Objective Summary of Informational Text

Summarize nonfiction accurately, briefly, and without personal opinion.

An objective summary of an informational text states the central idea and the most important supporting points in your own words, in a neutral voice. It leaves out your opinions, minor details, and examples that aren't essential. Here's a quick method. First, write the central idea as one sentence. Second, add two or three sentences for the key supporting points, in the order the text presents them. Third, reread and delete any judging words like 'amazing,' 'unfair,' or 'I agree.

' Here is a sample from an original article about lightning: 'The article explains how lightning forms and how to stay safe. Lightning occurs when charges separate inside storm clouds and then discharge. Because lightning can strike miles from a storm, experts advise going indoors at the first sound of thunder. The article also notes that cars with metal roofs offer protection. ' This summary is short, accurate, ordered, and neutral. A reader who hasn't seen the article would understand its main content.

• 1Start with the central idea in one sentence
• 2Add the key supporting points in order
• 3Remove opinion and judging words