Maharashtra Class 10 Answered

A summary is a shortened version of a bigger piece. However, it is not a rewrite of the original piece. This means that it should not be lengthy. A summary is written in one’s own words that briefly express the main idea and the relevant details of the piece you have read. The purpose of writing the summary is to convey what the author wanted to communicate. 

Reading the original work carefully is the first step of writing a summary. While reading the original work, ask the usual questions that reporters use: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?  Using these questions to examine what you are reading can help you to write the summary. In writing the summary, let your reader know the piece that you are summarizing. Identify the title, author and source of the piece. You may use the following sentences: 

In "Title of the Piece" (source and date of the piece), the author shows that: central idea of the piece.  The author supports the main idea by using _____________________ and showing that…

 Remember:

• A summary is not rewriting the original piece.
• A summary is short and written in one’s own words.
• The central and main ideas of the original piece are used in writing the summary.
• Read with who, what, when, where, why and how questions in mind.
• A summary is not your opinion on the issue or topic discussed in the original piece.