How Does One Write a Chapter Summary?
Write a chapter summary by first reading the chapter to determine the most salient and important points. By making an outline, it allows for easy organization. Depending on the material and word count, writing a chapter summary may require different amounts of material to be cut.
- Read the chapter
Read the chapter thoroughly, without skipping any parts. Keep a notepad or a computer document nearby to write down important points to cover in the chapter summary. If possible, highlight text in the book.
- Begin writing the outline
When writing the outline, use letters to denote the most important points and elaborate on them. Use numbers and sub-letters for any supporting details. Continue throughout the entire chapter, keeping events in logical order.
- Convert the outline to the full text
When writing the text, ensure that all information is covered. Go back and rewrite as necessary to add or omit details as required by word count. Not every part of a chapter will need to be included in the summary. The outline is a guide to the information included in the summary, but it can be deviated from.
- Read and proof the summary
After writing the summary, read over it and compare to the original text to see if any information could be added. Check the document for spelling errors and other potential issues and save it.