When you write a summary you restate the content in a way that brings out the most important information and also engages the reader.
Summary of a story – You must include in just 100 words 5 key things: a hook to engage the reader (e.g., if you like dogs, you must read this story), then describe the setting (time and place), the characters (who they are, their personalities and appearance), the plot (problem, action, solution), and finish withย a theme from the story (e.g., this story showed that if you try hard, you canย succeed)
Summary of an article – you must include in just 100 words 4 key things: a hook at the start (e.g., here are some tips for owning a dog), 3-5 sub-headings (e.g., kinds of dogs, caring and feeding, hearing and sight, enemies, keep on a leash), an engaging conclusion (I hope this has helped you know more about dogs).
Final point – Be sure to give a title for your summaries – it is easy to forget this, but very important to catch the attention of the reader.
Try this planner for writing a story summary:
Further reading
Nicholson, T. & Dymock, S. (2018). Writing for impact: Teaching students how to write with a plan and spell well. Wellington: NZCER Press.