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Summary Writing
Quick questions on Condensing and combining points explained: O-Level English
6short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are combine related points?Show answer
Points that belong together can share a sentence. Instead of three sentences each starting "The festival...", combine them: "The festival boosted the local economy by creating jobs, attracting visitors and helping local shops." This states the shared subject once and lists the points, saving many words. Use linking words to join points naturally: "and", "as well as", "because", "which led to".
What are keep every point while cutting words?Show answer
The danger in compressing is dropping a point by accident. Concision is about removing words, not ideas, so after condensing, check your point list against your summary: is every selected point still present? A summary can be tight and still complete; the aim is maximum points in minimum words, not the shortest possible summary. Tightening the phrasing should make room for more points, never squeeze them out.
What is wordy phrasing?Show answer
"Due to the fact that", "a large number of", "it is important to note that" can all be shortened. Prefer the compact form.
What is q1?Show answer
Name two techniques for making a summary more concise. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
Combine these into one compact sentence, keeping both points: "The app was free. The app was easy to use." [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain why you must check your point list after compressing a summary. [2 marks]
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