📖 ReadingGrade 3Lesson 10
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Summarize Paragraphs

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Explain what a summary is and how it differs from a retelling
  • 2Identify the key information needed to summarize a paragraph
  • 3Write a one- or two-sentence summary of a paragraph in your own words
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Mini Lesson

A summary is a short retelling of the most important ideas in a text — in your own words. A good summary leaves out small details and keeps only what is essential to understanding the passage.

Summary vs Retelling

  • A retelling repeats everything that happened — every detail, in order.
  • A summary picks out only the most important ideas and states them briefly.
  • A summary is always shorter than the original text.
  • A summary is written in your own words, not copied from the text.

What to Include in a Summary

  • The main idea — what is the paragraph mostly about?
  • One or two key supporting details that are essential to understanding the main idea.
  • Leave out examples, repetition, and minor facts that do not change the meaning.

Steps to Write a Summary

  1. Read the paragraph carefully.
  2. Identify the main idea (what is it mostly about?).
  3. Pick one or two key details that best support the main idea.
  4. Write one or two sentences combining the main idea and key details — in your own words.
  5. Check: is your summary shorter than the original? Does it make sense on its own?
Summary vs retelling comparisonTwo columns comparing a retelling (long, all details) with a summary (short, key ideas only).Summary vs RetellingRetellingAll detailsEvery eventIn orderVery longCopied wordsSummaryMain idea onlyKey detailsAny orderShortOwn words
Five steps to write a summaryFive numbered steps in a funnel shape showing how to go from a full paragraph to a short summary.Summary Steps1Read carefully2Find the main idea3Pick 1–2 key details4Write in own words5Check: shorter?
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A useful test: if a friend had not read the paragraph, would your summary give them the essential idea? If yes, it is a good summary. If they would be confused, add one more key detail.

Vocabulary
Summary
A short statement of the most important points of a text, in your own wordse.g. Her summary of the chapter was just two sentences long.
Retelling
A longer re-statement of what happened, usually including all the detailse.g. His retelling of the story took five minutes.
Essential
Absolutely necessary; cannot be left out without losing the meaninge.g. The date of the discovery is essential information.
Paraphrase
To restate something in different words while keeping the same meaninge.g. She paraphrased the main point rather than copying the sentence.
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← Lesson 9: Identify Main Idea and Supporting DetailsLesson 11: Compare and Contrast Ideas →