Summarising, referencing and 'your voice'
Summarising is different from paraphrasing: a summary is shorter than a paraphrase.
When you summarise, you compress large amounts of information into the fewest possible sentences. To do this, you include only the main points and main supporting points, leaving out the details. You must not change the meaning of the original text.
To write a summary or to summarise an article means that particular characteristics are evident.
- A summary is much shorter than the original text.
- It should communicate the main ideas of the text and the supporting points written in your own words.
- It is written in a very brief form.
- The summary should give someone who has not read the original text, a clear and accurate overview of the text.
- Writing a summary requires a thorough understanding of the content of the text and the ability to paraphrase.
- A formal summary should include a reference.
(UNE, n.d.)