Summarize a short article

The idea

State the main point first, then add key details and results in your own words. Keep a neutral tone.

Examples

• The article explains how a town reduced food waste.
• Local shops gave unsold food to a community kitchen.
• As a result, more families received free meals.
• The writer also describes a volunteer training programme.
• A second article reports that cyclists want safer roads.
• The council plans to add protected cycle lanes next year.

Watch out

Do not copy every sentence or add an opinion that the source does not express.

Try it yourself

1. Choose or complete based on the source: Source: A school planted trees to cool its playground. Students helped water them. Choose the main point: A) The school planted trees to cool the playground. B) Students watered plants.

   Show answer or example answer

   A

   A states why the school planted trees; watering is a supporting detail.

2. Choose or complete based on the source: Source: A library now opens on Sundays. It also offers free workshops. Complete the supporting detail: The library offers free ___.

   Show answer or example answer

   workshops

   workshops names the additional service offered by the library.

3. Choose or complete based on the source: Source: A bus service added evening trips, so more workers can travel home. Complete the result: More workers can travel ___.

   Show answer or example answer

   home

   home completes the result of the later bus trips.

Use it today

Summarize a short article in two or three sentences, then compare it with the source.