Summarising and
Reporting
Writing a summary
Selecting the points
Whether you have to write a summary or précis for an exam
or whether you need to summarise a report for convenience,
it is essential that you first thoroughly understand the mean-
ing of the passage. Jot down the main points – using your
own words. It is then a good idea to put away the original
material and write the piece in your own words.
Sometimes you might be asked to summarise a piece using a
certain number of words. Often the length required is a third
of the original passage. Make sure you are within a word or
two of the number required. Summarising is an excellent
way of training yourself to write concisely. There is no room
for any unnecessary words.Adjectivesandadverbsshould
be deleted. So should any examples or illustrations. Save
those for use in a longer report.
The final summary should be a competent piece of prose in
your own words. It should read well and should follow all the
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