N(A)-Level English Summary Writing (SEAB 1190 Paper 2): selecting relevant points, paraphrasing them, and staying within the word limit

What Summary Writing demands

The summary is the final task in Paper 2 (Comprehension) under SEAB 1190. The question tells you what to focus on and which lines of the passage to use, and you summarise the relevant points in your own words within a word limit of about 80 words. The marks reward two things: choosing the right points and expressing them clearly in your own words. For a Normal (Academic) candidate, the task becomes reliable once you treat it as three ordered steps, select, paraphrase, then control the length.

This guide ties together the three dot points in this module, each with its own worked answers and practice. See the subject hub at /sg-n-level/english-language and the full syllabus at /sg-n-level/english-language/syllabus.

Selecting relevant points

The first step is selecting only the relevant points. Read the question to see exactly what it asks for, work only within the lines it sets, and pick out the points that answer it, leaving out examples, repetition and details that do not match the focus. The most common error is summarising everything in the lines rather than only what the question wants, so the question's focus is the filter for what to keep.

Paraphrasing the points

Next, paraphrase the points. Change the wording of each point while keeping the meaning exact, replacing the key content words rather than only the easy ones, then join the points into clear connected sentences. Lifting whole phrases from the passage loses marks, so genuine substitution is rewarded, and the points should read as smooth connected writing, not a list of fragments copied from the text.

Staying within the word limit

Finally, stay within the word limit of about 80 words. Write concisely, use the opening words the question gives you, and count as you go so you can stop near the limit. Trim wasteful words without cutting any relevant point: going over the limit risks marks, but leaving out a point to save words loses content. The balance is to keep every relevant point and say each one briefly.

How Summary Writing is examined

• Use the question as a filter. Summarise only the points that match its focus, working within the lines it sets.
• Paraphrase, do not lift. Replace the key content words and join the points into connected sentences.
• Control the length. Use the given opening, count your words, and trim wasteful phrasing without dropping a point.

Worked example

A short model showing how to select, paraphrase and join points for a summary.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall and technique questions covering the module. Attempt them, then check against the solutions.

1. State the three steps of writing a summary. (2 marks)
2. Explain how the question helps you decide what to include. (2 marks)
3. State what kinds of material you should leave out. (2 marks)
4. Explain why lifting phrases loses marks in a summary. (2 marks)
5. Explain the danger of leaving out a point to save words. (2 marks)
6. State two ways to keep within the word limit. (2 marks)