A summary begins with an introduction phrase in which you state the title, author, and primary point of the book as you view it. A summary is written entirely in your words. A summary simply covers the main points of the original text. In a summary, do not include any of your own thoughts, interpretations, deductions, or remarks. Instead, use simple language that readers can understand.
Here is an example of a summary for this book: The Shack takes place in South Carolina during 1865. William Shack lives with his family over their general store. When their town is invaded by Confederate soldiers, they are forced to move into an abandoned camp near by called The Shacks. There, they begin to live like slaves while their town heals its wounds from war. Soon after they arrive at The Shack, William's son John is severely beaten by one of the soldiers because he accidentally shoots another boy during a game. Later on, when William asks God why He allowed this to happen, God tells him that He was trying to show Him what life was like for blacks back then. This story is based on a true incident that happened in South Carolina many years before The Shack was written.
Summary writing is an important skill for anyone who wishes to read or listen to books or interviews with authors. It helps people decide whether to continue reading or listening to find out how the story ends. Writing summaries also allows students to practice their readers' eyes and ears.
How to Write an Executive Summary
A summary is a condensed version of a lengthier material, such as a book, movie, or essay, written in your own words. When writing a summary, strive to address the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the work, as well as providing a subject sentence to convey the reader the item's major concept, or theme.
For example, if I were to summarize Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, I would say that it is about a young wizard named Harry Potter who lives with his mother and father after they are killed by Voldemort, the evil ruler of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. In the book, Harry learns how to use magic after his parents die during the Chamber of Secrets incident. He then goes on to meet new friends and fight against Voldemort again at various times. In the end, Harry decides to go to Hogwarts to learn more about magic.
Here is another example: If I were to summarize A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle, I would say that it is about three sisters who travel through space and time to find their father who has been taken prisoner by an alien race called the "Mushrooms". Throughout their journey, the girls learn different lessons from nature about acceptance, friendship, courage, and responsibility. They also encounter many dangers along the way, but they always manage to overcome them.
Summary essays are common in academic settings; they usually require between 200 and 500 words.