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How to write a good book summary?
What is a book summary?
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Jul 13, 2023 · Step 1. Take Notes While You’re Reading. Step 2. Write the Main Takeaways in Your Own Words. Step 3. Continue to Summarize Overtime. Conclusion. Why Write a Book Summary? I’ve found there are three key benefits to writing a book summary. First, writing a book summary helps you remember what you read.
Feb 6, 2024 · A book summary is a short and accurate description of a book’s main themes, plot, and characters. Summaries of books highlight key ideas and messages conveyed by the author. They also convey unique story elements and information about the major events and the setting of the story.
Mar 22, 2024 · Preparing to summarize a book. To summarize a book effectively, you need to fully comprehend it. That means that beyond reading the book, you should understand its context and its author’s intent. For example, if you’re summarizing Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, it’s helpful to know that the book is autobiographical.
Apr 18, 2024 · How to Write a Summary of a Book: Steps, Examples, FAQs. Written by. Adam Jason. Last updated: April 18, 2024. Published: April 18, 2024. 10 minutes. Share the article. Table of Contents. Summarizing a book might sound like a dull chore, but it doesn't have to be! Anyone can do it well with the right approach.
- Overview
- Taking Notes
- Drafting and Editing
- Reading Carefully
Writing a summary of a book is a great way for you to absorb what you’re reading. It also gives you a quick reference you can use to remember the main points of the book anytime you need it. To write a good summary, read the book carefully while taking notes on important ideas, plot twists, and main characters. You can then use your notes to draft ...
Annotate the text as you read.
Annotating as you read will help you find important passages easily while you are writing the summary. Circle, highlight, or note anything that’s confusing, important, surprising, or interesting. You can also mark repetition, inconsistencies, and connections between passages.
If the book belongs to you, feel free to highlight passages and write in it. If the book doesn’t belong to you, use sticky notes to mark the passages instead.
Keep a notebook next to you while you read so you can jot down your thoughts. Taking notes as you read will allow you to record things correctly. This will create less work for you than if you try to go back and check on details later.
It might be a good idea to keep several different pieces of paper next to you for notes. One can be for general impressions and quick thoughts, another can be for lists of characters and events, and one more for recording the book’s major themes and ideas.
You can also take notes to keep track of words you don’t recognize. Use a dictionary to look these up as you go, and then write down the definitions.
Check if there are length requirements for your summary.
If you’re writing your summary for a school assignment, there will probably be a limit to how much or little you can write. Make your summary as close to that limit as possible. Too short will make it seem like you didn’t read the book, and too long could mean that you’re not really writing a summary.
For example, if your word limit is 200, write between about 190 and 200 words.
Even if you’re writing a summary for your own use, consider keeping it on the short side. Having a summary under 500 words gives you a quick and easy reference tool.
Write the summary in chronological order.
A summary should present the events in the sequence that they happened. Avoid jumping around between different parts of the book. Begin at the beginning and end at the ending to maintain the integrity of the original story.
Find a quiet place to read without distractions.
Pick a spot away from the TV. Turn your phone on silent and put it aside so it doesn’t tempt you. Focus just on the book, and enjoy the time you’re about to spend reading.
You should also make sure you’re near a lamp or a window so you don’t strain your eyes while reading.
Read the book in small blocks.
To keep yourself from getting overwhelmed, read in 20-minute sessions. If you really enjoy the book, you can read for an hour or two at a time. This will allow you to process the book slowly.
Set aside enough time if you’re on a deadline.
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A good book summary should tell your reader four key things about your novel: 1. Who Your Main Character Is. And I mean “who” in the cosmic sense. Don’t just tell us your protagonist’s name. Is he an ultra-suave British superspy? Is he a sensitive soul? Is he a pariah in his family? Is he deaf?
How to Write a Plot Summary. The step-by-step guide to writing an effective summary, outlined above, applies to most summaries. However, each type has its own unique elements outside of those standard requirements. A plot or book summary, for example, should encapsulate the plot of a short story or novel.
