Master the Art of Summarizing: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Write a Summary: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Justin Wong — Sep 9, 2025

Summarizing isn't as simple as cutting words. You need to dig through the fluff, find what matters, and piece it back together without changing the original meaning.

Why Summaries Matter in Academic and Professional Writing

• Academic Writing: Every research paper needs a solid summary. Whether it's a lit review or a 300-page dissertation, you must boil it down to the essentials.
• Professional Communication: In the real world, nobody has time to read a 20-page report. One-pagers are the way to go.
• Reading Comprehension: Summarizing helps you engage with the material, which is why teachers keep emphasizing it.

Step 1: Skim for Structure Before You Dive In

Before taking notes, spend five minutes looking at headings, subheadings, and visuals. The first and last paragraphs, as well as the first line of each paragraph, often contain the main points.

Step 2: Read Carefully and Take Notes

Use highlighters, sticky notes, or your preferred method to mark up the text. Write quick notes in the margins. Avoid word-for-word copying.

Step 3: Identify Main Ideas and Key Points

• Main Idea: Think about what stays with you after reading.
• Key Points: These support the main idea. In science, it's usually what was done, what was found, and why it matters.
• Supporting Details: Nice to have, but don't focus on them too much.

Step 4: Drafting the Summary in Your Own Words

Start with the basics and lay it out. Skip the "I think" stuff, use "writes" instead of "wrote," and write in your own words.

Step 5: Use Transitions to Keep Things Moving

Transitions make your writing flow. Avoid choppy sentences.

Voyagard (https://www.voyagard.com) can be a great help in this process. It can assist you in creating clear and concise summaries that highlight key points without losing meaning. So, don't struggle with summarizing on your own. Try Voyagard today and make your writing tasks easier!