What does NOT belong in a summary?

1 answer

In a summary, the following elements typically do NOT belong:

  1. Detailed Examples: Specific anecdotes or examples that elaborate on points should be omitted, as summaries focus on the main ideas.

  2. Personal Opinions or Interpretations: Summaries should remain objective, presenting the content without adding the summarizer's own views or feelings.

  3. Irrelevant Information: Any information that does not directly relate to the core themes or messages of the original content should be excluded.

  4. Direct Quotations: Summaries should restate ideas in the summarizer's own words rather than using direct quotes from the source.

  5. Excessive Detail: Summaries should not include minute details or intricate explanations; they should be concise and to the point.

  6. Lengthy Background Information: Context that does not directly contribute to understanding the main ideas of the work should be minimized.

Keeping these elements in mind will help ensure that a summary effectively conveys the key points and main ideas without unnecessary information.