| Characteristics of a summary
The purpose of a summary is to give a reader a condensed and objective
account of the main ideas and features of a text. Usually, a summary has
between one and three paragraphs or one hundred to three hundred words,
depending on the length and complexity of the original essay and the intended
audience and purpose.
Typically, a summary will do the following
● Cite the author and title of the text. In some cases, the place of publication
or the context for the essay may also be included.
● Indicate the main ideas of the text. Accurately representing the main ideas
(while omitting the less important details) is the major goal of the summary.
● Use direct quotations of key words, phrases, or sentences. Quote the text
directly for a few key ideas; paraphrase the other important ideas (that is, express
the ideas in your own words).
● Include author tags. (“According to Ehrenreich” or “as Ehrenreich
explains”) to remind the reader that you are summarizing the author and the text,
not giving your own ideas.
● Avoid summarizing specific examples or data unless they help illustrate
the thesis or main idea of the text.
● Report the main ideas as objectively as possible. Do not include your
reactions; save them for your response.
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