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Jul 13, 2023 · Now we’ve covered the benefits of writing a book summary let’s discuss how to write a summary, step-by-step. 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 ...
- 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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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.
Nov 11, 2021 · Even if your summary is the length of a full paper, you are likely summarizing a book or other significantly longer work. 2. A summary should tell the reader the highlights of what they need to know without giving them unnecessary details. 3. It should also include enough details to give a clear and honest picture.
- Read the Work. Summaries are often perceived as a workaround for reading the work itself. That's not a great strategy under most circumstances because you tend to lose a lot of the details and nuance of a work, but it's particularly impractical to do so when writing about the work.
- 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.
- Identify the Author's Thesis Statement, Objective, or Main Point. In some works, such as a journal article, a writer will provide a thesis statement.
- Note Other Important Elements. If something stands out to you about the work and seems to play an important role in the text's overall narrative or structure, make a note about it.
How to write a novel synopsis in 4 steps. 1. Get the basics down first. When it comes to writing a synopsis, substance is the name of the game. No matter how nicely you dress it up, an agent will disregard any piece that doesn’t demonstrate a fully fleshed out plot and strong narrative arc. So it stands to reason that as you begin writing ...
May 28, 2022 · Carve out a time to create your outline. I give myself 30 minutes to an hour depending on the book length (you might need more your first time). Split your screen into two halves, the left side with the original note and the right with your outline. Open up your layer 4 book note (it can be layer 3).
