Overview

A structured five-step process: (1) underline passages containing main ideas, (2) write a list of the main ideas, (3) combine similar ideas together, (4) organise by order of importance, and (5) write the summary as a paragraph. Initially modelled explicitly by the teacher, responsibility is gradually released to students. The aim is to routinise summary so students almost always summarise while reading complex texts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Model the five-step process with a short example text, thinking aloud as you work through each step.
2. Distribute a new text extract and the Guided Summary handout.
3. Step 1: Students read the text and underline or highlight the parts that contain main ideas.
4. Step 2: Students write out a list of the main ideas in their own words.
5. Step 3: Students look for similar ideas that can be combined into a single point.
6. Step 4: Students organise their remaining ideas in order of importance, with the most important at the top.
7. Step 5: Students write their summary as a paragraph, focusing on the most important information.
8. Students compare summaries in pairs: Did you prioritise the same ideas?

Tips

• The first few times, model each step explicitly. Gradually release responsibility.
• A good summary is significantly shorter than the original — push students to cut, not just rephrase.
• This method transfers to any subject and any text type.

More Summarising Activities