Class 10 English — Writing a summary
Cut a passage to its essential points and write them out as your own connected sentences.
Name: ________________________
1.Match each long phrase to the single word that can replace it.
- a large number of
- in the near future
- due to the fact that
- at the present moment
- in the event that
- with the exception of
- many
- if
- because
- soon
- except
- now
2.Why should a summary avoid copying the passage's own sentences word for word?
- a) Because a summary has to be longer than the passage.
- b) Because a summary may not use complete sentences.
- c) Because copying does not show that the passage has been understood.
- d) Because the passage's sentences are always badly written.
3.Which of these belongs in a summary?
- a) Your own opinion of the passage
- b) One example from each paragraph
- c) The main point of each paragraph
- d) A direct quotation from the passage
4.Reduce this phrase to a single word: "people who live in a village".
5.Which is the best opening sentence for a summary of a passage about water shortage?
- a) I think the passage is about water shortage.
- b) In this passage the writer says a great many things.
- c) Let me tell you all about water shortage.
- d) Water shortage in the district has three main causes.
6.Reduce this phrase to a single word: "at regular intervals".
7.Reduce this phrase to a single word: "in spite of the fact that".
8.Reduce this phrase to a single word: "at this point in time".
Answer key — Class 10 English — Writing a summary
- 1. a large number of → many; in the near future → soon; due to the fact that → because; at the present moment → now; in the event that → if; with the exception of → except
- 2. c) Because copying does not show that the passage has been understood.
- 3. c) The main point of each paragraph
- 4. villagers
- 5. d) Water shortage in the district has three main causes.
- 6.
- regularly
- periodically
- 7.
- although
- though
- 8.
- now
- currently
- presently