Summarizing

What is a Summary?

A summary tells the most important parts of a text in a SHORT, simple way using YOUR OWN WORDS. Think of it like a movie trailer—just the highlights!

Summary vs. Retelling

Summary (Short!)

"Goldilocks went to the bears' house, tried their things, and ran away when they came home."

Retelling (Too Long!)

"Once upon a time, there was a girl named Goldilocks with golden hair. She was walking in the forest. She saw a house. She went inside. There were three bowls of porridge..."

A summary shrinks the story to just the KEY parts!

Use SWBST for Fiction Stories!

Somebody

Who is the main character?

Wanted

What did they want?

But

What was the problem?

What did they do?

Then

How did it end?

Let's Practice! Read the Story:

The Lost Kitten

Maya found a tiny gray kitten shivering under a bush in the park. It had no collar and looked hungry. Maya wanted to take the kitten home, but her mom said they needed to find its owner first.

Maya made "FOUND KITTEN" posters and put them all around the neighborhood. She also posted online and asked everyone she knew. For three days, no one called.

Finally, an elderly woman named Mrs. Chen called. She had been looking everywhere for her kitten, Whiskers! Mrs. Chen was so happy that she gave Maya a big hug and a reward. Maya was even happier knowing Whiskers was home safe.

Use SWBST to Summarize!

Somebody (Who is the main character?)

Wanted (What did she want?)

But (What was the problem?)

So (What did she do?)

Then (How did it end?)

For Nonfiction, Ask:

What is the topic? (What is this text about?)
What is the central idea? (What's the main point?)
What are the key details? (What facts are most important?)

Leave out minor details that don't help explain the main point!

Remember!

A summary is SHORT—just the most important parts
Use YOUR OWN WORDS (don't copy!)
Include: Who, What happened, How it ended (fiction)
Include: Topic, Main idea, Key details (nonfiction)