To summarize an article effectively, follow these key steps:
- Read the article thoroughly to understand its content and main ideas. Take notes on the thesis, key points, and supporting arguments
- Break the article into sections and identify the main points in each section. Focus on the central theme or argument the author presents, usually found in the introduction or early paragraphs
- Outline the main points and supporting details to ensure you cover the essential ideas without including minor details or background information
- Write the summary in your own words , starting with a brief statement of the article’s main idea or thesis. Avoid copying text verbatim to prevent plagiarism. Keep the summary concise, typically around 250 words or a paragraph or two
- Keep the tone objective and neutral , presenting the author's ideas without adding your opinion or interpretation
- Cite the original article by mentioning its title and author to give proper credit
- Review and revise the summary to ensure it accurately reflects the article’s content and is clear to your intended audience
Additional tips:
- Use bulleted lists for notes to organize main points and arguments
- Ask questions like: What is the article’s goal? What is the author’s position? How does the article achieve its purpose?
- Avoid including your own analysis or critique in the summary
This method provides a clear, concise, and objective overview of an article’s key information, suitable for academic or general purposes
