How to ... summarize a text
It is important to pay attention to the structure of the text. The division into paragraphs will help you answer the questions about a text, put ideas / concepts in a logical order in your own summary.
Texts are usually divided into paragraphs. In each paragraph you'll find ONE main idea.
In the text "The Middle Ages", there are 4 paragraphs. Underline the main idea in the text.
When underlining main ideas, try to form one sentence from different sentences, eventually taking the subject from one sentence, the verb from another and the object from a third one.
You'll remember the main idea more easily if the contents evokes images in your mind.
The following map is about the structure of a text taken from Life in the United Kingdom, a Guide for New Residents, 3rd edition, Page 23
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- The period between 1066 and 1485 is called the Middle Ages.
- During the Middle Ages:
- two languages became one English language.
- Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a series of poems in English.
- In Scotland many people spoke Gaelic
- England was a trading nation.
Let's start to orally report the text. From left to right, prepare five sentences. Try to change some words, choose from the alternatives. Keep the sentences simple.