The DOs of Summaries:
Whether you are writing an essay that is completely a summary, or the summary is one small component of a different style of writing, every summary that you write should include:
- The name of the author
- The title of the work
- The main ideas of the work
- Definitions of key terms
Summary essays specifically should also include:
- An introduction paragraph
- A strong thesis statement that focuses on the main idea or purpose of the work
- Body paragraphs that support that thesis
- A conclusion paragraph that ties it all together
The DON'Ts of Summaries:
Summaries should not:
- Go into excessive details beyond the main ideas in the work
- Use examples, illustrations, or personal stories
- Include opinions about what you are summarizing
- Include lengthy quotes from the text
- Include phrases like "This work is about" or other awkward phrasing
