An Introduction to Summary Writing Just the bare facts, please
A summary is a shortened version of a longer reading. It tells the basic ideas of a nonfictional text or fictional story.
Example
Allison’s blue house is on 123 Sanders Avenue. It has a red, wooden door with a window. Since it is not covered, you can see right through it. From the outside, you will also notice the white trim. The windows are framed with white, colonial shutters. There are also potted flowers hanging on the frame of each window. These plants are perennials, so they bloom each year. However, what really distinguishes it from the other houses on the street is the fenced-in yard. The picket fence protects her 2 dogs from running out into the street.
Short Version: Allison lives on 123 Sanders Avenue in a blue house with a red door. It also has white trim and potted plants outside the windows. However, one of its most distinguishing features is that it is the only house on the block with a fenced-in yard.
Long Version: Allison’s blue house is on 123 Sanders Avenue. It has a red, wooden door with a window. Since it is not covered, you can see right through it. From the outside, you will also notice the white trim. The windows are framed with white, colonial shutters. There are also potted flowers hanging on the frame of each window. These plants are perennials, so they bloom each year. However, what really distinguishes it from the other houses on the street is the fenced-in yard. The picket fence protects her 2 dogs from running out into the street.