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How to Write a Summary (Examples Included)

Ashley Shaw

Have you ever recommended a book to someone and given them a quick overview? Then you’ve created a summary before!

Summarizing is a common part of everyday communication. It feels easy when you’re recounting what happened on your favorite show, but what do you do when the information gets a little more complex?

Written summaries come with their own set of challenges. You might ask yourself:

• What details are unnecessary?
• How do you put this in your own words without changing the meaning?
• How close can you get to the original without plagiarizing it?
• How long should it be?

The answers to these questions depend on the type of summary you are doing and why you are doing it.

A summary in an academic setting is different to a professional summary—and both of those are very different to summarizing a funny story you want to tell your friends.

One thing they all have in common is that you need to relay information in the clearest way possible to help your reader understand. We’ll look at some different forms of summary, and give you some tips on each.

Let’s get started!

What Is a Summary?

How do you write a summary, how do you write an academic summary, what are the four types of academic summaries, how do i write a professional summary, writing or telling a summary in personal situations, summarizing summaries.

A summary is a shorter version of a larger work. Summaries are used at some level in almost every writing task, from formal documents to personal messages.

When you write a summary, you have an audience that doesn’t know every single thing you know.

When you want them to understand your argument, topic, or stance, you may need to explain some things to catch them up.

Instead of having them read the article or hear every single detail of the story or event, you instead give them a brief overview of what they need to know.

Academic, professional, and personal summaries each require you to consider different things, but there are some key rules they all have in common.

Let’s go over a few general guides to writing a summary first.

1. A summary should always be shorter than the original work, usually considerably.

Even if your summary is the length of a full paper, you are likely summarizing a book or other significantly longer work.

2. A summary should tell the reader the highlights of what they need to know without giving them unnecessary details.

3. It should also include enough details to give a clear and honest picture.

For example, if you summarize an article that says “ The Office is the greatest television show of all time,” but don’t mention that they are specifically referring to sitcoms, then you changed the meaning of the article. That’s a problem! Similarly, if you write a summary of your job history and say you volunteered at a hospital for the last three years, but you don’t add that you only went twice in that time, it becomes a little dishonest.

4. Summaries shouldn’t contain personal opinion.

While in the longer work you are creating you might use opinion, within the summary itself, you should avoid all personal opinion. A summary is different than a review. In this moment, you aren’t saying what you think of the work you are summarizing, you are just giving your audience enough information to know what the work says or did.

Now that we have a good idea of what summaries are in general, let’s talk about some specific types of summary you will likely have to do at some point in your writing life.

An academic summary is one you will create for a class or in other academic writing. The exact elements you will need to include depend on the assignment itself.

However, when you’re asked for an academic summary, this usually this means one of five things, all of which are pretty similar:

• You need to do a presentation in which you talk about an article, book, or report.
• You write a summary paper in which the entire paper is a summary of a specific work.
• You summarize a class discussion, lesson, or reading in the form of personal notes or a discussion board post.
• You do something like an annotated bibliography where you write short summaries of multiple works in preparation of a longer assignment.
• You write quick summaries within the body of another assignment . For example, in an argumentative essay, you will likely need to have short summaries of the sources you use to explain their argument before getting into how the source helps you prove your point.

Regardless of what type of summary you are doing, though, there are a few steps you should always follow:

• Skim the work you are summarizing before you read it. Notice what stands out to you.
• Next, read it in depth . Do the same things stand out?
• Put the full text away and write in a few sentences what the main idea or point was.
• Go back and compare to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
• Expand on this to write and then edit your summary.

Each type of academic summary requires slightly different things. Let’s get down to details.

How Do I Write a Summary Paper?

Sometimes teachers assign something called a summary paper . In this, the entire thing is a summary of one article, book, story, or report.

To understand how to write this paper, let’s talk a little bit about the purpose of such an assignment.

A summary paper is usually given to help a teacher see how well a student understands a reading assignment, but also to help the student digest the reading. Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand things we read right away.

However, a good way to process the information is to put it in our own words. That is the point of a summary paper.

A summary paper is:

• A way to explain in our own words what happened in a paper, book, etc.
• A time to think about what was important in the paper, etc.
• A time to think about the meaning and purpose behind the paper, etc.

Here are some things that a summary paper is not:

• A review. Your thoughts and opinions on the thing you are summarizing don’t need to be here unless otherwise specified.
• A comparison. A comparison paper has a lot of summary in it, but it is different than a summary paper. In this, you are just saying what happened, but you aren’t saying places it could have been done differently.
• A paraphrase (though you might have a little paraphrasing in there). In the section on using summary in longer papers, I talk more about the difference between summaries, paraphrases, and quotes.

Because a summary paper is usually longer than other forms of summary, you will be able to chose more detail. However, it still needs to focus on the important events. Summary papers are usually shorter papers.

Let’s say you are writing a 3–4 page summary. You are likely summarizing a full book or an article or short story, which will be much longer than 3–4 pages.

Imagine that you are the author of the work, and your editor comes to you and says they love what you wrote, but they need it to be 3–4 pages instead.

How would you tell that story (argument, idea, etc.) in that length without losing the heart or intent behind it? That is what belongs in a summary paper.

How Do I Write Useful Academic Notes?

Sometimes, you need to write a summary for yourself in the form of notes or for your classmates in the form of a discussion post.

You might not think you need a specific approach for this. After all, only you are going to see it.

However, summarizing for yourself can sometimes be the most difficult type of summary. If you try to write down everything your teacher says, your hand will cramp and you’ll likely miss a lot.

Yet, transcribing doesn’t work because studies show that writing things down (not typing them) actually helps you remember them better.

So how do you find the balance between summarizing the lessons without leaving out important points?

There are some tips for this:

• If your professor writes it on the board, it is probably important.
• What points do your textbooks include when summarizing information? Use these as a guide.
• Write the highlight of every X amount of time, with X being the time you can go without missing anything or getting tired. This could be one point per minute, or three per five minutes, etc.

How Do I Create an Annotated Biography?

An annotated bibliography requires a very specific style of writing. Often, you will write these before a longer research paper . They will ask you to find a certain amount of articles and write a short annotation for each of them.

While an annotation is more than just a summary, it usually starts with a summary of the work. This will be about 2–3 sentences long. Because you don’t have a lot of room, you really have to think about what the most important thing the work says is.

This will basically ask you to explain the point of the article in these couple of sentences, so you should focus on the main point when expressing it.

Here is an example of a summary section within an annotation about this post:

“In this post, the author explains how to write a summary in different types of settings. She walks through academic, professional, and personal summaries. Ultimately, she claims that summaries should be short explanations that get the audience caught up on the topic without leaving out details that would change the meaning.”

Can I Write a Summary Within an Essay?

Perhaps the most common type of summary you will ever do is a short summary within a longer paper.

For example, if you have to write an argumentative essay, you will likely need to use sources to help support your argument.

However, there is a good chance that your readers won’t have read those same sources.

So, you need to give them enough detail to understand your topic without spending too much time explaining and not enough making your argument.

While this depends on exactly how you are using summary in your paper, often, a good amount of summary is the same amount you would put in an annotation.

Just a few sentences will allow the reader to get an idea of the work before moving on to specific parts of it that might help your argument.

What’s the Difference Between Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Using Quotes?

One important thing to recognize when using summaries in academic settings is that summaries are different than paraphrases or quotes.

A summary is broader and more general. A paraphrase, on the other hand, puts specific parts into your own words. A quote uses the exact words of the original. All of them, however, need to be cited.

Let’s look at an example:

Take these words by Thomas J. Watson:

”Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t as all. You can be discouraged by failure—or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember, that’s where you will find success.”

Let’s say I was told to write a summary, a paraphrase, and a quote about this statement. This is what it might look like:

Summary: Thomas J. Watson said that the key to success is actually to fail more often. (This is broad and doesn’t go into details about what he says, but it still gives him credit.)

Paraphrase: Thomas J. Watson, on asking if people would like his formula for success, said that the secret was to fail twice as much. He claimed that when you decide to learn from your mistakes instead of being disappointed by them, and when you start making a lot of them, you will actually find more success. (This includes most of the details, but it is in my own words, while still crediting the source.)

Quote: Thomas J. Watson said, ”Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t at all. You can be discouraged by failure—or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember, that’s where you will find success.” (This is the exact words of the original with quotation marks and credit given.)

Avoiding Plagiarism

One of the hardest parts about summarizing someone else’s writing is avoiding plagiarism .

That’s why I have a few rules/tips for you when summarizing anything:

1. Always cite.

If you are talking about someone else’s work in any means, cite your source. If you are summarizing the entire work, all you probably need to do (depending on style guidelines) is say the author’s name. However, if you are summarizing a specific chapter or section, you should state that specifically. Finally, you should make sure to include it in your Work Cited or Reference page.

2. Change the wording.

Sometimes when people are summarizing or paraphrasing a work, they get too close to the original, and actually use the exact words. Unless you use quotation marks, this is plagiarism. However, a good way to avoid this is to hide the article while you are summarizing it. If you don’t have it in front of you, you are less likely to accidentally use the exact words. (However, after you are done, double check that you didn’t miss anything important or give wrong details.)

3. Use a plagiarism checker.

Of course, when you are writing any summary, especially academic summaries, it can be easy to cross the line into plagiarism. If this is a place where you struggle, then ProWritingAid can help.

Just use our Plagiarism Report . It’ll highlight any unoriginal text in your document so you can make sure you are citing everything correctly and summarizing in your own words.

Find out more about ProWritingAid plagiarism bundles.

Along with academic summaries, you might sometimes need to write professional summaries. Often, this means writing a summary about yourself that shows why you are qualified for a position or organization.

In this section, let’s talk about two types of professional summaries: a LinkedIn summary and a summary section within a resume.

How Do I Write My LinkedIn Bio?

LinkedIn is all about professional networking. It offers you a chance to share a brief glimpse of your professional qualifications in a paragraph or two.

This can then be sent to professional connections, or even found by them without you having to reach out. This can help you get a job or build your network.

Your summary is one of the first things a future employer might see about you, and how you write yours can make you stand out from the competition.

Here are some tips on writing a LinkedIn summary :

• Before you write it, think about what you want it to do . If you are looking for a job, what kind of job? What have you done in your past that would stand out to someone hiring for that position? That is what you will want to focus on in your summary.
• Be professional . Unlike many social media platforms, LinkedIn has a reputation for being more formal. Your summary should reflect that to some extent.
• Use keywords . Your summary is searchable, so using keywords that a recruiter might be searching for can help them find you.
• Focus on the start . LinkedIn shows the first 300 characters automatically, and then offers the viewer a chance to read more. Make that start so good that everyone wants to keep reading.
• Focus on accomplishments . Think of your life like a series of albums, and this is your speciality “Greatest Hits” album. What “songs” are you putting on it?

How Do I Summarize My Experience on a Resume?

Writing a professional summary for a resume is different than any other type of summary that you may have to do.

Recruiters go through a lot of resumes every day. They don’t have time to spend ages reading yours, which means you have to wow them quickly.

To do that, you might include a section at the top of your resume that acts almost as an elevator pitch: That one thing you might say to a recruiter to get them to want to talk to you if you only had a 30-second elevator ride.

If you don’t have a lot of experience, though, you might want to skip this section entirely and focus on playing up the experience you do have.

Outside of academic and personal summaries, you use summary a lot in your day-to-day life.

Whether it is telling a good piece of trivia you just learned or a funny story that happened to you, or even setting the stage in creative writing, you summarize all the time.

How you use summary can be an important consideration in whether people want to read your work (or listen to you talk).

Here are some things to think about when telling a story:

• Pick interesting details . Too many and your point will be lost. Not enough, and you didn’t paint the scene or give them a complete idea about what happened.
• Play into the emotions . When telling a story, you want more information than the bare minimum. You want your reader to get the emotion of the story. That requires a little bit more work to accomplish.
• Focus. A summary of one story can lead to another can lead to another. Think about storytellers that you know that go off on a tangent. They never seem to finish one story without telling 100 others!

To wrap up (and to demonstrate everything I just talked about), let’s summarize this post into its most essential parts:

A summary is a great way to quickly give your audience the information they need to understand the topic you are discussing without having to know every detail.

How you write a summary is different depending on what type of summary you are doing:

• An academic summary usually gets to the heart of an article, book, or journal, and it should highlight the main points in your own words. How long it should be depends on the type of assignment it is.
• A professional summary highlights you and your professional, academic, and volunteer history. It shows people in your professional network who you are and why they should hire you, work with you, use your talents, etc.

Being able to tell a good story is another form of summary. You want to tell engaging anecdotes and facts without boring your listeners. This is a skill that is developed over time.

Take your writing to the next level:

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Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas., this guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers..

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Ashley Shaw is a former editor and marketer/current PhD student and teacher. When she isn't studying con artists for her dissertation, she's thinking of new ways to help college students better understand and love the writing process. You can follow her on Twitter, or, if you prefer animal accounts, follow her rabbits, Audrey Hopbun and Fredra StaHare, on Instagram.

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How to Write a Summary: Tips, Strategies and Best Practices

Writing a summary requires a deep understanding of the original text and the ability to concisely restate its main ideas in your own words, highlighting the essence of the content. 

This process begins with crafting an organized paragraph that opens with an introductory sentence, clearly mentioning the text’s title, author, and central theme, steering clear of personal commentary to maintain the integrity of the summarized information.

In this blog, you will discover various strategies and best practices for summary writing, including ways to start a summary, summary steps, and the recommended length for a summary.

Purpose and Benefits of a Summary

Understanding the purpose of a summary is pivotal in grasping its significance in both academic and professional realms. Summaries serve multiple functions, each tailored to enhance comprehension, retention, and communication of key ideas. 

Here's a breakdown of the types of summary, core components and benefits of summary writing:

• Academic Summaries : Used in scholarly contexts to condense research findings, theories, or literary works.
• Executive Summaries : Often found in business settings, these provide a snapshot of reports or proposals, highlighting key points for decision-makers.
• Abstracts : Common in scientific articles, abstracts offer a brief overview of research aims, methods, results, and conclusions ] .
• Main Idea or Thesis : A summary must encapsulate the central theme or argument presented in the original text.
• Essential Supporting Points : It should also highlight crucial supporting arguments or evidence that back the main idea.
• Independence from Original Text : While a summary relies on the content of the source material, it should stand on its own, providing a clear and concise rendition of the original work.
• Improves Comprehension : Summarizing forces the writer to distill complex ideas into simpler, more digestible formats, thereby enhancing understanding of the subject matter.
• Facilitates Future Reference : A well-crafted summary serves as a handy reference tool, allowing quick recall of a text’s key points without the need to revisit the entire work.
• Better Understanding : By summarizing, writers can showcase their grasp of the material, making it a valuable tool in educational settings to assess understanding.
• Objective Representation : Unlike critiques or analyses, summaries aim to objectively convey the essence of a text, focusing solely on the author’s ideas without personal bias or interpretation.

Understanding these aspects of summary writing underscores its value in effectively communicating complex information. This skill, once honed, becomes an indispensable tool across various domains, from academia to industry, underscoring the importance of mastering the art of summary writing.

Steps to Deep Reading Before Summarizing

Before embarking on the task of summarizing, engaging in deep reading is essential to fully grasp the content and nuances of the text. 

Listed below are some of the benefits of deep reading

Deep Reading Benefits :

• Deep reading is the mind's default mode for processing texts, allowing for deeper thinking and association with unique ideas.
• It improves focus and teaches the brain to commit to one task at a time, which is essential in today’s world of information overflow.
• Engaging deeply with a text provides more value, as immersion in the material follows the reader everywhere, encouraging positive action based on the information absorbed.

Here are the steps to ensure effective deep reading:

• Initiate with Skimming and Active Reading :
• Begin by skimming through the text to get a general idea of its main themes and structure.
• Actively read the article or text, paying close attention to its presentation. This might involve rereading certain sections and keeping the purpose and intended audience in mind.
• Divide the text into manageable sections. This helps in focusing on smaller parts of the text, making it easier to understand and summarize later.
• Summarize each section individually while ensuring it aligns with the overall main idea of the text. This step is vital in understanding the content thoroughly before proceeding to write a summary.
• Deep reading requires complete engagement with the text. Eliminate all distractions to immerse yourself fully in the material.
• Understand every word in the writing, especially unfamiliar ones. This might require looking up meanings to ensure comprehensive understanding.
• Read carefully and multiple times if needed, particularly the difficult parts, until they are fully understood.
• Question the text and identify any discrepancies or mistakes, fostering a critical thinking approach.
• Discuss insightful parts of the text with others. This can provide different perspectives and deepen understanding.
• Attempt to rewrite what you've read. Successfully doing so indicates a deep comprehension of the material.
• After a thorough initial reading, it's beneficial to give the article a deep re-read, highlighting passages that stand out.
• Refine the highlights to make the author's ideas easier to understand and scrutinize their relevance to personal experiences and existing knowledge.
• Write out high-level ideas by hand to further embed the new knowledge into the mind, and then explain these concepts in detail in a fresh document for a comprehensive understanding.

By adhering to these steps, readers can significantly enhance their understanding of the text, which is a crucial precursor to writing an effective summary. This deep engagement ensures that the summary captures the essence of the original text accurately and cohesively.

Crafting the Perfect Introductory Sentence

Crafting the perfect introductory sentence for a summary involves several key components that ensure clarity, conciseness, and a comprehensive understanding of the original text. Here's how to get started:

• Title and Author : Always include the title of the text and the author's name in the introductory sentence. This provides immediate context to the reader.
• Main Point : Clearly state the main point or thesis of the text as you understand it. This sets the stage for the rest of your summary.
• Use Your Own Words : Avoid direct quotations; instead, paraphrase the author's main ideas in your own words to demonstrate your understanding and keep the summary original.
• Start with the Source : Begin your summary by acknowledging the source material. This could be as simple as "In [Author's Name]'s [Title of the Text], the main argument focuses on...".
• Incorporate a Reporting Verb : Use verbs like 'argues', 'claims', 'contends', or 'insists' to present the author's main ideas. This not only introduces the summary but also sets a scholarly tone.
• Be Concise but Comprehensive : Your introductory sentence should capture the essence of the text in a nutshell, providing a snapshot of the author's thesis and the text's main theme.
• For a novel: "In [Author's Name]'s novel, [Title], the story revolves around the central conflict faced by [main character], highlighting [main theme or journey]."  
• For an academic article: "In the article '[Title]' by [Author's Name], published in [Year], the author contends that [main argument], supported by [key evidence]."  
• For a scientific research paper: "The research paper '[Title]' by [Author's Name], focuses on [main research topic], where the author argues [main findings]."

By following these steps and structure, you can craft an introductory sentence that effectively sets the stage for your summary, providing your readers with a clear, concise, and comprehensive overview of the original text. 

Condensing Main Points with Precision

Condensing the main points of a text with precision involves a meticulous process of identifying, prioritizing, and articulating the essence of the original material. Here's how to approach this crucial step in summary writing:

• Main Idea : Determine the central thesis or argument of the text. This is the backbone of your summary.
• Supporting Points : Pinpoint the essential arguments or evidence that bolster the main idea. These should be included to provide a comprehensive overview.
• Keywords : Spot keywords within the text as they often signal important concepts or themes.
• Use Your Own Words : Paraphrase the author's ideas into your own language to demonstrate understanding and avoid plagiarism. Remember, a summary should significantly condense the original text while accurately representing its main points.
• Structure : Present the main ideas in the order they appear in the original text, using transitional phrases for coherence. However, avoid creating an outline or merely listing the points as they occur.
• Omissions : Exclude any examples, detailed evidence, or rhetorical questions used by the author. The goal is to distill the text to its most pivotal elements, not to replicate its detailed discussions.
• Abbreviations and Symbols : Use abbreviations and symbols to note down key points. This helps in keeping your summary concise.
• Mind Maps and Columns : For longer texts, consider organizing the main points using a mind map or columns. This visual organization can help in understanding how ideas connect and which details are most important.
• Highlighting : Use colors and highlighting to differentiate between themes or categories of information. Writing small can also help in fitting more content on a single page.

In summary writing, the ability to discern and distill the essence of the text is paramount. By following these steps, writers can ensure that their summaries are both accurate and concise, providing readers with a clear and succinct overview of the original material without injecting personal opinion or unnecessary detail.

Ensuring Coherence and Smooth Transitions

Ensuring coherence and smooth transitions in writing is akin to creating a map for readers to follow, guiding them through the ideas presented in a logical and fluid manner. Here are strategies to achieve this:

• Use of Transitional Words and Phrases : Incorporate words such as 'subsequently' and 'conversely,' or phrases like 'as a result' and 'in conclusion' to link ideas and signal logical connections between them.
• Key Phrases Repetition : Pick up key phrases from the previous paragraph and incorporate them in the next. This creates an obvious progression for readers, making the text more accessible and easier to follow.
• Transitional Paragraphs : After major sections, employ transitional paragraphs to pause, regroup, and indicate where you are in your argument. These paragraphs should summarize major points, relate the previous section to the thesis, and connect it to what will follow, enhancing the overall flow of the essay.
• Avoid using personal pronouns such as 'I' or 'We', which can disrupt the objective tone of a summary.
• Beware of poor transitions that can lead to choppy, jumpy, or disconnected writing. These hinder the reader's ability to follow the organization or train of thought.
• Within Paragraphs : Use transitional words or phrases, or keywords from the preceding paragraph, to ensure connections are clear within a paragraph. This helps in joining ideas together in a sentence and sentences together in a paragraph.
• Between Paragraphs : Highlight connections between corresponding paragraphs by referencing relevant material from previous paragraphs in the next. Writing transitions that specifically connect one paragraph to another enhances the effectiveness more than using generic transitions.

By employing these strategies, writers can significantly enhance the cohesiveness of their writing. Effective use of transitions not only aids in better understanding by the reader but also ensures a smooth flow of ideas, making the summary more engaging and easier to comprehend. 

Conclusion: Wrapping up Your Summary

Throughout this article, we've explored the nuanced skill of summary writing, offering readers a detailed guide on effectively condensing complex texts into clear, concise summaries. From understanding the foundational purpose and benefits of summaries in various contexts to mastering the art of crafting the perfect introductory sentence and ensuring coherence with smooth transitions, the guidance provided aims to enhance both academic and professional writing capabilities. Emphasizing the importance of using one's own words and maintaining objectivity, this article has underscored the critical skills required for precise and effective summary writing, making it an invaluable resource for individuals looking to refine their summarizing abilities.

What are the essential guidelines for creating a summary?

To craft an effective summary, you should:

• Paraphrase the content using your own language.
• Focus on the core ideas of the original material and keep it concise.
• Refrain from incorporating your own interpretations or analyses; the summary should reflect the author's ideas, not yours.

How can I develop a strategy for summarizing a text?

Developing a summary strategy involves:

• Thoroughly reading and understanding the text.
• Taking notes on the central theme and key points that should be included.
• Using the author's original keywords and considering how their ideas pertain to your own arguments in your work.

Can you outline the five steps involved in writing a summary?

Certainly! The five steps for summarizing are:

• Read and comprehend the material you intend to summarize.
• Highlight or underline significant sections of the text.
• Jot down the primary arguments.
• Include relevant supporting details.
• Review your summary for accuracy and clarity.

What makes a summary both good and effective?

A good and effective summary should:

• Start with an introductory sentence that mentions the text's title, author, and the main thesis as perceived by you.
• Be composed in your own words, ensuring it's a paraphrase of the original.
• Only encapsulate the original text's ideas without adding your personal opinions, interpretations, or commentary.

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how to write a summary

A step-by-step guide to writing a great summary.

A summary of a literary work isn't just a plain-old synopsis. It's a valuable study tool, a foundational element of all kinds of essays, a common testing mechanism, and one of the basics of literary analysis. 

Whether you're in high school or college, developing a deep understanding of how and when to summarize a book or text is a valuable skill. Doing so might require a little more knowledge and effort than you'd think. 

That's why we're covering all aspects of summaries, from study tools to plot summaries, below.

What Is a Summary?

A summary is a brief overview of a text (or movie, speech, podcast, etcetera) that succinctly and comprehensively covers the main ideas or plot points. 

Sounds simple, right? Well, there are a lot of unique characteristics that differentiate summaries from other commentary, such as analyses, book reviews, or outlines. 

Summaries are: 

• In your own words. It's important that you don't just copy and paste the writer's words (in fact, that's plagiarizing). Writing the key points of a work in your own words indicates your comprehension and absorption of the material. 
• Objective. While a summary should be in your own words, it shouldn't contain your opinions. Instead, you should gather the main points and intentions of the writer and present them impartially. (If you include your opinions, it instead becomes an analysis or review.)
• More than paraphrasing. Many students fall into the trap of simply paraphrasing—plainly restating the ideas or events of the work. (Is our definition starting to sound contradictory? We told you it wasn't straightforward!) Rather than recounting the events or ideas in a work chronologically or in the order they're presented, instead consider the broad scope of how they all contribute to the narrative or argument. 
• Short. There are no strict rules regarding length, only that it is concise. It's largely dependent on the length of the text it summarizes: longer texts, longer summaries. It also depends on the assignment or objective. However, most are about one to two paragraphs in length. 
• Comprehensive. Yes, it's another seemingly contradictory descriptor, but an important one. Summaries are comprehensive, meaning they cover all of the main plot points or ideas in a work (so they inherently contain "spoilers"). You should present those ideas in a way that condenses them into an inclusive, but not exhaustive, recounting in order to keep it short.  
• Straightforward (even if the text isn't). A good summary should be easy to comprehend, presenting the reader with a simple but all-encompassing understanding of the work at hand. With complex texts, summaries can be particularly useful because they distill big, complicated ideas into a bite-sized package. 

When to Write a Summary

Like so many elements of literary analysis, summaries are misunderstood. We've already explained why they aren't as simple as most people think, but neither are their uses. 

Summary writing is a useful skill in a variety of circumstances, both in and outside the English and Language Arts classrooms. 

Readers, writers, teachers, and students can use summaries: 

• As a study tactic. The ability to summarize a book or text indicates that you've absorbed and understand the material. Plus, writing down notes (as in a summary) is a great way to retain material. Try summarizing at the end of a book chapter, after each section of an article, or periodically in textbooks. Doing so will help you digest the material you've just read, confirming you understood and retained the information therein. Stopping frequently to summarize is most effective because you're less likely to forget important plot points or ideas. 
• As an assignment. Teachers and professors often ask students to summarize a text as a test to confirm they read and understood the material. Before heading into class—especially if you have a test or quiz scheduled—try practicing summarizing the text. Write it down (rather than practicing it out loud or in your head) so that you can review your ideas and ensure you're presenting them succinctly and sensibly. 
• As part of an essay. If you're referencing a book or article in your own paper, you might need to summarize the source as the foundation for your argument. In this case, your summary should be particularly short so the reader doesn't lose sight of your own argument and intention. Introduce the name of the work and its author, then use one sentence (two at most) to describe their objective and how it relates to your own. 
• As part of a review. Summaries are very useful in an academic setting, but they have their place outside of it too. Whether you're on a book review site or just sharing a recommendation with a friend, being able to succinctly write a book summary (with or without spoilers) will help others to make their own judgements of a book. 

Your Step-by-Step Guide for How to Write a Summary

Step 1: read the work .

Summaries are often perceived as a workaround for reading the work itself. That's not a great strategy under most circumstances because you tend to lose a lot of the details and nuance of a work, but it's particularly impractical to do so when writing about the work. 

Remember, a summary is supposed to present your perception of the work as a whole. So in order to develop that perception, you have to first read the original text. 

Step 2: Take Notes 

As you read the work, simultaneously take notes. If you own the book, it might be helpful to add your notes to the margins or highlight passages that are particularly relevant or capture a key idea. If you don't own the book, try taking notes on your computer or in a notebook. You can still notate important passages by writing down the page and paragraph number or writing an abbreviated version of the quotation. Alternatively, try marking key passages with sticky notes or tabs. 

It might also be helpful to write out a short outline of the work as you go. While you won't want to use this verbatim (remember, you shouldn't just paraphrase the work), it can help you establish and remember the text's framework. 

Step 3: Identify the Author's Thesis Statement, Objective, or Main Point 

In some works, such as a journal article, a writer will provide a thesis statement. A thesis statement is a one-sentence synopsis of the author's argument and intention. A thesis statement can be really helpful in forming the backbone of your own summary, just as it forms the backbone of the essay. 

However, even when a thesis statement isn't present—like in a novel—the writer always has an objective or main idea. You should always identify this idea and use it to form the foundation of your summary. 

The main point might be apparent at the outset of the work. Other times, the author won't present it until the conclusion. Sometimes you might identify multiple objectives throughout the work. That's why it's important, as you read, to note any ideas that might be the  main  idea. Even those that aren't the  most  important will likely remain relevant. 

Step 4: Note Other Important Elements

If something stands out to you about the work and seems to play an important role in the text's overall narrative or structure, make a note about it. This could be a recurring theme, an incident in the storyline, or a deviation from the overall argument. 

As you identify and note important elements and moments in the work, the structure of your summary should begin to fall into place. 

Step 5: Prepare to Write Your Summary 

Once you've finished reading the work, review your notes and highlight the key points that came to light. Remember, your summary should be objective, so disregard any opinions you might have noted about the work. You should introduce the thesis or objective, briefly encapsulate the important ideas and moments from the work, and end with a conclusion that ties those ideas to the objective. Keep this structure in mind as you begin. 

Step 6: Begin by Introducing the Work 

As you begin, introduce the work, its author, and, if relevant, the context.

Depending on your situation—for example, if your teacher or professor has asked you to summarize a work as part of an assignment or quiz—this might seem redundant. However, it is standard practice to begin by introducing the work, even if the reader already knows what you're writing about. 

Example:  In  The Great Gatsby , F. Scott Fitzgerald... 

Step 7: Present the Thesis, Main Idea, or Central Argument

Once you've introduced the work, your priority is to clearly define the author's thesis, important point, or central argument. As mentioned above, sometimes the author presents this idea clearly and succinctly at the outset of their work; at other times, it's buried deep in the text. 

Regardless of how the main idea is presented in the work, it should be front and center in your summary. Some teachers might refer to this as a "topic sentence" or "introductory sentence." This is the central point around which you will construct the rest of your writing. As you progress, you'll highlight other ideas or occurrences that relate or contribute to this main idea, so it's important that your representation of it is easily understood. 

Example:  In  The Great Gatsby , F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the story of Jay Gatsby as a symbol of the social stratification, greed, and indulgence of 1920s America. 

Step 8: Briefly Discuss the Important Elements of the Work

After identifying the thesis or central argument, you should provide a brief overview of the work's other elements, ideas, and plot points. For the most part, the information you present throughout this section should bolster the thesis presented previously. Each sentence should serve as a supporting point for the topic sentence. Don't simply list ideas or plot points, but show how they're connected and inform the work as a whole. Of course, there may also be important elements of the work that are not directly tied to the main idea; it's ok to include these if you feel they are vital to understanding the work.

When writing the body, you should consciously and intentionally leave out unnecessary details. They tend to bog down your writing and lose the reader. 

Example:  The narrator, Nick Carraway, moves to New York's "West Egg," where he reunites with his cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom Buchanan. Fitzgerald clearly delineates social lines between West Egg (new money) and East Egg (old money), where Tom and Daisy reside. 

Nick attends a lavish party thrown by his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and learns Jay formerly had a relationship with Daisy. The two reignite their forbidden affair. Tom reveals to Daisy that Gatsby earned his money illegally, through smuggling alcohol, and is actually a man of humble Midwestern origins. Daisy and Gatsby try to run away together, but Daisy accidentally runs over Tom's mistress. Tom, eager to exact revenge, convinces his mistress' husband that Gatsby was to blame in her death, and he murders Gatsby before committing suicide. Few of Gatsby's many friends attend his funeral.

Step 9: Write a Conclusion that Ties It All Together

Much like you introduce the author's major point at the outset of your summary, you should revisit it as you close out your writing. If you presented the author's main idea in the introduction, and then bolstered that main idea by recollecting plot points or important elements from the work, your conclusion should then reiterate how those elements relate to the main idea. 

Example:  Though Gatsby subscribed to the extravagance of his peers, his efforts to fit into the upper echelon of West and East Egg were negated by his humble origins; always out of place, he was rejected for his social class as much as his perceived crimes.  

Step 10: Edit

Before submitting your work, read it in full, and edit out any superfluous and redundant information. It's likely that unnecessary details snuck in as you were writing, and you might find that certain plot points just feel unnecessary within the scope of your finished product. 

In addition to editing for content, be sure to edit it closely for grammatical or spelling errors. Even if your summary is well thought out, its expertise is compromised if it's full of errors! 

How to Write a Plot Summary

The step-by-step guide to writing an effective summary, outlined above, applies to most summaries. However, each type has its own unique elements outside of those standard requirements. 

A plot or book summary, for example, should encapsulate the plot of a short story or novel. When writing one, there are unique strategies to follow.  

Dos of Writing a Plot Summary

• Note plot points as the book or story unfolds. Especially in longer novels, it can be difficult to keep track of the twists and turns in the storyline. That's why we recommend taking notes as you read. 
• Use online study guides for inspiration. Websites like SuperSummary provide in-depth summaries free of charge. While this is a good starting point when writing your own, it should only be for inspiration. Don't copy examples online (that's plagiarism!). 
• Be sure to cover the three main arcs of every story: the exposition, climax, and conclusion. The exposition is the moment when the conflict or driving narrative is introduced. The climax is when that conflict comes to a head, and the narrative reaches its most dramatic moments. The conclusion is when the conflict is resolved or the story comes to an end. You should also include any inciting incidents (the first domino in a plot point).
• Connect the dots. Throughout, you should demonstrate an understanding of how events and characters are related, rather than introducing each element as an independent variable. Remember, you should tie each plot point back to the main idea. 

Don'ts of Writing a Plot Summary

• Don't just regurgitate the storyline. Rather than drone through the story plot point by plot point, you should highlight key moments in the narrative and direct them back to the author's objective. 
• Avoid repetitive phrases like "then" or "next." A key indication you're just repeating the storyline point by point is utilizing a phrase like "then" or "next." While you should recount the major incidents of the narrative, it shouldn't feel so formulaic. 
• Don't let it drag on. Books are long, but summarizing a book should still be short. While it depends on the assignment and the work in question, your summary should be 200 to 600 words, max.

Example :   In  The Great Gatsby , F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the story of Jay Gatsby as a symbol of the social stratification, greed, and indulgence of 1920s America.   The narrator, Nick Carraway, moves to New York's "West Egg," where he reunites with his cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom Buchanan. Fitzgerald clearly delineates social lines between West Egg (new money) and East Egg (old money), where Tom and Daisy reside. 

Nick attends a lavish party thrown by his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, and learns he formerly had a relationship with Daisy. When the two reignite their forbidden affair, disaster ensues. Tom reveals to Daisy that Gatsby earned his money illegally, through smuggling alcohol, and is actually a man of humble Midwestern origins. Daisy and Gatsby try to run away together, but Daisy accidentally runs over Tom's mistress. Tom, eager to exact revenge, convinces his mistress' husband that Gatsby was to blame in her death, and he murders Gatsby before committing suicide. Few of Gatsby's many friends attend his funeral.

Though Gatsby subscribed to the extravagance of his peers, his efforts to fit into the upper echelon of West and East Egg were negated by his humble origins; always out of place, he was rejected for his social class as much as his perceived crimes.

For an in-depth analysis of The Great Gatsby , check out the our study guide (we have an audio guide, too!).

How to Summarize an Article or Essay

The nature of an article or essay is quite different from a novel or short story, and in many ways, your summary should be too. The outline above remains the same, but the details are different. 

Here's what you should and shouldn't do when writing your article summary. 

Dos of Writing an Article Summary

• Skim the original article first. To develop a basic understanding of the article and the writer's objectives, skim the content before reading it closely. Doing so will help you to identify some of the key points and then pay attention to the arguments around them when you read the article in full. 
• Then read the article closely, marking key passages and ideas. Noting important ideas as you read will help you develop a deeper understanding of the writer's intentions.  
• Note headings and subheadings, which likely identify important points. In articles and essays, the author often utilizes subheadings to introduce their most important ideas. These subheadings can help guide your own writing. 
• Keep it short. The rule of brevity applies to article summaries too. In fact, because articles are usually short compared to novels or books, your text should be correlatively brief. And if you're utilizing the work as part of your own essay or argument, just a couple sentences will do.

Don'ts of Writing an Article Summary

• Don't ignore the conclusion. When reading a long article or essay, it can be tempting to overlook the conclusion and focus on the body paragraphs of the article. However, the conclusion is often where the author most clearly outlines their findings and why they matter. It can serve as a great foundation for your own writing. 
• Don't copy anything from the article directly—always paraphrase. If you copy any passages word-for-word from the article, be sure to identify them as quotations and attribute them to the author. Even this should be done sparingly. Instead, you should encapsulate their ideas within your own, abbreviated words.  
• Don't forget to include proper citations. If you do include a direct quotation from the article, be sure to properly cite them. You can learn how to properly cite quotations in our Academic Citation Resource Guide . 

Example Summary of  "Gatsby as a Drowned Sailor" :  In her essay, "Gatsby as a Drowned Sailor," Margaret Lukens posits that a major, and often overlooked, motif in  The Great Gatsby  is that of the "drowned sailor." The novel, she points out, is immersed in nautical symbols and themes, particularly in the scenes surrounding Jay Gatsby. For example, Gatsby grew up on the shores of Lake Superior, now owns a house on the Long Island Sound, and supposedly spends much of his time on his boat. 

Lukens nods to the nautical imagery throughout Gatsby's lavish party, as well as Nick's interactions with Gatsby. Many of these, she argues, foreshadow Gatsby's death in his pool. Even his funeral is a testament to the motif, with the few attendees soaked to the skin with rain. Lukens presents a thorough case for the overarching nautical motif in  The Great Gatsby  and her argument that though Gatsby hooked a big one, ultimately it was "the one that got away." 

FAQs: How to Write a Book Summary  

How do you summarize without plagiarizing .

By its very nature, a summary isn't plagiarizing because it should be written in your own words. However, there are cases where it might be difficult to identify an appropriate synonym, and the phrase remains somewhat close to the original. In this scenario, just be sure to differentiate the rest of the phrase as much as possible. And if you need to include a direct quote from the work, be sure to appropriately cite it. 

How to write a summary and a reaction? 

In some cases, your teacher may ask you to write a summary and a reaction. Whereas a summary is objective, a reaction is a matter of opinion. So in this case, you should present the actions or ideas of the work, then respond to those actions and ideas with your personal thoughts. 

Why write a summary? 

A summary is a helpful tool many educators use to test their students' comprehension of a text. However, it is also a useful study tactic because recounting what you read can help you organize and retain information. 

Summary: Using it Wisely

What this handout is about.

Knowing how to summarize something you have read, seen, or heard is a valuable skill, one you have probably used in many writing assignments. It is important, though, to recognize when you must go beyond describing, explaining, and restating texts and offer a more complex analysis. This handout will help you distinguish between summary and analysis and avoid inappropriate summary in your academic writing.

Is summary a bad thing?

Not necessarily. But it’s important that your keep your assignment and your audience in mind as you write. If your assignment requires an argument with a thesis statement and supporting evidence—as many academic writing assignments do—then you should limit the amount of summary in your paper. You might use summary to provide background, set the stage, or illustrate supporting evidence, but keep it very brief: a few sentences should do the trick. Most of your paper should focus on your argument. (Our handout on argument will help you construct a good one.)

Writing a summary of what you know about your topic before you start drafting your actual paper can sometimes be helpful. If you are unfamiliar with the material you’re analyzing, you may need to summarize what you’ve read in order to understand your reading and get your thoughts in order. Once you figure out what you know about a subject, it’s easier to decide what you want to argue.

You may also want to try some other pre-writing activities that can help you develop your own analysis. Outlining, freewriting, and mapping make it easier to get your thoughts on the page. (Check out our handout on brainstorming for some suggested techniques.)

Why is it so tempting to stick with summary and skip analysis?

Many writers rely too heavily on summary because it is what they can most easily write. If you’re stalled by a difficult writing prompt, summarizing the plot of The Great Gatsby may be more appealing than staring at the computer for three hours and wondering what to say about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s use of color symbolism. After all, the plot is usually the easiest part of a work to understand. Something similar can happen even when what you are writing about has no plot: if you don’t really understand an author’s argument, it might seem easiest to just repeat what he or she said.

To write a more analytical paper, you may need to review the text or film you are writing about, with a focus on the elements that are relevant to your thesis. If possible, carefully consider your writing assignment before reading, viewing, or listening to the material about which you’ll be writing so that your encounter with the material will be more purposeful. (We offer a handout on reading towards writing .)

How do I know if I’m summarizing?

As you read through your essay, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I stating something that would be obvious to a reader or viewer?
• Does my essay move through the plot, history, or author’s argument in chronological order, or in the exact same order the author used?
• Am I simply describing what happens, where it happens, or whom it happens to?

A “yes” to any of these questions may be a sign that you are summarizing. If you answer yes to the questions below, though, it is a sign that your paper may have more analysis (which is usually a good thing):

• Am I making an original argument about the text?
• Have I arranged my evidence around my own points, rather than just following the author’s or plot’s order?
• Am I explaining why or how an aspect of the text is significant?

Certain phrases are warning signs of summary. Keep an eye out for these:

• “[This essay] is about…”
• “[This book] is the story of…”
• “[This author] writes about…”
• “[This movie] is set in…”

Here’s an example of an introductory paragraph containing unnecessary summary. Sentences that summarize are in italics:

The Great Gatsby is the story of a mysterious millionaire, Jay Gatsby, who lives alone on an island in New York. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote the book, but the narrator is Nick Carraway. Nick is Gatsby’s neighbor, and he chronicles the story of Gatsby and his circle of friends, beginning with his introduction to the strange man and ending with Gatsby’s tragic death. In the story, Nick describes his environment through various colors, including green, white, and grey. Whereas white and grey symbolize false purity and decay respectively, the color green offers a symbol of hope.

Here’s how you might change the paragraph to make it a more effective introduction:

In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald provides readers with detailed descriptions of the area surrounding East Egg, New York. In fact, Nick Carraway’s narration describes the setting with as much detail as the characters in the book. Nick’s description of the colors in his environment presents the book’s themes, symbolizing significant aspects of the post-World War I era. Whereas white and grey symbolize the false purity and decay of the 1920s, the color green offers a symbol of hope.

This version of the paragraph mentions the book’s title, author, setting, and narrator so that the reader is reminded of the text. And that sounds a lot like summary—but the paragraph quickly moves on to the writer’s own main topic: the setting and its relationship to the main themes of the book. The paragraph then closes with the writer’s specific thesis about the symbolism of white, grey, and green.

How do I write more analytically?

Analysis requires breaking something—like a story, poem, play, theory, or argument—into parts so you can understand how those parts work together to make the whole. Ideally, you should begin to analyze a work as you read or view it instead of waiting until after you’re done—it may help you to jot down some notes as you read. Your notes can be about major themes or ideas you notice, as well as anything that intrigues, puzzles, excites, or irritates you. Remember, analytic writing goes beyond the obvious to discuss questions of how and why—so ask yourself those questions as you read.

The St. Martin’s Handbook (the bulleted material below is quoted from p. 38 of the fifth edition) encourages readers to take the following steps in order to analyze a text:

• Identify evidence that supports or illustrates the main point or theme as well as anything that seems to contradict it.
• Consider the relationship between the words and the visuals in the work. Are they well integrated, or are they sometimes at odds with one another? What functions do the visuals serve? To capture attention? To provide more detailed information or illustration? To appeal to readers’ emotions?
• Decide whether the sources used are trustworthy.
• Identify the work’s underlying assumptions about the subject, as well as any biases it reveals.

Once you have written a draft, some questions you might want to ask yourself about your writing are “What’s my point?” or “What am I arguing in this paper?” If you can’t answer these questions, then you haven’t gone beyond summarizing. You may also want to think about how much of your writing comes from your own ideas or arguments. If you’re only reporting someone else’s ideas, you probably aren’t offering an analysis.

What strategies can help me avoid excessive summary?

• Read the assignment (the prompt) as soon as you get it. Make sure to reread it before you start writing. Go back to your assignment often while you write. (Check out our handout on reading assignments ).
• Formulate an argument (including a good thesis) and be sure that your final draft is structured around it, including aspects of the plot, story, history, background, etc. only as evidence for your argument. (You can refer to our handout on constructing thesis statements ).
• Read critically—imagine having a dialogue with the work you are discussing. What parts do you agree with? What parts do you disagree with? What questions do you have about the work? Does it remind you of other works you’ve seen?
• Make sure you have clear topic sentences that make arguments in support of your thesis statement. (Read our handout on paragraph development if you want to work on writing strong paragraphs).
• Use two different highlighters to mark your paper. With one color, highlight areas of summary or description. With the other, highlight areas of analysis. For many college papers, it’s a good idea to have lots of analysis and minimal summary/description.
• Ask yourself: What part of the essay would be obvious to a reader/viewer of the work being discussed? What parts (words, sentences, paragraphs) of the essay could be deleted without loss? In most cases, your paper should focus on points that are essential and that will be interesting to people who have already read or seen the work you are writing about.

But I’m writing a review! Don’t I have to summarize?

That depends. If you’re writing a critique of a piece of literature, a film, or a dramatic performance, you don’t necessarily need to give away much of the plot. The point is to let readers decide whether they want to enjoy it for themselves. If you do summarize, keep your summary brief and to the point.

Instead of telling your readers that the play, book, or film was “boring,” “interesting,” or “really good,” tell them specifically what parts of the work you’re talking about. It’s also important that you go beyond adjectives and explain how the work achieved its effect (how was it interesting?) and why you think the author/director wanted the audience to react a certain way. (We have a special handout on writing reviews that offers more tips.)

If you’re writing a review of an academic book or article, it may be important for you to summarize the main ideas and give an overview of the organization so your readers can decide whether it is relevant to their specific research interests.

If you are unsure how much (if any) summary a particular assignment requires, ask your instructor for guidance.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Barnet, Sylvan. 2015. A Short Guide to Writing about Art , 11th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Corrigan, Timothy. 2014. A Short Guide to Writing About Film , 9th ed. New York: Pearson.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Zinsser, William. 2001. On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction , 6th ed. New York: Quill.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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• How it works

Writing a Summary – Explanation & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at October 17th, 2023 , Revised On October 17, 2023

In a world bombarded with vast amounts of information, condensing and presenting data in a digestible format becomes invaluable. Enter summaries. 

A summary is a brief and concise account of the main points of a larger body of work. It distils complex ideas, narratives, or data into a version that is quicker to read and easier to understand yet still retains the essence of the original content.

Importance of Summaries

The importance of summarising extends far beyond just making reading more manageable. In academic settings, summaries aid students in understanding and retaining complex materials, from textbook chapters to research articles. They also serve as tools to showcase one’s grasp of the subject in essays and reports. 

In professional arenas, summaries are pivotal in business reports, executive briefings, and even emails where key points need to be conveyed quickly to decision-makers. Meanwhile, summarising skills come into play in our personal lives when we relay news stories to friends, recap a movie plot, or even scroll through condensed news or app notifications on our smartphones.

Why Do We Write Summaries?

In our modern information age, the sheer volume of content available can be overwhelming. From detailed research papers to comprehensive news articles, the quest for knowledge is often met with lengthy and complex resources. This is where the power of a well-crafted summary comes into play. But what drives us to create or seek out summaries? Let’s discuss.

Makes Important Things Easy to Remember

At the heart of summarisation is the goal to understand. A well-written summary aids in digesting complex material. By distilling larger works into their core points, we reinforce the primary messages, making them easier to remember. This is especially crucial for students who need to retain knowledge for exams or professionals prepping for a meeting based on a lengthy report.

Simplification of Complex Topics

Not everyone is an expert in every field. Often, topics come laden with jargon, intricate details, and nuanced arguments. Summaries act as a bridge, translating this complexity into accessible and straightforward content. This is especially beneficial for individuals new to a topic or those who need just the highlights without the intricacies.

Aid in Researching and Understanding Diverse Sources

Researchers, writers, and academics often wade through many sources when working on a project. This involves finding sources of different types, such as primary or secondary sources , and then understanding their content. Sifting through each source in its entirety can be time-consuming. Summaries offer a streamlined way to understand each source’s main arguments or findings, making synthesising information from diverse materials more efficient.

Condensing Information for Presentation or Sharing

In professional settings, there is often a need to present findings, updates, or recommendations to stakeholders. An executive might not have the time to go through a 50-page report, but they would certainly appreciate a concise summary highlighting the key points. Similarly, in our personal lives, we often summarise movie plots, book stories, or news events when sharing with friends or family.

Characteristics of a Good Summary

Crafting an effective summary is an art. It’s more than just shortening a piece of content; it is about capturing the essence of the original work in a manner that is both accessible and true to its intent. Let’s explore the primary characteristics that distinguish a good summary from a mediocre one:

Conciseness

At the core of a summary is the concept of brevity. But being concise doesn’t mean leaving out vital information. A good summary will:

• Eliminate superfluous details or repetitive points.
• Focus on the primary arguments, events, or findings.
• Use succinct language without compromising the message.

Objectivity

Summarising is not about infusing personal opinions or interpretations. A quality summary will:

• Stick to the facts as presented in the original content.
• Avoid introducing personal biases or perspectives.
• Represent the original author’s intent faithfully.

A summary is meant to simplify and make content accessible. This is only possible if the summary itself is easy to understand. Ensuring clarity involves:

• Avoiding jargon or technical terms unless they are essential to the content. If they are used, they should be clearly defined.
• Structuring sentences in a straightforward manner.
• Making sure ideas are presented in a way that even someone unfamiliar with the topic can grasp the primary points.

A jumble of ideas, no matter how concise, will not make for a good summary. Coherence ensures that there’s a logical flow to the summarised content. A coherent summary will:

• Maintain a logical sequence, often following the structure of the original content.
• Use transition words or phrases to connect ideas and ensure smooth progression.
• Group related ideas together to provide structure and avoid confusion.

Steps of Writing a Summary

The process of creating a compelling summary is not merely about cutting down content. It involves understanding, discerning, and crafting. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing a summary that encapsulates the essence of the original work:

Reading Actively

Engage deeply with the content to ensure a thorough understanding.

• Read the entire document or work first to grasp its overall intent and structure.
• On the second read, underline or highlight the standout points or pivotal moments.
• Make brief notes in the margins or on a separate sheet, capturing the core ideas in your own words.

Identifying the Main Idea

Determine the backbone of the content, around which all other details revolve.

• Ask yourself: “What is the primary message or theme the author wants to convey?”
• This can often be found in the title, introduction, or conclusion of a piece.
• Frame the main idea in a clear and concise statement to guide your summary.

List Key Supporting Points

Understand the pillars that uphold the main idea, providing evidence or depth to the primary message.

• Refer back to the points you underlined or highlighted during your active reading.
• Note major arguments, evidence, or examples that the author uses to back up the main idea.
• Prioritise these points based on their significance to the main idea.

Draft the Summary

Convert your understanding into a condensed, coherent version of the original.

• Start with a statement of the main idea.
• Follow with the key supporting points, maintaining logical order.
• Avoid including trivial details or examples unless they’re crucial to the primary message.
• Use your own words, ensuring you are not plagiarising the original content.

Fine-tune your draft to ensure clarity, accuracy, and brevity.

• Read your draft aloud to check for flow and coherence.
• Ensure that your summary remains objective, avoiding any personal interpretations or biases.
• Check the length. See if any non-essential details can be removed without sacrificing understanding if it is too lengthy.
• Ensure clarity by ensuring the language is straightforward, and the main ideas are easily grasped.

The research done by our experts have:

• Precision and Clarity
• Zero Plagiarism
• Authentic Sources

Dos and Don’ts of Summarising Key Points

Summarising, while seemingly straightforward, comes with its nuances. Properly condensing content demands a balance between brevity and fidelity to the original work. To aid in crafting exemplary summaries, here is a guide on the essential dos and don’ts:

Use your Own Words

This ensures that you have truly understood the content and are not merely parroting it. It also prevents issues of plagiarism.

Tip: After reading the original content, take a moment to reflect on it. Then, without looking at the source, write down the main points in your own words.

Attribute Sources Properly

Giving credit is both ethical and provides context to readers, helping them trace back to the original work if needed. How to cite sources correctly is a skill every writer should master.

Tip: Use signal phrases like “According to [Author/Source]…” or “As [Author/Source] points out…” to seamlessly incorporate attributions.

Ensure Accuracy of the Summarised Content

A summary should be a reliable reflection of the original content. Distorting or misrepresenting the original ideas compromises the integrity of the summary.

Tip: After drafting your summary, cross-check with the original content to ensure all key points are represented accurately and ensure you are referencing credible sources .

Avoid Copy-Pasting Chunks of Original Content

This not only raises plagiarism concerns but also shows a lack of genuine engagement with the material.

Tip: If a particular phrase or sentence from the original is pivotal and cannot be reworded without losing its essence, use block quotes , quotation marks, and attribute the source.

Do not Inject your Personal Opinion

A summary should be an objective reflection of the source material. Introducing personal biases or interpretations can mislead readers.

Tip: Stick to the facts and arguments presented in the original content. If you find yourself writing “I think” or “In my opinion,” reevaluate the sentence.

Do not Omit Crucial Information

While a summary is meant to be concise, it shouldn’t be at the expense of vital details that are essential to understanding the original content’s core message.

Tip: Prioritise information. Always include the main idea and its primary supports. If you are unsure whether a detail is crucial, consider its impact on the overall message.

Examples of Summaries

Here are a few examples that will help you get a clearer view of how to write a summary. 

Example 1: Summary of a News Article

Original Article: The article reports on the recent discovery of a rare species of frog in the Amazon rainforest. The frog, named the “Emerald Whisperer” due to its unique green hue and the soft chirping sounds it makes, was found by a team of researchers from the University of Texas. The discovery is significant as it offers insights into the biodiversity of the region, and the Emerald Whisperer might also play a pivotal role in understanding the ecosystem balance.

Summary: Researchers from the University of Texas have discovered a unique frog, termed the “Emerald Whisperer,” in the Amazon rainforest. This finding sheds light on the region’s biodiversity and underscores the importance of the frog in ecological studies.

Example 2: Summary of a Research Paper

Original Paper: In a study titled “The Impact of Urbanisation on Bee Populations,” researchers conducted a year-long observation on bee colonies in three urban areas and three rural areas. Using specific metrics like colony health, bee productivity, and population size, the study found that urban environments saw a 30% decline in bee populations compared to rural settings. The research attributes this decline to factors like pollution, reduced green spaces, and increased temperatures in urban areas.

Summary: A study analysing the effects of urbanisation on bee colonies found a significant 30% decrease in bee populations in urban settings compared to rural areas. The decline is linked to urban factors such as pollution, diminished greenery, and elevated temperatures.

Example 3: Summary of a Novel

Original Story: In the novel “Winds of Fate,” protagonist Clara is trapped in a timeless city where memories dictate reality. Throughout her journey, she encounters characters from her past, present, and imagined future. Battling her own perceptions and a menacing shadow figure, Clara seeks an elusive gateway to return to her real world. In the climax, she confronts the shadow, which turns out to be her own fear, and upon overcoming it, she finds her way back, realising that reality is subjective.

Summary: “Winds of Fate” follows Clara’s adventures in a surreal city shaped by memories. Confronting figures from various phases of her life and battling a symbolic shadow of her own fear, Clara eventually discovers that reality’s perception is malleable and subjective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a summary.

A summary condenses a larger piece of content, capturing its main points and essence.  It is usually one-fourth of the original content.

What is a summary?

A summary is a concise representation of a larger text or content, highlighting its main ideas and points. It distils complex information into a shorter form, allowing readers to quickly grasp the essence of the original material without delving into extensive details. Summaries prioritise clarity, brevity, and accuracy.

When should I write a summary?

Write a summary when you need to condense lengthy content for easier comprehension and recall. It’s useful in academic settings, professional reports, presentations, and research to highlight key points. Summaries aid in comparing multiple sources, preparing for discussions, and sharing essential details of extensive materials efficiently with others.

How can I summarise a source without plagiarising?

To summarise without plagiarising: Read the source thoroughly, understand its main ideas, and then write the summary in your own words. Avoid copying phrases verbatim. Attribute the source properly. Use paraphrasing techniques and cross-check your summary against the original to ensure distinctiveness while retaining accuracy. Always prioritise understanding over direct replication.

What is the difference between a summary and an abstract?

A summary condenses a text, capturing its main points from various content types like books, articles, or movies. An abstract, typically found in research papers and scientific articles, provides a brief overview of the study’s purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions. Both offer concise versions, but abstracts are more structured and specific.

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Academic sources, also known as scholarly sources or academic references, are materials used by researchers, scholars, and students to support their academic work. These sources are specifically created for use in academic contexts and contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field of study.

In today’s information age, where vast amounts of knowledge are easily accessible, it is crucial to know how to use and represent that knowledge correctly and how to cite sources properly.

In academia, research, journalism, and writing, the skill of quoting sources is fundamental. Accurate and proper quoting adds credibility to your work and demonstrates respect for the original authors and their ideas.

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• How to Write a Summary

Proficient students understand that  summarizing , identifying what is most important and restating the text (or other media) in your own words, is an important tool for college success.

After all, if you really know a subject, you will be able to summarize it. If you cannot summarize a subject, even if you have memorized all the facts about it, you can be absolutely sure that you have not learned it. And, if you truly learn the subject, you will still be able to summarize it months or years from now.

Proficient students may monitor their understanding of a text by summarizing as they read. They understand that if they can write a one- or two-sentence summary of each paragraph after reading it, then that is a good sign that they have correctly understood it. If they can not summarize the main idea of the paragraph, they know that comprehension has broken down and they need to use fix-up strategies to repair understanding.

Summary Writing Format

• When writing a summary, remember that it should be in the form of a paragraph.
• A summary begins with an introductory sentence that states the text’s title, author and main point of the text as you see it.
• A summary is written in your own words.
• A summary contains only the ideas of the original text. Do not insert any of your own opinions, interpretations, deductions or comments into a summary.
• Identify in order the significant sub-claims the author uses to defend the main point.
• Copy word-for-word three separate passages from the essay that you think support and/or defend the main point of the essay as you see it.
• Cite each passage by first signaling the work and the author, put “quotation marks” around the passage you chose, and put the number of the paragraph where the passages can be found immediately after the passage.
• Using source material from the essay is important. Why? Because defending claims with source material is what you will be asked to do when writing papers for your college professors.
• Write a last sentence that “wraps” up your summary; often a simple rephrasing of the main point.

Example Summary Writing Format

In the essay Santa Ana , author Joan Didion’s main point is ( state main point ). According to Didion “… passage 1 …” (para.3). Didion also writes “… passage 2 …” (para.8). Finally, she states “… passage 3 …” (para. 12) Write a last sentence that “wraps” up your summary; often a simple rephrasing of the main point.

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• Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

• Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

• Introduction to the Writing Process
• Introduction to Writing
• Your Role as a Learner
• What is an Essay?
• Reading to Write
• Defining the Writing Process
• Videos: Prewriting Techniques
• Thesis Statements
• Organizing an Essay
• Creating Paragraphs
• Conclusions
• Editing and Proofreading
• Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
• Peer Review Checklist
• Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

• Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
• Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
• Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
• APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

• Definitional Argument Essay
• How to Write a Definition Essay
• Critical Thinking
• Video: Thesis Explained
• Effective Thesis Statements
• Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

• Introduction to Narrative Essay
• Student Sample: Narrative Essay
• "Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
• "Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
• Video: The Danger of a Single Story
• How to Write an Annotation
• Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

• Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
• "She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
• "April & Paris" by David Sedaris
• Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
• Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

• Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
• "Disability" by Nancy Mairs
• "Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
• "A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
• Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast
• Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

• Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
• "Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
• "Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
• Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
• Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

• Introduction to Argument Essay
• Rogerian Argument
• "The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
• "The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
• How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
• Writing for Success: Argument
• Student Sample: Argument Essay
• Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
• Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
• Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
• Mini-lesson: Fragments I
• Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
• Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
• Mini-lesson: Parallelism
• Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
• Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
• Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
• De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
• Style Exercise: Voice

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• How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples

How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples

Published on 25 September 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 12 May 2023.

Summarising , or writing a summary, means giving a concise overview of a text’s main points in your own words. A summary is always much shorter than the original text.

There are five key steps that can help you to write a summary:

• Read the text
• Break it down into sections
• Identify the key points in each section
• Write the summary
• Check the summary against the article

Writing a summary does not involve critiquing or analysing the source. You should simply provide an accurate account of the most important information and ideas (without copying any text from the original).

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Table of contents

When to write a summary, step 1: read the text, step 2: break the text down into sections, step 3: identify the key points in each section, step 4: write the summary, step 5: check the summary against the article, frequently asked questions.

There are many situations in which you might have to summarise an article or other source:

• As a stand-alone assignment to show you’ve understood the material
• To keep notes that will help you remember what you’ve read
• To give an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review

When you’re writing an academic text like an essay , research paper , or dissertation , you’ll integrate sources in a variety of ways. You might use a brief quote to support your point, or paraphrase a few sentences or paragraphs.

But it’s often appropriate to summarize a whole article or chapter if it is especially relevant to your own research, or to provide an overview of a source before you analyse or critique it.

In any case, the goal of summarising is to give your reader a clear understanding of the original source. Follow the five steps outlined below to write a good summary.

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You should read the article more than once to make sure you’ve thoroughly understood it. It’s often effective to read in three stages:

• Scan the article quickly to get a sense of its topic and overall shape.
• Read the article carefully, highlighting important points and taking notes as you read.
• Skim the article again to confirm you’ve understood the key points, and reread any particularly important or difficult passages.

There are some tricks you can use to identify the key points as you read:

• Start by reading the abstract . This already contains the author’s own summary of their work, and it tells you what to expect from the article.
• Pay attention to headings and subheadings . These should give you a good sense of what each part is about.
• Read the introduction and the conclusion together and compare them: What did the author set out to do, and what was the outcome?

To make the text more manageable and understand its sub-points, break it down into smaller sections.

If the text is a scientific paper that follows a standard empirical structure, it is probably already organised into clearly marked sections, usually including an introduction, methods, results, and discussion.

Other types of articles may not be explicitly divided into sections. But most articles and essays will be structured around a series of sub-points or themes.

Now it’s time go through each section and pick out its most important points. What does your reader need to know to understand the overall argument or conclusion of the article?

Keep in mind that a summary does not involve paraphrasing every single paragraph of the article. Your goal is to extract the essential points, leaving out anything that can be considered background information or supplementary detail.

In a scientific article, there are some easy questions you can ask to identify the key points in each part.

If the article takes a different form, you might have to think more carefully about what points are most important for the reader to understand its argument.

In that case, pay particular attention to the thesis statement —the central claim that the author wants us to accept, which usually appears in the introduction—and the topic sentences that signal the main idea of each paragraph.

Now that you know the key points that the article aims to communicate, you need to put them in your own words.

To avoid plagiarism and show you’ve understood the article, it’s essential to properly paraphrase the author’s ideas. Do not copy and paste parts of the article, not even just a sentence or two.

The best way to do this is to put the article aside and write out your own understanding of the author’s key points.

Examples of article summaries

Let’s take a look at an example. Below, we summarise this article , which scientifically investigates the old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away’.

An article summary like the above would be appropriate for a stand-alone summary assignment. However, you’ll often want to give an even more concise summary of an article.

For example, in a literature review or research paper, you may want to briefly summarize this study as part of a wider discussion of various sources. In this case, we can boil our summary down even further to include only the most relevant information.

Citing the source you’re summarizing

When including a summary as part of a larger text, it’s essential to properly cite the source you’re summarizing. The exact format depends on your citation style , but it usually includes an in-text citation and a full reference at the end of your paper.

You can easily create your citations and references in APA or MLA using our free citation generators.

APA Citation Generator MLA Citation Generator

Finally, read through the article once more to ensure that:

• You’ve accurately represented the author’s work
• You haven’t missed any essential information
• The phrasing is not too similar to any sentences in the original.

If you’re summarising many articles as part of your own work, it may be a good idea to use a plagiarism checker to double-check that your text is completely original and properly cited. Just be sure to use one that’s safe and reliable.

A summary is a short overview of the main points of an article or other source, written entirely in your own words.

Save yourself some time with the free summariser.

A summary is always much shorter than the original text. The length of a summary can range from just a few sentences to several paragraphs; it depends on the length of the article you’re summarising, and on the purpose of the summary.

With the summariser tool you can easily adjust the length of your summary.

You might have to write a summary of a source:

• As a stand-alone assignment to prove you understand the material
• For your own use, to keep notes on your reading
• To provide an overview of other researchers’ work in a literature review
• In a paper , to summarise or introduce a relevant study

To avoid plagiarism when summarising an article or other source, follow these two rules:

• Write the summary entirely in your own words by   paraphrasing the author’s ideas.
• Reference the source with an in-text citation and a full reference so your reader can easily find the original text.

An abstract concisely explains all the key points of an academic text such as a thesis , dissertation or journal article. It should summarise the whole text, not just introduce it.

An abstract is a type of summary , but summaries are also written elsewhere in academic writing . For example, you might summarise a source in a paper , in a literature review , or as a standalone assignment.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, May 12). How to Write a Summary | Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 14 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/working-sources/how-to-write-a-summary/

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How to Summarize a Story

Last Updated: April 18, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Richard Perkins . Richard Perkins is a Writing Coach, Academic English Coordinator, and the Founder of PLC Learning Center. With over 24 years of education experience, he gives teachers tools to teach writing to students and works with elementary to university level students to become proficient, confident writers. Richard is a fellow at the National Writing Project. As a teacher leader and consultant at California State University Long Beach's Global Education Project, Mr. Perkins creates and presents teacher workshops that integrate the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals in the K-12 curriculum. He holds a BA in Communications and TV from The University of Southern California and an MEd from California State University Dominguez Hills. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 417,677 times.

When you're writing a summary of a story it needs to be short, sweet, and to the point. Fortunately, this isn't hard if you follow certain guidelines.

Sample Summaries

As You're Reading

• Concentrate fully on the book. Don't get distracted by anything, not even music.

• For example: for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone you would write down Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, because they are the main characters. You might even note down Hagrid, Dumbledore, Snape, Quirrell, and Voldemort because they figure importantly in the story.
• You wouldn't need to write down Peeves the poltergeist, or Norbert the dragon, because while they are important in their places in the story, they don't influence the main storyline enough to be part of the summary.
• A shorter story like "Little Red Riding Hood" is easy because you only have to note down Red Riding Hood, her grandmother, the wolf, and the woodcutter (depending on the version).

• Continuing the Harry Potter example: the main action takes place at Hogwarts, so you could write down something like 'the magical school Hogwarts in the United Kingdoms.'
• Now for a story like Lord of the Rings, which takes place over a large amount of territory, you can mention that it's Middle-Earth, and note some places of important like the Shire, Mordor, and Gondor. You don't have to go too specific (like mentioning the forest Fangorn, or the tower Minas Morgul).

• For Harry Potter, the main conflict is Voldemort's attempt to steal the Sorcerer's Stone and return to menace the Wizard World (and kill Harry).
• For example, if you're summarizing The Odyssey, the main conflict is Odysseus trying to get home to Ithaca. Everything about the story is driven by his desire to get home and all the obstacles standing in his way.

• For Harry Potter, some main events would be Harry finding out he's a wizard, or Harry meeting the three-headed dog and, of course, Harry, Ron, and Hermione defeating Voldemort.
• It might seem easier for a shorter story like 'Little Red Riding Hood,' but you should only note down the most important moments like Riding Hood meeting the wolf, getting eaten after she mistakes the wolf for her grandmother, and the appearance of the woodcutter.

• For Harry Potter the conclusion is defeating Voldemort. The story after that isn't important to the summary, even if it is important to the overall story. You won't need to go into the conversation between Dumbledore and Harry at the end, or even the Gryffindor House winning points, because it isn't really part of the main Voldemort storyline.
• For Red Riding Hood, the conclusion is the appearance of the woodcutter to save her and her grandmother.
• For something like Lord of the Rings, the conclusion is complicated for a summary, because you may want to stop off at the destruction of the Ring, but (especially if the central idea of the story is the importance of the the deeds of one insignificant person) you will want to mention the Scouring of the Shire, and Frodo's departure from the Grey Havens.

Writing Your Summary

• To continue with the Harry Potter example, you'll need to look at how Harry went from learning he was a wizard to defeating Voldemort.
• For something like The Odyssey you'll need to look at how Odysseus gets from his losing all his men and washing up on Calypso's island to defeating the suitors and convincing Penelope of his identity.
• A short story like Red Riding Hood, you'll need to look at why Riding Hood was going into the woods, how she was fooled into being eaten and how she was saved.

• Make sure that you only focus on the main plot of the story. Don't get side tracked into Harry's Quidditch playing, or his feud with Malfoy.
• Likewise, don't quote from the story itself. You don't need to replicate conversations from the story in the summary. You might need to briefly mention the key point from a conversation (like 'When Harry and his friends discover from Hagrid that the Sorcerer's Stone might no longer be safe, they go to stop the thief themselves.')

• 'J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" tells the story of eleven-year-old orphan Harry Potter, who discovers that he is a wizard and goes to study magic at the British school for wizards, Hogwarts. While there he discovers that his parents were killed by the evil wizard, Voldemort, who was destroyed by Harry when he was a baby. With his friends, Ron Weasley, who comes from a large family of wizards, and Hermione Granger, the smartest witch in their year, Harry figures out that the Sorcerer's Stone, which gives eternal life, is hidden on the off-limits third floor. When Harry and his friends discover from Hagrid that the Sorcerer's Stone is no longer be safe, they go to stop the thief themselves, who they think is Professor Snape, who hates Harry. When Harry finds the Stone, he discovers that the thief is Professor Quirrell, who is possessed by Voldemort. Because of a spell cast by Harry's mother, he is able to defeat Quirrell and Voldemort is forced back into hiding.'
• 'Homer's epic poem "The Odyssey" tells the story of the Greek hero, Odysseus, and ten-year voyage to get home to the island of Ithaca where his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus waited. It begins with Odysseus imprisoned by the nymph Calypso until the Greek Gods force her to free him. The god Poseidon, who harbors a grudge against Odysseus for blinding his son the Cyclops Polyphemus previously in his travels, attempts to wreck his ship, but is stopped by the goddess Athena. Odysseus makes it to Scheria, home of the Phaeacians, where he is given safe passage and asked about his journeys to this point. Odysseus tells them of the variety of adventures he suffered through with his crew, the trip to the Land of the Lotus Eaters, his blinding of Polyphemus, his love affair with the witch-goddess Circe, the deadly Sirens, the journey into Hades, and his fight with the sea monster Scylla among them. The Phaeacians take him safely to Ithaca, where he enters the hall disguised as a beggar. In Ithaca, supposing Odysseus to be dead, suitors have taken over his hall, tried to kill his son and tried to convince Penelope to choose one of them. Penelope, believing Odysseus to be alive, has refused. She arranges a contest with Odysseus's bow, that only he can string. Once he's strung it, he shoots all the suitors and is reunited with his family.'
• These summaries cover the main plots of the stories that they're summarizing. They use sentences like "When Harry finds the Stone..." instead of explaining exactly what it took to find the stone, which is not the point of a summary. They are brief and they focus only on the most important main characters, like Odysseus, Penelope, the gods, etc.

Community Q&A

• Make sure you keep your summary short. It shouldn't be longer than the original story! [16] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• If you're writing an essay, you shouldn't only summarize the text. Thanks Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1
• Don't include your opinions when writing a summary unless you are explicitly prompted to by your teacher. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3

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• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/correctly-summarize-short-story-5031.html
• ↑ Richard Perkins. Writing Coach & Academic English Coordinator. Expert Interview. 1 September 2021.
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/summary-using-it-wisely/
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-notes-while-reading/
• ↑ https://fs.blog/2013/11/taking-notes-while-reading/
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/parts-story-introduction-body-conclusion-6472733.html
• ↑ https://penandthepad.com/major-conflict-story-8483658.html
• ↑ https://writershelpingwriters.net/2017/04/the-efficient-writer-using-timelines-to-organize-story-details/
• ↑ https://www.kellogg.edu/upload/eng151/chapter/how-to-write-a-summary/index.html
• ↑ https://www.eecis.udel.edu/~carberry/Papers/Mani-revision-99.pdf
• ↑ https://study.com/learn/lesson/what-is-a-summary.html
• https://public.wsu.edu/~mejia/Summary.htm
• https://www.lbcc.edu/sites/main/files/file-attachments/summarizingparagraph.pdf

About This Article

To summarize a story as you read, take notes about the characters, plot, and setting. When you’ve finished the story, organize your notes chronologically so you can see how the story develops from beginning to end. Then, write a paragraph describing the characters, followed by one dealing with the basic plot points. Next, note the time period, the setting, and the main takeaways from the story. When you’ve touched on all these elements, go back and revise your summary so there are no errors. For sample summaries and ways to use them when you’re writing your own, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Write a Book Summary (Step-by-Step)

by Sam Thomas Davies | Last updated: July 13, 2023 | Filed Under: Self-Improvement

In 2015, I wrote a book summary for The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. 

Distilling the book’s key ideas helped me remember what I read. Plus, readers got a lot from it, so I continued with other nonfiction books I read.

Since then, I’ve written 100+ book summaries for the best non-fiction books of all time. And, in doing so, I’ve learned a thing or two about writing good book summaries.  

In this article, I want to share how to write a book summary that will help you remember what you read months, even years, after reading.

Table of Contents

Why write a book summary.

• Step 1. Take Notes While You’re Reading

Step 2. Write the Main Takeaways in Your Own Words

Step 3. continue to summarize overtime .

I’ve found there are three key benefits to writing a book summary.

First, writing a book summary helps you remember what you read. We’ve all read a book only to forget its key ideas as soon as we finish. Summarizing a book in your own words, though, minimizes that problem by helping you internalize the book’s key insights. 

Second, writing a book summary helps you connect key concepts from other books. When writing a book summary for The Little Book of Yes , I noticed the author wrote about the importance of endings, a key idea also covered in The Power of Moments .

In The Power of Moments , Chip and Dan Heath explain that when people assess an experience, such as an experience with a brand, they tend to rate the experience based on the ending. In The Little Book of Yes , by contrast, Noah Goldstein discusses endings in the context of persuasion. 

By summarizing an idea, in my own words, and then looking at that idea through the lens of another context, I was able to understand it on a deeper, more applicable layer. 

Granted, for ideas covered, again and again, there’s a risk of moving too far from the source. (Think of all the instances of “research shows that” with no reference.) 

But for principle-based ideas (e.g., the trichotomy of control ), connecting “knowledge trees,” as author James Clear calls them , helps you internalize and remember what you read.

Third, writing a book summary helps you improve your writing . As Head of Content for Sleeknote , I create a lot of content and need to refer to and reference ideas I’ve read as quickly as possible. 

In this article on copywriting examples , I wanted to talk about how copywriter Claude Hopkins saved Schlitz from bankruptcy. Still, I couldn’t remember which book had introduced me to the story. 

So, I ran a search in my Commonplace Book , found the book, ( Scientific Advertising ), and featured the story in my article.   

You might not be a writer or even a creative for that matter, but as we’ll discuss in Step 3., there’s value in “remixing” an idea as part of the retrieval process. 

Now we’ve covered the benefits of writing a book summary let’s discuss how to write a summary, step-by-step.

Step 1. Take Notes While You Read

If you’re reading a print or hardcover book, highlight important quotes, ideas, or questions, and then write the page number on the first blank page.

By contrast, if you’re reading a Kindle book, use Kindle’s “notes” and “highlights” to capture and save important takeaways. Try to be as descriptive as possible to save time when exporting.

When reading Drive by Dan H. Pink, I marked a popular highlight.

But I also added a note, so when I summarized Drive , weeks, or even months later, I knew who Pink was quoting.

I also recommend highlighting the book’s chapter headings as you’re reading. You won’t always write a book summary, chapter by chapter, but for certain books, where each chapter builds on the last, it’s much easier to get an overview of your notes and highlights.

If you’re reading a print or hardcover book, write your notes and highlights into your preferred word processor or note-taking app. (I recommend Notion for reasons I’ll mention in Step 3.)

However, if you’re reading a Kindle book, adding your notes and highlights is quicker and easier. To export your notes and highlights, go to Your Amazon Kindle page . 

Next, copy all your notes and highlights and paste them into a preferred word processor or note-taking app. For this tutorial, I’m using Notion .

Then, remove all instances of “Read more at location [NUMBER],” “Delete this highlight,” and “Add a note” to remove all redundant copy.

Next, rewrite each highlight in your own words. If a highlight lacks context, like the example I mentioned in Step 1., rewrite it to include the note.

For example, before rewriting, this highlight read, “‘When money is used as an external reward for some activity, the subjects lose intrinsic interest for the activity,’ he wrote.” 

However, after editing, it became, “In one study, Edward Deci found that when money is used as an external reward for some activity, subjects lost intrinsic interest for the activity.”

If you highlighted chapter headings, as suggested in Step 1., turn them into subheadings. I also suggest adding a divider to separate each block. 

Editor’s Note

If you commit to writing book summaries over time, you will soon have dozens, if not hundreds, of summaries that will require a sound organizational system.

To do that, I recommend building a digital commonplace book in Notion. To learn more about how to do that, check out this article .

One of the best book summarization practices is called progressive summarization (PS). Coined by Tiago Forte, the idea is to summarize your notes, and then summarize that summary, then summarizing that summary, distilling the ideas into smaller and smaller layers each time.

There are five layers to PS, but I’ve adapted it for a book summary, specifically.

First, we have layer 1, which is a book’s notes and highlight, unedited, including redundant copy like “Add a note.” The problem, though, as mentioned previously, is raw notes lack context and are therefore unhelpful when we return to them in the future.

Layer 2, the first round of summarization, solves that problem, with a summary of the book, in your own words.

Layer 3 is the second round of summarization. Forte recommends bolding the book’s big ideas at this layer, but I use highlights instead for reasons I’ll explain in a moment.

At layer 3, I highlight key takeaways that are not context-specific.

Next, for Layer 4, I bold what I call “ Directives .” These are bite-sized instructions that “tell” you what to do. Here’s a Layer 3 example (highlights) with Level 4 (bold) added after a fourth revision.

At this stage, if I notice an idea that’s similar to one in another book, I use Notion’s callout box feature to draw attention and link it to the book summary for reference.

Finally, for a tiny minority of book summaries I write, I “remix” them by combining them with another idea for a piece of content. Remixing is a Layer 5 practice.

For instance, for one of my weekly Words Into Works newsletters, I knew I wanted to share a story about Abraham Lincoln, which Ryan Holiday introduced me to in his book, The Daily Stoic . 

I also knew I wanted to use the story to illustrate the idea of pausing, an idea I learned from The Little Book of Yes . So I combined Holiday’s story with Goldstein’s idea and added a creative spin to help me internalize the idea.

I should mention progressive summarization is done best over time. You shouldn’t go through all five levels for a summary in one sitting, nor will you need to. 

But for a select few, you will return, again and again, over time, and improve on the summary you wrote, often with a greater understanding than when you first wrote it.

Writing a book summary requires time, energy, and effort. That much is a given. But when done consistently, over time, it’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 

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June 23, 2020 at 12:05 am

It feels like divine intervention to have found your website, Sam. I just finished reading Rich Dad, Poor Dad a week ago, and was summarizing it and linking to other alternative summarizes to the document and I came across your website. I’ve been looking to incorporate book summaries into a blog and my own commonplace book to help myself internalize the content and help my friends. This article of yours is just what I needed. Once I saw your mention of Scientific Advertising , I knew I immediately had to comment on my thanks and check out the rest of your website haha. I’m looking forward to exploring more of your site!

June 23, 2020 at 7:16 am

Thanks a lot, Shawn. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

August 16, 2021 at 11:23 am

Thanks to you. I enjoyed reading this article and gain a lot of ideas. Thank you once again.

August 18, 2021 at 4:33 pm

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed the article.

November 4, 2021 at 10:44 pm

Many thanks to you! I enjoyed to read this article and it was very impressive! Thanks

November 14, 2021 at 8:54 am

Thanks, Bava. Glad you found it helpful 🙂

July 22, 2020 at 2:11 pm

Sam –

I love your work. Thanks for all you are doing to make great knowledge more accessible to all of us.

I’d like to start writing summaries of the great books I listen to. How long does it take you to write a summary? I want to block some time in my calendar to write summaries.

Thanks so much!

– Curt

July 24, 2020 at 10:55 am

Thanks, Curt. Writing a book summary can take anywhere from six to nine hours, depending on the book’s length.

August 10, 2020 at 1:19 pm

Wow. That is a long time! Thank you for sharing the fruit of your efforts!

August 10, 2020 at 1:47 pm

My pleasure. Thanks for reading, Curt.

August 18, 2021 at 2:03 pm

Thanks a lot, sir. I really grabbed something here. Though a lot of time is required I will practice.

August 18, 2021 at 4:32 pm

Thanks, Jennifer.

August 25, 2020 at 2:10 pm

Amazing job you are doing Sam by writing these priceless summaries. A heartfelt thanks! Btw, just wanted to know: Do we still need to read the books after reading your summary? 😛 I mostly read non-fiction self help books to get ideas for improvement which I believe you are covering aptly in the summary. So what do you suggest? Should I save my time and focus on the implementation part?

August 29, 2020 at 3:07 pm

Thanks, Anabil. I would also recommend reading the book still. The summary is only one interpretation, one that often changes with each new read.

July 7, 2021 at 12:57 pm

Thank you, Sam. I think I understand what you have written here. Helpful. 🙂

I have a question. How do we differentiate a summary of fiction from nonfiction?

Thanks, Kulbushan

July 12, 2021 at 6:17 am

Thanks, Kulbushan. I would still focus on summarizing the book chapter-by-chapter.

August 6, 2021 at 7:49 am

Thanks for your work, Sam. This is so far the most valuable post I have read on summarizing books. The step-by-step guide along with the principles is exactly what I was looking for. While I was at it, I also read some of your book summaries – and kudos to that! 🙂 I am very grateful for your site.

August 6, 2021 at 5:12 pm

Thanks, Sri. I’m glad you found it helpful.

August 26, 2021 at 5:27 am

Thanks, Sam.

February 8, 2022 at 6:19 am

This is so true Sam I think writing summaries help us condense our learning and helps our audience as well as they can easily consume our byte-sized lessons.

February 17, 2022 at 11:00 pm

Very insightful. I struggle remembering most books I read so decided to use a summary to at least reflect. I decided to research how to do this and I chanced on your website. Thank you. Very helpful.

May 18, 2022 at 7:00 am

Thanks, Seth. Glad you found it useful.

February 18, 2022 at 1:48 pm

This is dope, I loved it. Thanks for being plain and clear for a better understanding.

February 28, 2022 at 7:14 am

My pleasure, Andrew. Glad you liked the post.

April 8, 2022 at 4:34 pm

Hi Sam, Your highly instructive and rich article is surely providing great support for writers of overviews and summaries. I have almost finished a book of a prehistoric-linguistic denomination. I am about to prepare it for publishing. One of my tasks is to edit an overview. Would you be able to do the overview for me and how much it will cost?

Kind Regards,

April 18, 2022 at 3:59 pm

Afraid not, Sabah. Try searching for a copyeditor on Upwork. Best of luck.

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Write a Quick Summary: 4 Effective Tips

Table of Contents

Why do you need to write a quick summary ? Well, the reason is simple.

What Is a Summary?

A summary is a shortened version of a longer text that provides comprehensive knowledge to the reader. It is a condensed version of a section that contains the most significant information. It can go into great depth on some issues or be a basic retelling of the passage’s main point.

But either way, the convenience of the summary is that it takes less time to comprehend the idea entirely. When you summarize a text, you give a quick overview of the main themes in your own words.

What Is the Purpose of a Quick Summary?

Quick summaries are meant to provide a bit of a recap of a written document. It can be a chapter in a book, a list of research publications, or a review of a company’s trends and developments.

A quick summary can also help learners who are taking notes from a lecture to grasp what was discussed and what was left unexplained.

4 Tips to Write an Effective Summary

A summary is a quick and concise explanation of what you have read in a long dissertation or piece of content. And a summary is a key to reading comprehension.

With so much content online, it’s hard to filter the useful information from the unhelpful. To write a quick, effective, and engaging summary, here are four tips to help you out.

1. Find your central idea

A helpful summary distills the original information down to its most relevant point to give a clear understanding to the reader.

Choose one central point to convey to the reader and make the most of your limited sentences. To help you organize your thoughts, make a few mental notes.

2. Keep it short

A summary is a concise synopsis of the original piece, not a rewrite. The average length of a summary paragraph is usually five to eight sentences to ensure short and focused content.

Remove any redundancies or repeating language to keep your paragraph simple and brief.

3. Write without bias

Often, we fall into the trap of writing from a biased perspective. If you are trying to persuade someone into reading your work, you don’t have to try and trick them.

You just need to present your writing without judgment. And when summarizing an original text, you’re compiling and consolidating the key information and not reviewing it. So, write in your own words and avoid slipping your opinion into the summary.

4. Ensure a smooth flow

Transitions are crucial when it comes to building momentum in your writing. Make sure your sentences flow together and properly explain your summary using transition words.

You must know how to present your main idea in an organized and coherent manner.

A summary serves as a quick overview of what you want to share or say . The purpose of a quick summary is to provide a brief explanation of an idea or argument.

You could be researching, seeking a new method to start a story, or just attempting to get across a broad notion. If you want to write a compelling summary, you need to keep it simple, theme-based, and easy to comprehend.

Pam is an expert grammarian with years of experience teaching English, writing and ESL Grammar courses at the university level. She is enamored with all things language and fascinated with how we use words to shape our world.

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How To Write a LinkedIn Summary (With Examples)

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Published: May 14, 2024

Are you one of the hundreds of job seekers looking to make a lasting impression on recruiters and potential employers? It can be disheartening to feel like you’re just another number in a sea of graduates who are ready to start their careers.

But you don’t have to feel that way anymore!

Writing a compelling LinkedIn summary can make all the difference in how potential employers and connections see you. It’s not just about listing your job titles and responsibilities, it’s also about crafting a narrative that showcases your personality, achievements, and aspirations.

With a compelling LinkedIn summary, you can make yourself stand out. And crafting them can be really fun – especially with the help of a good writing tool like Smodin AI Writer !

Before you get started, though, there are a few things to remember:

• Always start with a good opening line or ‘hook.’
• You can relax and have fun with your summary! It doesn’t have to be overly formal.
• Always write in the first person and write as you would speak.
• Try to avoid blocks of text by breaking your summary up into paragraphs or sections.

Think you’re ready? Great! Then, it’s time to get typing and have the perfect summary on your LinkedIn profile with these tips below.

1. Express Your Passion

You can start your LinkedIn summary by expressing what it is that drives you in a professional context. Share what excites you the most about your work and the impact you want to make through it.

Whether you want to solve complex problems, foster innovation, or help others succeed – you should make sure to let your passion shine.

This is a great way to open your summary since it shows who you are in a professional context – and where you could potentially fit within a company. For employers, this also helps them to see whether you would be an asset to their particular organization.

2. Define Your Current Role

Next, you’ll want to define your current role and responsibilities. Just be sure to do this as simply as possible without too much technical jargon. In this context, simple is always best.

For example, you can explain exactly who you’re helping, what type of problems you’re solving, and the overall impact of your work. This will help hiring managers understand where your strengths lie and decide whether you would be a good fit for a specific role in their company.

You can also use this to highlight relevant skills you may have for the industry you’re working in – or the one you want to work in.

3. Describe Your Professional History

As you’re writing your summary, you’re going to want to take your readers on a journey through your professional background. Of course, this should highlight your achievements, important transitions, and significant milestones. Basically, anything that could potentially make you stand out against the ‘average Joe.’

It’s also a good idea to connect the dots between your past experiences with your current role and how they have shaped where you are now. A proven track record of your skills and value within a specific role or industry highlights your worth to employers.

If you have any unrelated roles or have been through a few career pivots, you can also frame these as valuable learning experiences.

4. Talk About Your Achievements

So now it’s time to brag (just a little) about what you’ve achieved in a professional context in your LinkedIn summary. Although it’s important not to come across as arrogant, you don’t want to diminish your accomplishments! Instead, you’re going to want to list your achievements clearly and directly.

Perhaps you’ve surpassed your sales targets or led a successful project. If you have, then you’re going to want to include that in your LinkedIn summary! If you’ve been given any awards or recognition for your work, this is a good time to mention them.

5. Show off Your Personality

Authenticity is key for a good LinkedIn summary. You want people to get to know who you are – not just what you do. By sharing things like anecdotes, personal stories, or even some humor, you can show off your personality and your voice.

By staying true to who you are, you can set yourself apart from the crowd. After all, nobody wants to read a LinkedIn summary that is just a repeat of someone else’s! Although there is a formula you can follow to write your summary, you don’t want to lose who you are in a generic post.

So, no matter what you do, just remember to be yourself and have fun with it!

6. Explain What You Like Outside of Work

So, you’ve spoken about your professional journey thus far. But that’s only one aspect of who you are! This is just another component of showing off your personality. And it gives potential employers a glimpse into who you are outside of the workplace.

Share a few personal details about your hobbies and interests, for example. Plus, if you do any volunteer work, then you can share about that, too!

If you can relate these to your professional strengths – even better! It will show how your hobbies enrich your personal perspective and contribute to your professional success.

7. Issue a Call to Action

You should always end your LinkedIn summary with a call to action. With this, you can invite readers to connect with you, explore job opportunities, or learn more about your work. You can also make it easier for them to follow up on this. You can do this by linking to relevant resources or providing them with the necessary contact information.

When you’re done, you’ll be left with a LinkedIn summary full of passion. Not only that but it will also be filled with authenticity and compelling storytelling. Remember, the story is all about you ! And by using this guide and a great writing tool like Smodin Writer , you can create a powerful narrative that attracts attention and opens doors for new opportunities.

LinkedIn Summary Examples for Recent Graduates

If you have recently graduated and you don’t have much (or any) professional experience, then don’t panic! There are plenty of ways to work around your lack of experience and still write an amazing summary!

1. Software Engineer LinkedIn Summary

As a recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science, I am passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems.

My coursework focused on software development, algorithms, and database management. This has provided me with a strong foundation in coding and problem-solving.

During my internships, I contributed to developing scalable web applications and learned more about the importance of collaboration in agile professional environments.

Now, I’m eager to start a new career where I can apply my technical skills to innovate and create incredibly impactful solutions.

2. Graphic Designer LinkedIn Summary

Armed with a degree in Graphic Design and a creative mindset, I am really driven by the power of visual storytelling.

Through my coursework and freelance projects, I learned to master design principles, typography, and Adobe Creative Suite.

My internship experiences helped to expose me to client collaboration and project management. In turn, this refined my ability to transform everyday concepts into compelling visuals and works of art.

I’m excited to join a dynamic team where I can bring my ideas to life and make more meaningful connections through visual communication.

3. Data Science and Analytics LinkedIn Summary

I am a recent graduate with a degree in Statistics from Cornell University and an innate fascination for data-driven insights.

I’m extremely passionate about finding patterns and trends that encourage decision-making in today’s data-driven world.

During my studies, I specialized in data visualization and predictive modeling techniques. I also gained valuable hands-on experience with statistical software like R and Python.

Ultimately, my goal is to use my analytical skills to my advantage. I’m ready to solve complex problems to help drive business success through actionable insights.

4. Social Media Strategist LinkedIn Summary

Creative communications graduate with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and super-engaging content.

Through my studies and several internship roles, I’ve honed my skills in social media marketing, content creation, and community engagement for multiple brands.

I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can blend my creativity with data-driven strategies to boost brand awareness and improve audience engagement.

I’m excited to join a team of like-minded individuals and bring fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and approaches to the world of digital marketing.

5. Human Resources Professional LinkedIn Summary

Human resources graduate who is passionate about fostering a more inclusive workplace and supporting employee growth and development.

With a strong foundation in HR principles and labor laws, I’m eager to apply my knowledge to help your business recruit top talent, streamline HR processes, and drive your overall organizational success.

During my internship with Business X, I gained practical experience in multiple facets of HR. These include employee relations, performance management, and implementing strategies like diversity initiatives.

I am fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, and, above all else, inclusion in all aspects of HR practices.

6. Financial Analyst LinkedIn Summary

I am a recent cum laude finance graduate with a keen interest in financial markets and investment analysis.

I am equipped with strong quantitative skills and a solid understanding of financial principles. This enables me to analyze data, evaluate investment opportunities, and provide strategic financial recommendations based on performance.

During my studies, I became proficient in financial modeling, portfolio management, data analysis, and risk assessment. Now, I’m ready to start a new journey within a career where I can contribute to informed decision-making and help businesses achieve financial success.

LinkedIn Summary Examples for Attracting Recruiters

For some of you, having job experience isn’t a problem. Instead, you want to attract hiring managers and get them to notice your LinkedIn profile above all the other candidates so you can secure your dream job.

Well, if that’s the case, then here are a couple of examples that you can draw inspiration from to make sure you stand head and shoulders above the rest.

7. Experienced Marketing Manager LinkedIn Summary

Seasoned marketing professional with a track record of driving brand awareness and boosting customer engagement.

My expertise spans digital marketing, content strategy, campaign management, and social media management with a focus on data-driven decision-making.

Within my role, I have successfully led cross-functional teams to execute unique integrated marketing initiatives and optimize overall performance metrics.

I am known for my strategic mindset and creative problem-solving, and I thrive in fast-paced environments where I can drive results and inspire teams to go above and beyond. I am all about exceeding expectations.

8. Professional Sales Executive LinkedIn Summary

Hi! I’m John, and I’m an accomplished sales leader with over two years of experience in improving revenue growth and building better client relationships.

I excel in developing strategic sales plans and negotiating complex contracts, and I can easily identify market opportunities for brands and businesses.

I have a natural ability to understand client needs and tailor individual solutions to unique problems. This has resulted in consistently exceeding sales targets and fostering long-term partnerships for businesses.

As a passionate advocate for incredible customer service and success, I’m seeking new opportunities to utilize my expertise and boost business growth.

LinkedIn Summary Examples for Career Transitions

So you’ve managed to graduate and secure yourself a position. But that doesn’t always guarantee you’re going to be happy in the role you’ve chosen! For example, if you studied finance, you may not want to be an accountant, right? Rather, you might want to work in financial planning for a business or show off your skills as an investment banker.

When you’re trying to make a switch, you can use these two handy examples below to get you started:

9. Transitioning Project Manager LinkedIn Summary

Professional project manager transitioning from the finance sector to renewable energy.

With a background in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects, I bring a wealth of transferable skills in stakeholder management, as well as budgeting and planning.

I have been inspired by the potential for sustainable innovation. Now, I’m excited to apply my strategic mindset and problem-solving abilities. I’m excited to use them to implement impactful initiatives in the renewable energy sector.

I am committed to continuous learning and growth, which translates into my eagerness to embark on this new career path.

10. Changing Careers to a UX Designer LinkedIn Summary

Experienced educator transitioning to a career in User Experience (UX) design.

With a background in instructional design and a passion for human-centered solutions, I believe I bring a unique perspective to the field of UX.

Through coursework and self-directed learning, I have achieved proficiency in wireframing and prototyping. I also have a good understanding of user research methodologies.

My ability to empathize with diverse user groups and translate insights into intuitive design sets me apart. This is why I’m keen to combine my creative skills with my analytical mindset to create more impactful user experiences.

What If I Don’t Have Much Work Experience?

Don’t worry if you’re light on experience! You can still put your best foot forward in your LinkedIn summary by highlighting your academic achievements. You can also mention any cool projects and internships you’ve tackled.

Consider any relevant skills you’ve gained in those experiences, like problem-solving or teamwork.

Here’s another tip: Try to sprinkle in some keywords from job descriptions related to your dream job. It will help your profile pop up in search results!

How Can I Make My Summary Stand out From Other Fresh Graduates?

To make your LinkedIn bio stand out from other job seekers, personalize it with your unique experiences and aspirations. You can also share specific examples of projects, internships, or coursework that will show off your skills and passion for your field.

Of course, you should always use engaging language and storytelling to grab your reader’s attention. As we mentioned above, including keywords related to your industry in your LinkedIn summary can optimize your searchability. So, don’t forget to add a few!

Should I Include Personal Interests or Hobbies in My Summary?

You should absolutely include your personal interests or hobbies in your LinkedIn summaries. This can jazz up your profile and give folks a peek into your life outside work, which can help to ‘humanize’ your profile. Just remember to only include hobbies that are relevant and add some ‘pizzazz’ to your professional image.

So, if your interests align with your career goals or show off cool traits like your creativity, then go ahead and add them in. It’s all about adding that personal touch!

How Long Should My LinkedIn Summary Be?

LinkedIn summaries should always be short and to the point. But what do we mean by a concise summary? Well, it should be around three to five small paragraphs that have around three sentences each.

By keeping your summary short, you can avoid waffling or having walls of text for recruiters to read. It will also force you to include only the most relevant information!

Final Thoughts

Crafting a LinkedIn summary that stands out can be trickier than it seems. That’s because it’s more than just listing job titles. It’s also about creating a narrative that shows off your personality and achievements.

Luckily, by following a few simple guidelines, you can create an interesting LinkedIn summary that sets you apart from your peers. Just don’t forget to add in a few personal interests and a call to action to wrap it all up! So, what are you waiting for?

It’s time to get typing with the help of Smodin.

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All 28 jack reacher books, ranked worst to best.

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Reacher Season 3: Cast, Story & Everything We Know

10 jack reacher book traits that alan ritchson's reacher has nailed, 10 jack reacher book moments we want to see in reacher season 3.

• The hit Amazon Prime Video series takes its inspiration from Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels.
• All 28 novels chronicle the action-packed adventures of the military investigator turned drifter.
• Newcomers to Jack Reacher can take what the full canon offers.

Reacher expertly takes its inspiration from Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels. For decades, all 28 novels chronicle the action-packed adventures of the military investigator turned drifter. Although not every book in the series is a masterpiece, it has consistently delivered incredible page-turners. Lee Child’s enduring character has transcended the page through movie and television adaptations, including a Tom Cruise film franchise and most recently the hit Amazon Prime Video Reacher starring Alan Ritchson . Movies lifted plot lines directly from printed chapters, further cementing the literary stories’ cinematic promise through the adaptation process itself.

Now with over 20 books chronicling his exploits, Reacher’s world provides extensive terrain for mining the taciturn veteran’s mysterious background and death-defying escapades going back to his military police days. For newcomers inspired by fiery explosions onscreen or devotees debating each book’s place among the intricate mythos, taking measure of the full canon offers guidance through exhilarating moments testing one man’s wits and will from small towns to the global stage. Whether these books are an introduction or an old favorite, gauging the most essential embodiment of Reacher’s blunt force justice provides a blueprint into the wandering character’s iconic appeal.

Prime Video's Reacher is coming back for a third season, and there are already a ton of exciting updates about the upcoming episodes.

28 Blue Moon (2019)

A convoluted and gratuitous installment.

The 24th novel in the Jack Reacher series, Blue Moon, was released in 2019 and is widely considered to be the worst of the bunch. Unfortunately, the plot of Blue Moon involving Albanian and Ukrainian mobsters in a small town was more convoluted than previous installments. The action aligns with Reacher's character, but the frequent violence and loss of life comes across as gratuitous.

Many critics felt that Blue Moon relied too much on recurring elements of Child's series.

Reacher works through moral dilemmas as usual, but his white knight persona feels unrealistic. While still delivering on series staples, aspects of this entry didn't fully captivate. The frequent deaths and do-goodery are hallmarks of the series , but in Blue Moon , they fail to compel. Many critics felt that Blue Moon relied too much on recurring elements of Child's series, which — by the 24th entry — had more-or-less become tropes. Blue Moon was a Jack Reacher novel that tried to play it safe, but unfortunatley this just led to it feeling formulaic.

27 The Sentinel (2020)

An uninteresting story.

Released during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, The Sentinel was the 25th Jack Reacher novel. While it was an improvement on 2019's Blue Moon, it still failed to live up to earlier entries in the franchise as far as many readers and critics were concerned. The main flaw found in The Sentinel is the awkward writing, since Lee Child co-wrote this book with his brother Andrew (the pair are named James and Andrew Grant, though they write under the pseudonyms of Lee and Andrew Child).

The plot about criminals tampering with elections is too similar to real-life news, taking readers out of the fantasy elements.

The story doesn't create interest like other Reacher books , making it less enjoyable. Also, the plot about criminals tampering with elections is too similar to real-life news, taking readers out of the fantasy elements. Those who know Reacher's Rules well can see inconsistencies in the story. Due to the odd writing, unrealistic plot, and errors, this book ranks low in the series.

26 Nothing To Lose (2008)

Simplistic writing.

Released in 2008, Nothing To Lose is the 12th novel in the Jack Reacher series, and by far the worst one released in the 2000s — and many critics found that it was far too similar to the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell, upon which the first Rambo movie was based. Situated in the fictional twin towns of Hope and Despair, Colorado, the setting in this installment fails to fully pull the reader into the narrative . The recycling plant disguising the criminals' questionable operation is written as too simplistic to be believable as a thoroughly guarded base of operations.

While the scale of the antagonists' enterprise is acknowledged as vast, their thin disguise detracts from the story's ability to immerse the reader in a world of high intrigue and high stakes. Where past books in the series have expertly combined setting, characters, and other elements, this addition misses the mark.

25 Make Me (2015)

The partnership between jack reacher and michelle chang fails to resonate.

2015 saw the 20th novel in the Jack Reacher series — Make Me — and, sadly, the story failed to live up to how much an important milestone for the franchise reaching 20 books was. In Make Me , the relationship between Reacher and Change follows expected lines, with Reacher, typically morally upright, teaming up routinely with Chang, an ex-FBI agent. There is also a lackluster romantic subplot between the two characters. As a result, this part of the book is largely forgettable.

It would likely be difficult to recall specific details about this story.

While Child is far from a one-trick-pony as far as authors go, Make Me definitely left the impression that he's stronger when writing tense action than he is at writing romance. Despite the extensive book, it would likely be difficult to recall specific details about this story. This underscores the narrative's overall lack of impact, especially when contrasted with more compelling installments like Night School . The unremarkable nature of Reacher's time with Chang contributes heavily to Make Me 's weak attempt at engagement.

24 The Midnight Line (2017)

Interesting characters, but it ultimately falls short.

The 22nd Jack Reacher novel was 2017's The Midnight Line, and in this story Reacher finds himself caught in an investigation into an illegal opioid trade in the American Midwest. In The Midnight Line , the story falls short, as Lee Child's attempt to experiment with a different approach ultimately doesn't pay off. It attempted to incorporate aspects of real-life critiques of pharameceutical companies, which many readers and critics felt didn't quite work.

While sharing a similar feeling to Nothing to Lose , this book distinguishes itself with the introduction of the character Rose, who is acknowledged as a positive aspect. However, the deviation from the traditional Reacher narrative seems to be the book's downfall , as the experimentation with a new style fails to resonate. The effort to innovate doesn't yield the anticipated results, impacting the overall quality and reception of the book in comparison to others in the series.

23 Past Tense (2018)

Unorthodox storytelling misses the mark.

2018's Past Tense was the 23rd Jack Reacher novel. While it was a slight improvement on 2017's The Midnight Line, it was also quite experimental as far as Child's Jack Reacher books go — a decision that both helped and hindered it, but on the whole didn't quite pay off as well as it could have. Despite having a somewhat dry tone and some notably creepy segments that are riveting to read, Past Tense faces criticism mainly due to its unorthodox creative direction.

The inclusion of a bonus backstory, a compelling woodland setting, and the presence of a group of human game-hunting antagonists elevates the book above some later works.

However, the installment manages to salvage its shortcomings through notable strengths . The inclusion of a bonus backstory, a compelling woodland setting, and the presence of a group of human game-hunting antagonists elevates the book above some later works. Additionally, the narrative benefits from Reacher's adept close combat skills, showcased in suspenseful nighttime encounters, and the incorporation of well-executed Reacher point-of-view kills.

22 No Plan B (2022)

Not as good as earlier novels.

No Plan B, the 27th novel in the Jack Reacher series, was released in 2022 . Much like 2019's Blue Moon, No Plan B fell short of reader and critic expectations because it played things too safe, relying too much on what had made earlier novels successful without trying anything new (when it came to both the plot and the writing style).

No Plan B delivers what is expected: an action-packed and plot-driven Jack Reacher thriller. However, this installment falls short of recapturing the magic of earlier releases when the character first debuted. While still an objectively strong and fast-paced story, it lacks the spark that made readers fall for Child's almost self-parodying style. For a subjective ranking system tapping into that nostalgia, No Plan B ranks lower than hoped, even though it objectively hits the Reacher marks.

21 A Wanted Man (2012)

A necessary story, but unable to stand on its own.

2012's A Wanted Man is the 17th Jack Reacher novel, and while it's not one of the worst, it's definitely not one of the best either. A Wanted Man delivers an energetic plot continuing the Nebraska storyline — picking up after the events of Worth Dying For following a slight muddying of the timeline in 2011's The Affair — but is ultimately a low point in the series when the franchise is appraised as a whole.

Despite the high stakes involving a burnt corpse and threats reaching the highest levels, the story itself feels missable.

A Wanted Man starts strong, with Reacher decoding blinks from a kidnapping victim to uncover a conspiracy. Despite the high stakes involving a burnt corpse and threats reaching the highest levels, the story itself feels missable. While needed to transition Reacher out of Nebraska after previous installments, this sequel lacks the impact to truly grab readers. As a result, A Wanted Man comes across more as a bridge in the broader series rather than a story able to stand on its own.

It's almost universally agreed upon that Alan Ritchson is the perfect Jack Reacher, especially since he nails some key Reacher traits from the books.

20 Personal (2014)

Fails to fully captivate despite delivering all the expected jack reacher thrills.

The 19th novel in the Jack Reacher series, 2014's Personal, is another example of an entry in the franchise that felt far too by-the-numbers to stand out, with Child falling back on the formula of his proven successes without breaching any new narrative ground. The plot of Personal hits the usual beats, with Reacher uncovering an assassination attempt in Paris tied to his past in the military.

However, the pieces feel too familiar, lacking the creativity to craft a truly standout story. The stakes feel more routine than past books, and the exploration of Reacher’s history covers well-worn ground. As a result, Personal comes across as too formulaic , with the series elements failing to combine into a narrative that hooks readers. It moves briskly without slowing down, but lacks the innovation and intrigue to rank among the most gripping installments.

19 The Secret (2023)

Enjoyable, but not as thrilling as it could be.

The most recent Jack Reacher novel was 2023's The Secret, which was the 28th in the series (the next, due later on in 2024, is set to be titled In Too Deep). The Secret offers intriguing insights into Reacher's past while delivering on action, but characterization shortcomings weigh it down. The early 1990s setting proves fascinating, and the prose moves briskly between investigative phases. Descriptions of hand-to-hand combat also showcase Reacher's physical prowess as expected.

While the spy craft details entertain, The Secret misses opportunities to resonate emotionally or use its prequel status to fully enrich Reacher's enigmatic persona.

However, the narrative lacks cohesion, with an initial mystery abandoned abruptly. More disappointingly, the young Reacher on display fails to reveal revelatory dimensions about what molded him into a wandering hero . While the spy craft details entertain, The Secret misses opportunities to resonate emotionally or use its prequel status to fully enrich Reacher's enigmatic persona. It was an improvement on 2022's No PLan B, at least, hopefully signalling that the franchise is back on an upwards trajectory.

18 Night School (2016)

A disappointing conclusion.

2016 saw the arrival of the 21st Jack Reacher novel, and Night School was a marked improvement on 2015's Make Me - though it still failed to live up to the best Jack Reacher books from earlier in the franchise. Night School delivers an intriguing premise, pairing Reacher with former colleague Frances Neagley against neo-Nazis transporting nuclear material.

The setup of Night School promises a classic thriller tracing back to Reacher’s military days. However, the conclusion ultimately disappoints . Just as events build toward an expected dramatic, high-stakes finale worthy of the nuclear threat, the story ends abruptly. The resolution feels rushed rather than truly earned after the groundwork has been laid. Still, it’s easy to appreciate the chance to see more of his past with Neagley, even if the ending fails to fully capitalize on a compelling narrative.

17 Running Blind (2000)

The execution leaves some of the intrigue unfulfilled.

The 4th Jack Reacher novel arrived at the turn of the millenium in 2000, and after the success of the initial trilogy, Running Blind felt like Lee Child's first miss when it came to Jack Reach stories. Running Blind offers an intriguing premise, with Reacher hunting a brilliant serial killer targeting his former cases. The elaborate military-connected setup creates an insider feel that creatively expands Reacher’s past.

Having Reacher working to uncover a serial killer makes for an interesting genre-blend

Having Reacher working to uncover a serial killer makes for an interesting genre-blend — mixing the core elements of the previous three Jack Reacher books with more traditional crime novels — which Running Blind pulls of reasonably well. However, outside the core mystery, there are moments where the book drags. The lack of action through lengthy stretches makes it less engaging as a thriller. Still, the serial killer’s inventive methods using camouflage paint and lack of any marks on victims prove memorably unsettling.

16 The Enemy (2004)

Lacks excitement, but serves a key narrative purpose.

The 8th Jack Reacher novel, 2004's The Enemy , is one of the most interesting in the franchise, as it was the first that played around in the timeline. While The Enemy lacks excitement as a thriller, with minimal action or suspense, it serves a key narrative purpose as the first Jack Reacher novel chronologically . It was set in the late 1980s and early 1990s, which made for some interesting changes in itself, and having a younger Reacher as the protagonist meant Child could experiment with the character a great deal more than usual.

The prequel explores the factors leading to Reacher leaving the military, disillusioned by bureaucracy and eroding values. Important events take place that shape Reacher's worldview and rootless future. While the plot itself underwhelms, The Enemy resonates in its character study of Reacher. It's especially fascinating to see Reacher work while still serving in the military, as being pinned down by the codes and values he then had to follow during this period of his life influenced his decisions in ways that aren't present later in the character's timeline.

15 Echo Burning (2001)

A classic vigilante premise.

Echo Burning was the 5th novel in the Jack Reacher franchise, and was widely considered a return to form after 2000's Running Blind . Echo Burning delivers a classic vigilante premise with Reacher playing ranch hand to investigate a woman’s claims of abuse. His fish-out-of-water Texan journey evokes film noir tones. However, familiar tropes like a damsel in distress and precocious child feel dated rather than fresh.

Reacher's doubts around Carmen, the woman who reaches out to him for help, definitely make for some intriguing twists in the narrative.

The Western flair shows Reacher’s adaptability, but the story’s trajectory stays safely predictable . While the bar fight and confrontations with the woman’s menacing husband capture Child’s gritty style, the plot lacks the innovation to truly grab attention. While Echo Burning doesn't rank as one of the worst Jack Reacher novels by a long stretch, it's also nowhere near as memorable as the best of them — though Reacher's doubts around Carmen, the woman who reaches out to him for help, definitely make for some intriguing twists in the narrative.

14 Without Fail (2002)

A high-stakes, briskly-paced reacher novel.

Following on from Echo Burning, the 6th Jack Reacher novel, 2002's Without Fail , is still considered by many as one of the best in the franchise, especially when it comes to pacing and overall writing quality. Without Fail is a strong Reacher novel due to its intense cat-and-mouse thriller narrative. Reacher leverages his logical intellect, tactical skills, and thirst for vengeance to outmaneuver a threat to the Vice President.

The stakes are high throughout this briskly-paced plot involving political assassination and betrayal. Lee Child further expands Reacher’s backstory through the haunting presence of his late brother. The vivid writing makes classic scenes like the stakeout unfold cinematically in readers' minds. Altogether, the emotional ties, high intrigue, and expertly crafted tension cement Without Fail as a prime example of Reacher’s compelling possibilities as a complex hero.

13 Never Go Back (2013)

Adrenaline-fueled and introspective.

2013's Never Go Back is the 18th Jack Reacher novel, and directly follows on from the narrative arc established in an earlier story, 2010's 61 Hours. As one of the more gripping books in Lee Child’s series, Never Go Back thrives on reuniting Jack Reacher with the 110th MP unit he once called home. By colliding Reacher’s past and present, Child strikes an emotional chord while crafting a breakneck thriller.

This combination of character exploration and intense action made Never Go Back one of the most intense Jack Reacher novels to read.

The nonstop momentum of Never Go Back proves amplified with threats tied to Reacher’s own team. For those invested in the wandering protagonist, the deepened personal stakes interwoven with high conspiracy offer immense satisfaction . Child continues building out the Reacher legend, making the action heavier through ties to his roots now under attack. This combination of character exploration and intense action made Never Go Back one of the most intense Jack Reacher novels to read.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2015), the second movie in the Tom Cruise Jack Reacher franchise, is adapted from this book.

Based on Lee Child's Persuader novel, Amazon Prime Video's Reacher season 3 needs to include some key Jack Reacher book moments in order to succeed.

12 Better Off Dead (2021)

A collaboration that works well.

2021's Better Off Dead is the 26th novel in the franchise. It takes place in San Francisco, and is also one of the few Jack Reach books to be written in the 1st person (the first since 2014's Personal). Better Off Dead captures Reacher doing what he does best: hunting bad guys with wit and grit. However, unlike some other entries where this feels formulaic or uninspired, Better Off Dead manages to capture the core of what made the franchise so successful when it debuted.

Co-written by Andrew Child, Lee Child’s brother, Better Off Dead nails the adventurous spirit that makes the wandering protagonist so magnetic. Creative scenarios like Reacher posing as his own corpse allow Child to flex his writing chops. While a tonal shift from Lee Child’s solo efforts, Better Off Dead ultimately retains the crucial ingredients of Reacher’s fierce charm and an electrifying setting, creating a satisfying thriller.

11 Die Trying (1998)

Reveals interesting and hidden depths.

1998's Die Trying is the second Jack Reacher novel written by Lee Child, and it's the book that proved to readers that its hero more more than a single-story protagonist, and had the depth and appeal to carry on many more stories beyond his debut. With an insight into what makes Reacher tick, Die Trying cements key components of the wandering protagonist's appeal. This was especially noteworthy since the book was written in the 3rd person rather than from Reacher's perspective, a style that would then continue throughout most of the Jack Reacher novels.

Child expertly amps up tension once Reacher becomes ensnared with separatist militants.

Though the opening stretches in confined spaces, Child expertly amps up tension once Reacher becomes ensnared with separatist militants. The antihero's composure breaks under pressure, despite his gift for calculation and inventive ruthlessness. Frances Neagley also makes an interesting character with her haphephobia condition . While tighter pacing throughout would improve its ranking, Die Trying immerses readers in formative experiences that reveal Reacher's hidden depths.

10 The Hard Way (2006)

A compelling read.

The 10th Jack Reacher novel was The Hard Way, which was released in 2006, and the first in the franchise that saw Reacher travel outside the US. The Hard Way draws power from Reacher wandering the vivid chaos of New York before confronting threats abroad, travelling to rural England for an intense gun battle in — of all places — a farm in Norfolk. Child uses the setting not just for kinetic action, but to underscore the character’s contradictions.

His compassion and ruthless, calculating nature coexist with subtle melancholy. An atypical detective story structure packs an emotional punch as Reacher investigates an elusive foe. False leads and intense legwork make the eventual face-off with Lane's private mercenary army cutthroat, as well as emotionally resonant. Keeping Reacher adaptable and injecting introspection between brutal showdowns deepens the protagonist, compelling readers to follow him wherever the road takes.

9 The Affair (2011)

Adds intrigue to the jack reacher mythos.

The Affair arrived in 2010 and is the 16th Jack Reacher novel, and is yet another that was written in the 1st person. It's also another entry that plays with the timeline, as it takes place six month before Killing Floor and is chronologically the fourth story in the franchise. The Affair sees the typically detached protagonist navigate graphic desire during his trip to Mississippi.

For those seeking more dimension from the stoic vigilante, The Affair delivers on learning what makes Reacher tick.

Raw intimacy fills gaps in formative experiences and relationships that humanize his persona beyond just brute force. While R-rated scenes in the book can feel controversial, the emotional insights resonate. This risky creative choice to elucidate Reacher’s backstory at a heated railroad crossing ultimately deepens the complexity around a character often defined more by cerebral calculation than fiery feeling. For those seeking more dimension from the stoic vigilante, The Affair delivers on learning what makes Reacher tick.

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How to Insert Degree Symbol in Word [For Students]

For students, inserting degree symbols into Word documents can be daunting. As someone who's navigated similar challenges, I'm excited to share straightforward solutions with you. With WPS Office by our side, let's tackle this together and make document editing a breeze.

Common Problems About Inserting Degree Symbol in Word

Hey there, fellow student! We've all been there: scrambling to finish a report, only to hit a snag when you need that ever-important degree symbol (°). But for some reason, it just won't appear! Don't worry, you're not alone. Inserting this seemingly simple symbol can turn into a surprisingly frustrating roadblock.

One culprit? Those handy shortcut keys we hear so much about. Sometimes, due to software glitches or weird settings, they just don't work the way they're supposed to. Imagine the panic when you're racing against a deadline, and the keyboard shortcut you always rely on lets you down. Talk about adding stress to an already stressful situation!

Another hurdle students face is simply not being familiar with their keyboard layout. Maybe you're new to a particular computer or use an alternative input method. Finding the right key combination to insert the degree symbol can feel like hunting for a buried treasure – you know it's there somewhere, but where?

How to Insert Degree Symbol in Word

Alright, so we've identified the enemies of the degree symbol. Now, let's equip ourselves with the weapons to defeat them! Here are two battle-tested methods to insert that elusive symbol into your Word documents:

Method 1 Insert the degree symbol by using the ribbon

To insert the degree symbol using the ribbon feature in Word, follow these simple steps:

Step 1 : Place the cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear in your text.

Step 2 : Click on the "Insert" tab in the Word toolbar.

Step 3 : Select "Symbol" from the dropdown menu.

Step 4 : Click on "More Symbols" to open the Symbols dialog box.

Step 5 : Choose your desired font from the dropdown menu, if necessary.

Step 6 : Scroll through the list of symbols and find the degree sign.

Step 7 : Click on the degree sign to select it, then click "Insert" to place it in your document.

Method 2 Insert the degree symbol by using a keyboard shortcut

Maybe you're a whiz on the keyboard and prefer shortcuts. No problem! Here's how to make the degree symbol appear with a quick keystroke combination:

Step 1 : Position your cursor in your homework document where you want the degree symbol.

Step 2 : Now, this is where things might get tricky depending on your keyboard. Here's the keystroke combo: Hold down the "Alt" key and then, using the numeric keypad on your keyboard, type "0176".

Important Note: This method only works if your keyboard has a separate numeric keypad. If you don't have one, don't worry – Method 1 using the Ribbon is always there for you!

Step 3 : If you did everything correctly, the degree symbol should instantly appear in your homework!

Experience :

Both methods offer easy ways to insert the degree symbol in Word documents. The ribbon method is straightforward, suitable for those who like visual guidance. The keyboard shortcut method is quicker, perfect for efficiency seekers. Students can pick the method that suits their style, making it simple to add degree symbols to reports and homework.

Use WPS AI to Polish Your Reports or Writing 

Conquered the degree symbol? Now let's take your reports and writing to the next level with WPS AI! This powerful tool, built right into WPS Office, is your secret weapon for creating polished and impressive documents.

WPS AI is an AI assistant that uses fancy technology called natural language processing and machine learning to understand your writing and suggest improvements. Here's how it can be your writing partner:

Brainstorming Buddy : Stuck staring at a blank page ? No problem! WPS AI can spark your creativity by suggesting writing ideas and even structuring your reports based on keywords or topics you provide.

Grammar Gremlin Slayer : We all make typos and grammatical errors. WPS AI has your back with its advanced spell and grammar check. It will quickly catch any mistakes, ensuring your reports are polished and professional.

So, whether you're wrestling with writer's block or want to make sure your reports shine, WPS AI is your one-stop shop for writing excellence. Give it a try and see how it can transform your writing process!

Converting Your Reports or Writing to PDF without losing Format

Converting your reports or writing from Word to PDF can pose a challenge, especially when maintaining the formatting integrity of your document is crucial. Microsoft Word 365 users may encounter issues where their well-formatted documents become distorted during the conversion process.

Fortunately, WPS Office offers powerful PDF features that simplify the conversion process while preserving the original formatting of your document.

Here are the steps to convert a Word document to PDF using WPS Office:

Method 1: Using the Export Option

Step 1 : Open your Word document in WPS Office Writer.

Step 2 : Click on the "File" tab in the top-left corner of the screen.

Step 3 : Select the "Export to PDF" option from the dropdown menu.

Step 4 : A dialog box will appear, allowing you to customize the PDF settings. You can choose the desired output location, adjust the quality settings, and set security options if needed.

Step 5 : Once you've configured the settings, click on the "Export" button to initiate the conversion process.

Step 6 : WPS Office will convert your Word document to PDF while preserving all formatting elements, including fonts, images, and layout.

Step 7 : Once the conversion is complete, you can find the converted PDF file in the specified output location.

Method 2: Using the Save As Option

Step 1 : With your report open in WPS Writer, navigate to the "File" tab on the menu bar.

Step 2 : In the File dropdown menu, click on "Save As".

Step 3 : A familiar window will appear. In the "Save as type" dropdown menu, select "PDF (.pdf)". You can also choose a location to save your converted PDF file. Finally, click "Save".

With either of these methods, your perfectly formatted report will be converted into a clean and professional PDF, ready for submission! No more conversion headaches – just pure PDF perfection.

By following these simple steps, you can seamlessly convert your reports or writing from Word to PDF without worrying about losing the formatting of your document. WPS Office ensures that your PDF retains the same professional appearance as your original document.

FAQs about Inserting Checkboxes in Word   

Q1. how can i put the degree symbol (°) directly from the keyboard in word.

Using the numeric keypad (works only if your keyboard has one):

Step 1 : Place your cursor where you want the degree symbol to appear.

Step 2 : Hold down the Alt key .

Step 3 : While holding Alt, type 0176 on the numeric keypad (the separate number pad on the right side of some keyboards).

Step 4 : Release the Alt key.

Using a Character Map (works on all keyboards):

Step 1 : Open the Character Map application (search for "Character Map" in the Start menu).

Step 2 : In the Character Map window, find the degree symbol (°) by searching or scrolling through the symbols.

Step 3 : Click on the degree symbol to select it.

Step 4 : Click the "Copy" button.

Step 5 : Go back to your Word document and paste the copied degree symbol (Ctrl+V) where you want it.

Q2. How can I type the Degrees Fahrenheit symbol in Word?

Unfortunately, there isn't a dedicated key combination for the Degrees Fahrenheit symbol (°F). However, you can easily type it by combining the degree symbol and the letter "F":

Step 1 : Insert the degree symbol using one of the methods mentioned in A1.

Step 2 : Simply type the capital letter "F" after the degree symbol.

This will display the Degrees Fahrenheit symbol (°F) in your Word document.

This comprehensive guide instructs readers on seamlessly inserting degree symbols into Word documents, accompanied by expert insights and step-by-step methods. Emphasizing the significance of smooth document editing, it underscores WPS Office's pivotal role as a powerful ally in this endeavor. From addressing software glitches to navigating unfamiliar keyboard layouts, practical solutions are provided, with a focus on leveraging WPS AI for enhanced writing and effortlessly converting documents to PDF. Ultimately, by equipping users with efficient tools and techniques, WPS Office emerges as the ultimate solution for streamlined document creation and editing.

• 1. How to insert theta symbol in PowerPoint
• 2. How to type division symbol in WPS Writer
• 3. How to Insert Signatures in Word [For Students]
• 4. How to Insert Check Mark in Word [For Students]
• 5. How to Insert Checkbox in Word [For Students]
• 6. How to Insert the Degree Symbol in Word

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