How to Write An Objective Summary

1. How to Write An Objective Summary Please take notes!

2. An Objective Summary Is.. • An objective summary is: A summary in your own words describing the major points of a text.

3. An Objective Summary Needs… • An objective summary needs the following items: • The central idea • Main ideas (reasons and points) from the beginning, middle, end of a piece. • Ignore specific supporting details!

4. It should be formatted like… • Start your summary using this guidelines. • Title, author, verb, central idea • Ex: “Michaela, Triumphant” by Kathy Satterfield tells the story of a young girl that over came the great difficulty of being orphaned to achieve a new life.

5. Verbs to Use Explains teaches Discusses compares Lists • Tells • Shows • explores • Describes • illustrates Never say “it’s about!” IT’S WEAK!

6. Determining the Main Idea • Look through the piece and pick out 3 to 6 key events/points that are important to the selection • These points MUST be presented in chorological order • Jot down the main points as you read, points should be five words or less

7. Here is an example of how to take notes for yourobjective summary: Key events/points •lived in a orphanage •treated very badly •dreamed of dancing •got adopted •became a dancer

8. Example of a Summary “Michaela, Triumphant” by Kathy Satterfield tells the story of a young girl that overcame the great difficulty of being orphaned to achieve a new life. Michaela is an orphan in war-torn Sierra Leone. She is treated very badly by the people that work at the orphanage. Despite this, Michaela held on to her dreams of becoming a dancer. She was eventually adopted by an American couple and was able to achieve her dreams of becoming a dancer.

9. Your Assignment • In your group, you will read the article that has been provided. • Complete the objective summary notes for The “catfish” article, and write a summary that includes only the most important information. Notes from: warrencountyschools.org