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Jul 13, 2023 · Step 1. Take Notes While You Read. If you’re reading a print or hardcover book, highlight important quotes, ideas, or questions, and then write the page number on the first blank page. By contrast, if you’re reading a Kindle book, use Kindle’s “notes” and “highlights” to capture and save important takeaways. Try to be as ...
Feb 6, 2024 · Here is a step-by-step guide about how to write a book summary: 1. Invest time. Read the book again, or at the very least, review the main themes of the story, characters, and story points before you start writing. 2.
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What is a book summary?
Apr 18, 2024 · Start with an Introduction (Title, Author, and Context) The first step in writing a book summary is to introduce the book by providing its title, author, and a bit of context to set the scene. For example, let's consider summarizing the book 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger.
Mar 22, 2024 · Steps to summarize a book effectively. As you read the book, be sure to note its main points, themes, and important quotes in your notes. Once you’ve finished the book and have a body of notes, write an outline. This outline is a “skeleton” for your summary and lists the main theme and supporting points in a logical, linear order.
- 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.
- 1.1M
Step 2: Take Notes. As you read the work, simultaneously take notes. If you own the book, it might be helpful to add your notes to the margins or highlight passages that are particularly relevant or capture a key idea. If you don't own the book, try taking notes on your computer or in a notebook.
Look to your writing: if you’ve strongly established a specific genre in your book proper, use similar language to describe that book. Or, in simpler terms: your summary should sound like your book. If you’ve written a horror novel, your summary should be scary. If it’s a wry comedy, your back-cover blurb should make readers laugh.
