Checklist for Summary Writing

• Include the original thesis and main points, but also consider whether you need to explain those main points for clarity for your readers.
• You may want to cite particularly compelling examples or details.
• Exclude unnecessary information and include only significant information, keeping the essential meaning of the original.
• Don't include your own comments. Be objective!!!
• Identify the author and title of the work at the beginning of the summary.
• Credit the original source so readers can locate the piece of writing easily.
• Use clear transitions and author tags.
• Refer to the author(s) by name as often as necessary to remind your readers that you are summarizing another's work.
• Use active verbs, such as "argues," "claims," "asserts," "explains," with your author tags to help your summary flow smoothly.