Summaries

An immediate benefit of writing summaries of class topics is that they can help you answer short-answer and essay questions successfully. You can also see the connection between the ideas and can identify the major and minor details. By summarizing the main ideas and putting them into your own words, you will be able to remember information better. Here’s how to create a good summary in preparation for taking a test:

  1. Read the assigned material, your class notes, or your instructor’s presentation slides. Underline or mark main ideas as you go, make explanatory notes or comments about the material, or make an outline on a separate sheet of paper. Predict test questions based on your active reading.
  2. Make connections between main points and key supporting details. Reread to identify each main point and the supporting evidence. Create an outline in the process.
  3. Review underlined material. Put those ideas into your own words in a logical order.
  4. Write your ideas 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.
  5. Review your draft. Read it over, adding missing details or other information.
  6. Test your memory. Put your draft away, and try to repeat the contents of the summary out loud to yourself or to a study partner who can let you know whether you have forgotten anything.
  7. Schedule time to review your summary and double-check your memory shortly before the test. You might want to do this with a partner, but some students prefer to review alone. Some instructors might be willing to help you in this process and give you feedback on your summaries.