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Writing Summaries

A Guide for Writing Summaries of a Text, Videos, or Lectures

A SUMMARY is a short explanation of the MAIN IDEAS in a text.

  • Can become the introduction of your essays.
  • Requires careful reading.
  • Will illustrate your comprehension of the text.

A Good SUMMARY answers the question, "What was the essay, article, lecture, story, article, reading or video about?"