Author: Just Simply Write
After reading a story
Whether old or new
A simple retell
You had to do!
But now you're older
So time to learn
A story's summary
It's now your turn!
A story's summary
You shouldn't ignore
Is shorter than a retell
Read on to learn more!
When telling a summary
Or writing one too
It can be difficult
For many of you!
Please remember
As you listen to me
Give the main points
In your summary!
Keep in mind
To use your own words
Paraphrasing
Is truly preferred!
But also remember
Borrow words too
From the passage
Choose a few!
Now let's pick
A book to read
Fiction or nonfiction
Choose one indeed!
Let's start with fiction
These stories are fun
It's a story made up
Using your imagination!
To summarize the beginning
Middle and end
Use the following ideas
I do recommend!
Who are the characters?
And what is their goal?
The characters' problem
Include this also!
When having a problem
Characters react
Add it to your summary
And be exact!
Now it's time
To summarize the end
So what's the solution
To the characters' problem?
Was it hard
To summarize?
If you didn't have trouble
You earn a surprise!
Next is nonfiction
These books you know
Have facts and information
To help your brain grow!
As a young reader
And as a young writer
Summarizing nonfiction
Will make you much brighter!
In nonfiction stories
You'll learn a lot
Decide what's important
And decide what is not!
After reading the story
Ask yourself this
What's the main idea?
This you can't miss!
The main idea is
The first thought to write
Then look for key words
A reader's delight!
The key words you find
Are sometimes in bold
They'll help you summarize
This I was told!
Then think of the details
You need to include
Some are important
So please don't exclude!
Now end your summary
It's time that you do
Why don't you check over?
I think you have to!
When writing your summaries
Try to be short
If it is too hard
Ask for teacher support!
So use this strategy
Because you'll see
That practice makes perfect
Undeniably!