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Grade 10 English Language Arts — Writing a summary

Cut a passage to its essential points and write them out as your own connected sentences.

Name: ________________________

  1. 1.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 copying does not show that the passage has been understood.
    • c) Because a summary may not use complete sentences.
    • d) Because the passage's sentences are always badly written.

  2. 2.Reduce this phrase to a single word: "in spite of the fact that".

  3. 3.A passage of 240 words is to be summarized in about a third of its length. Roughly how long should the summary be?

    • a) 40 words
    • b) 80 words
    • c) 200 words
    • d) 120 words

  4. 4.Which is the best opening sentence for a summary of a passage about water shortage?

    • a) Water shortage in the district has three main causes.
    • b) In this passage the writer says a great many things.
    • c) I think the passage is about water shortage.
    • d) Let me tell you all about water shortage.

  5. 5.Reduce this phrase to a single word: "at regular intervals".

  6. 6.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

  7. 7.Put the steps of writing a summary in the order you should do them.

    • Finally, join the points you kept into connected sentences of your own.
    • Next, read it again and underline the main point of each paragraph.
    • First, read the passage right through to find out what it is about.
    • Then cross out every example, repetition and figure of speech.

  8. 8.Sort each sentence by whether a summary should keep it or drop it.

    Groups: Keep — a main point · Drop — an example or a restatement

    • Cycling to school saves money and keeps a child fit.
    • The lane behind the temple, for instance, is thick with fumes at eight o'clock.
    • Schools that encourage cycling report fewer late arrivals.
    • Fewer cars near the gate means cleaner air.
    • In other words, children who cycle get there on time.
    • For example, one boy at a nearby school saves a little every week.

Answer key — Grade 10 English Language Arts — Writing a summary

  1. 1. b) Because copying does not show that the passage has been understood.
  2. 2.
    • although
    • though
  3. 3. b) 80 words
  4. 4. a) Water shortage in the district has three main causes.
  5. 5.
    • regularly
    • periodically
  6. 6. c) The main point of each paragraph
  7. 7. 1. First, read the passage right through to find out what it is about. 2. Next, read it again and underline the main point of each paragraph. 3. Then cross out every example, repetition and figure of speech. 4. Finally, join the points you kept into connected sentences of your own.
  8. 8. Cycling to school saves money and keeps a child fit. → Keep — a main point; For example, one boy at a nearby school saves a little every week. → Drop — an example or a restatement; Fewer cars near the gate means cleaner air. → Keep — a main point; The lane behind the temple, for instance, is thick with fumes at eight o'clock. → Drop — an example or a restatement; Schools that encourage cycling report fewer late arrivals. → Keep — a main point; In other words, children who cycle get there on time. → Drop — an example or a restatement