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Summary Writing

3 dot points across 3 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do I rewrite the points in my own words for a summary, instead of copying chunks from the passage?

Paraphrase the selected points into your own words for a summary, changing the wording while keeping the meaning, and joining the points into clear connected sentences
How to paraphrase summary points into your own words: changing the wording while keeping the meaning, joining points smoothly, and avoiding lifting whole phrases from the passage.
8 min answer →

How do I find only the points the summary question asks for, and ignore everything else in the passage?

Select only the relevant points from the part of the passage set by the summary question, using the focus of the question to decide what to include and what to leave out
How to find only the relevant points for a summary: reading the question focus carefully, working within the lines set, and leaving out examples, repetition and details that do not answer the question.
8 min answer →

How do I fit all the points into about 80 words without going over the limit or cutting an important point?

Keep a summary within the word limit of about 80 words by writing concisely, counting words, and cutting unnecessary words while keeping every relevant point
How to keep a summary within the 80-word limit: writing concisely, using the given opening words, counting as you go, and trimming wasteful words without losing any relevant point.
8 min answer →