Summarizing Source Material

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A summary captures the general idea, main points or opinions found in your source material without providing a lot of details. This guide explains and provides examples of the four key concerns a writer needs to address when summarizing source material.

• Overview: Summarizing
• Be Accurate
• Be Objective
• Be Focused
• Be Concise

Note: The examples here have been created for instructional purposes using Mindy Pennybacker's article "Why Fast Food Costs Too Much".