. Swales & Christine B. Feak
WHY DO WE MAKE A
SUMMARY?
! EXAMINATION
! CLASS DISCUSSION
! RESEARCH PAPER
! A THESIS
! A DISSERTATION
! ETC.
PRINCIPAL
REQUIREMENTS
! It should be focused on the relevant aspects of the source
text or texts. There may be no need to take information from
every section or paragraph of the source texts.
! It should present the source material in an accurate fashion.
! It should condense the source material and be presented in
the summary writers own words.
Read the Source Text
(Skimming and Scanning)
! .
can be find (usually) in the last paragraph
can be find (usually) in the first sentence.
can be find (usually) in the first paragraph.
PRELIMINARY STEPS
IN WRITING A SUMMARY
! Skim the text, noting in your mind the subheadings. If there are
no subheadings, try to divide the text into sections.
! Consider why you have been assigned the text. Determine what
type of text you are dealing with, that is, the genre of the source
text (e.g., a research paper) or perhaps the organization (problem-
solution or general-specific). This can help you identify important
information and focus your reading strategies.
! Read the text, highlighting important information or taking notes.
PRELIMINARY STEPS
IN WRITING A SUMMARY
! In your own words, write down the main points of each
section. Try to write a one-sentence summary of each
section.
! Write down the key support points of the main topic, but
include minor detail only if necessary.
! Go through the process again, making changes as
appropriate.
PARAPHRASE
! A restatement (in your own words) of the ideas of the
original.
! Restating of something in other, especially simpler, words.
! The most commons strategy used to accomplish this
involves replacing words in the source with synonyms and
perhaps changing the grammar.
PARAPHRASE
Guidelines to Paraphrase
! Always try to use your own words, except for technical terms.
! Include enough support and detail so that the presentation is clear.
! Do not try to paraphrase specialized vocabulary or technical
terms.
! Focus on the content of the original.
! Make sure the summary reads smoothly. Use enough transition
devices and supporting detail. You do not want a collection
sentences that do not flow.
PLAGIARISM
! A deliberate activity, as the conscious copying from the
work of other.
! Reasons: the writer is an original, individual, creative artists
original ideas and expressions are the acknowledged
property of their creators plagiarism is a sign of disrespect,
to copy without acknowledgment from the works of
published authorities.
Identifying the Source in the
Summary
! According to Kenneth Waltz (2004), theory is different than reality,
even though they are related and theory is used to explain or to
predict phenomena which occur in the real world.
! Robert Jervis (2008) proposes an alternative study of international
relations which focuses on the international system and patterns
of interaction among international actors.
! Aristotle (1970) states that positive law, the law which is created by
humans, is a human interpretation of natural law, from universal
law principles of morality.
Reporting Verbs
! Huntingtons 2010 paper on civilization discusses ..
! Easton (1980) states/claims/argues/maintains that

! Rousseau (1960) suggests/asserts/hypothesizes/concludes that
..
! In Almond and Verbas book The Civic Culture (1980),
..
Re-identifying the Sources
! The author goes on to say that
! The article further states/argues that ..
! (Authors surname) also states/maintains/argues/believes that
..
! (Authors surname) concludes that .
! Some of the following sentence connectors which are usually used
in introducing additional information: additionally, also, further,
in addition to, furthermore, moreover.
Exercise
! General authorities are particularly powerful in providing
normative knowledge. It can be extremely difficult to decide how
to judge political issues, and in such cases, it can be helpful to find
a widely accepted authority for guidance. For example, consider
the question, What is the role of women in a countrys politics?
While some people see this as a straightforward question of fact,
others view it as a normative question about what the role of
women should be. In some societies, there is disagreement about
this question, and many look to an authority source to provide the
answer. (from Politics, Danziger).