Objective Summary

What Will You Learn?

In 8th grade, you'll write objective summaries of complex texts. "Objective" means sticking to the FACTS - no opinions, no "I think," no judgments. You'll also learn to identify central ideas and distinguish summary (WHAT a text says) from analysis (HOW it works).

Objective vs. Subjective: What's the Difference?

OBJECTIVE

Just the facts!

No opinions or personal feelings

Example: "The article explains how recycling reduces landfill waste by 30%."

SUBJECTIVE

Includes opinions!

Personal feelings and judgments

Example: "The interesting article makes a great point about recycling."

Summary vs. Analysis: Know the Difference!

SUMMARY (What)	ANALYSIS (How/Why)
Tells WHAT the text says	Tells HOW or WHY it works
"The article describes the effects of plastic pollution on ocean life."	"The author uses shocking statistics to persuade readers to reduce plastic use."
"In the story, Maya decides to stand up to the bully."	"The author develops the theme that courage means acting despite fear."

Finding the Central Idea

Social media has transformed how teenagers communicate, but not all changes have been positive. Studies show that teens who spend more than three hours daily on social media are twice as likely to report symptoms of anxiety and depression. The constant comparison to curated images of others' lives creates unrealistic expectations. However, social media also provides connection for isolated teens and platforms for important conversations about mental health. The key, researchers suggest, is teaching digital literacy and mindful usage rather than complete avoidance.

Topic: Social media and teenagers

Central Idea: While social media has negative effects on teen mental health, it also has benefits, so the focus should be on teaching healthy usage rather than avoiding it entirely.

How to Find the Central Idea

Step 1: Identify the TOPIC (What is this about?)
Step 2: Ask "What is the author SAYING about this topic?"
Step 3: Find the sentence or idea that all other details support
Step 4: Check: Do all paragraphs connect to this central idea?

Formula: Central Idea = Topic + What the Author Says About It

Your Turn! Practice Objective Summary Skills

1. Which is OBJECTIVE? (Circle one)

A. "The author explains that climate change affects coral reefs." B. "The author makes an excellent point about climate change."

2. Which is SUMMARY (not analysis)? (Circle one)

A. "In the story, Marcus sells his trading cards to help the Rodriguez family." B. "The author uses Marcus's sacrifice to show that people matter more than possessions."

3. Rewrite this SUBJECTIVE statement as OBJECTIVE:

"The boring article talks about how plants grow, but it's too long and hard to understand."

4. Read this paragraph and identify the CENTRAL IDEA:

"Sleep deprivation among teenagers has reached crisis levels. Most teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, but the average student gets only 6-7 hours. This lack of sleep impairs memory, reduces concentration, and increases the risk of depression. Schools that have shifted to later start times have seen improvements in grades and attendance. The evidence is clear: school schedules must change to support teen health."