Read and underline the relevant material in pencil (so that you can change your mind easily if needed).Practice Writing SummariesĬIE recommends this five-step process to practise writing summary: Lastly, do not write beyond the lines given, to avoid your answers not being able to fit into the scanned screen. For example: if the question requires words within 200 to 250, but you only provide 180 words, there is a chance that you miss a few essential points.īefore the exam, check how many words you write on a line, so you will know the approximate number of lines that you require. On the other hand, writing way too little than the limit may mean that the response does not have sufficient coverage of the passage’s content. If there are needed points inside the excess words, it would not be marked and would be crossed out. There are no penalty marks for writing more or less, however, it may be self-penalising to write more than suggested.Įxceeding the word limit may indicate that the summary is not structured effectively or ideas are not expressed clearly.

Always write within the word count as this exercise assesses the ability to write concisely. Aim to write in complex sentences rather than simple or compound structures and make sure that the spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct. Organise and sequence points cohesively by connecting your ideas into a paragraph. Moreover, do not include examples, repetition, direct speech, figurative language, and minor details. Start by rewording the question and make the ending string. There is no need for an introduction and conclusion.

Writing style. Express the key points clearly, succinctly and fluently using a formal tone of writing. Find precise words to use and vary your choices. Do avoid over-lengthy lifting and quoting straight from the passage. Lifting a few words is acceptable as long as it is evident that you understand and focus on the key details of the passage. solar heaters, and only change words when appropriate. No need to find synonyms for technical objects, e.g. It is important that the replaced words convey the essence of the point. Although the message needs to be the same, wordings need to be different. Language. Write in your own words as much as possible. Content marks will only be obtained when the required content is provided. This exercise is meant to sum up the passage and not to add original ideas. As such, adding facts or opinions are not suggested. Be reminded that points must be taken from the passage, and do not repeat similar points even if it was made twice.Įverything must be directly connected to the passage and supported using references. Writing a summary emphasises four basic skills: identifying key points of the passage, articulating i n your own words, and sequencing points cohesively all within the given word count.Ĭontent. Answer the question directly and focus on relevant points only! Use as much of the material as possible, however, be wary of some parts that are not covered in the question. It tests the candidate’s ability to form content points in a clear and concise approach to continuous writing. A summary is a shortened version containing the key points in as few words as necessary.

Words to use in a summary