Summaries

Writing summaries of class topics can be helpful in preparing for essay and short-answer exams. By condensing the main ideas into a concise written summary, you store information in your long-term memory so that you can retrieve it to answer an essay question. Here’s how:

  1. Predict a test question from your lecture notes or other resources.
  2. Read the chapter, supplemental articles, notes, or other resources. Underline or mark main ideas as you go, make notations, or make an outline on a separate sheet of paper.
  3. Analyze and abstract. What is the purpose of the material? Does it compare two ideas, define a concept, or prove a theory? What are the main ideas? How would you explain the material to someone else?
  4. Make connections between main points and key supporting details. Reread to identify each main point and the supporting evidence. Create an outline to assist you in this process.
  5. Select, condense, and order. Review underlined material and begin putting the ideas into your own words. Number what you underlined or highlighted in a logical order.
  6. Write your ideas precisely in a draft. In the first sentence state the purpose of your summary. Follow this statement with each main point and its supporting ideas. See how much of the draft you can develop from memory without relying on your notes.
  7. Review your draft. Read it over, adding missing transitions or insufficient information. Check the logic of your summary. Annotate with the material you used for later reference.
  8. Test your memory. Put your draft away and try to recite the contents of the summary to yourself out loud or explain it to a study partner who can provide feedback on the information you have omitted.
  9. Schedule time to review summaries and double-check your memory shortly before the test. You might want to do review with a partner, but some students prefer to do so alone. Some faculty members might also be willing to assist you in this process and provide feedback on your summaries.