Understanding Summarizing for MP Board Class 12 English :Summarizing is another key skill for your MP Board Class 12 English exam often tested in conjunction with note-making. While note-making focuses on extracting and organizing key points summarizing requires you to present the essence of the original passage in a concise, coherent paragraph. It usually carries 3 marks.
Understanding Summarizing for MP Board Class 12 English
A good summary is not just a collection of notes; it’s a flow of ideas that captures the main arguments and conclusions of the original text, but in a much shorter form. It demonstrates your ability to:
- Comprehend the entire passage thoroughly.
- Identify the central theme and main supporting ideas.
- Express these ideas in your own words, clearly and concisely.
- Maintain the original meaning and tone of the passage.
Key Rules for Effective Summarizing
- Read and Understand: Before you write anything, read the passage multiple times until you fully grasp its meaning, the author’s purpose, and the main arguments.
- Identify Main Ideas: Pinpoint the most crucial information. If you’ve already done note-making, these would be your main headings and significant sub-points.
- Use Your Own Words: Do not copy sentences or phrases directly from the original passage. Paraphrase the ideas in your own language. This shows true comprehension.
- Be Concise: A summary should be significantly shorter than the original text. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about one-third (1/3) of the original length. For instance, if the passage is 150 words, your summary should be around 50 words.
- Maintain Coherence: Your summary should flow smoothly and logically. Use connecting words and phrases to link ideas seamlessly. It should read like a complete, well-structured paragraph, not just a list of points.
- Include All Key Points: While being concise, ensure that no vital information or main argument is left out. The reader should get a clear overall picture of the original passage just by reading your summary.
- No New Information: Do not add any personal opinions, interpretations, or information that was not present in the original text. Stick strictly to what the author has presented.
- Avoid Examples and Details: Just like note-making, a summary should exclude specific examples, anecdotes, statistics, or minor details. Focus on the general concepts.
- Maintain Original Tone: If the original passage is informative, your summary should be informative. If it’s persuasive, your summary should reflect that persuasive tone without adding your own bias.
- One Paragraph: Typically, a summary should be presented as a single, well-structured paragraph.
Steps to Write a Good Summary
- First Read (Skim): Read the passage quickly to get the general idea.
- Second Read (Identify Main Points): Read more carefully. Identify and perhaps mentally highlight the main idea of each paragraph and any crucial supporting facts.
- Draft Notes (Optional, but Recommended): If you’re also doing note-making, your organized notes will serve as an excellent foundation for your summary. If not, quickly jot down the main points.
- Formulate a Topic Sentence: Begin your summary with a strong topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the entire passage.
- Combine and Connect: Combine the main points you identified in your own words. Use transition words (e.g., “furthermore,” “however,” “consequently,” “in addition”) to ensure a smooth flow between ideas.
- Review and Refine:
- Read your summary aloud. Does it make sense?
- Is it concise enough? (Check word count against 1/3 rule).
- Have you used your own words?
- Does it accurately reflect the original passage’s meaning?
- Are there any unnecessary details or repetitions?
- Check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Summarizing
Q1: What’s the main difference between note-making and summarizing?
A1: Note-making focuses on organizing and abbreviating key points using headings, subheadings, and symbols. It’s often for personal use. Summarizing is about writing a coherent, concise paragraph in your own words that captures the main essence of the text, meant for others to read as a standalone piece.
Q2: What is the ideal length for a summary?
A2: A good summary should typically be about one-third (1/3) the length of the original passage. For example if the passage is 180 words your summary should be around 60 words.
Q3: Can I use abbreviations in my summary?
A3: No. Unlike note-making, summaries should be written in proper, complete words, without abbreviations. They are meant to be a readable, flowing paragraph.
Q4: Should I include the title in my summary paragraph?
A4: You should not include the title within the summary paragraph itself. The title is a separate heading that precedes the notes (and typically the summary as well, if both are asked for). Your summary paragraph should start directly with the main idea.
Q5: Can I express my opinion in the summary?
A5: Absolutely not. A summary must be objective and reflect only what the original author stated. Your personal opinions, interpretations, or criticisms should be excluded.
Q6: Is it okay to copy a few sentences directly from the passage if they are perfect?
A6: No, avoid direct copying. The purpose of a summary is to show that you can understand and rephrase the information in your own words. Plagiarism, even accidental, should be avoided.
Q7: What if the passage is very long? Do I still stick to the 1/3 rule?
A7: The 1/3 rule is a general guideline. For very long passages, you might find your summary slightly longer or shorter than exactly 1/3, but the principle of significant condensation remains. Focus on extracting only the absolute core information.
By mastering these rules and steps, you’ll be well-prepared to write excellent summaries for your MP Board Class 12 English exam!