Literature Summary Format
The main purpose of summarizing is to highlight the major points from the original (much longer) text. You should be giving a brief presentation of the general story line in 10 sentences or more. The objective is to be able to provide your audience with a summation of the plot and details without rewriting the story.
Use your notes from your Analytical Note Taking handout to help you with both the summary and analysis. This is why you need to take thorough notes.
· Who is involved in the story?
· What events, ideas, or people does the author emphasize?
· Describe the setting, time, season, weather...
· Is there anything being repeated? Any one word phrase, symbol or idea?
· Look for detail/ description: names, age, character description, dates, numbers, etc.
· What is the problem? Conflict?
· What are the consequences or implications?
· What are the causes of the conflict?
· Any vocabulary used (from text or the vocabulary list) should be bolded and in all CAPITALS, vocabulary may be text specific or from the vocabulary list (previous or current).
· Use one of the verbs and bold to show what the author is doing, and then give examples to support the verb you chose. Verbs: Argues , Asserts , Concludes, Considers, Discusses, Emphasizes, Examines, Explores, Focuses on, Implies, Mentions, Points out, Notes, States, Suggests, Says
Ex. In the short story, Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, the story emphasizes the ideals of love Cleofilas has created from watching telenovelas, music and books.
Use your notes from your Analytical Note Taking handout to help you with both the summary and analysis. This is why you need to take thorough notes.
· Who is involved in the story?
· What events, ideas, or people does the author emphasize?
· Describe the setting, time, season, weather...
· Is there anything being repeated? Any one word phrase, symbol or idea?
· Look for detail/ description: names, age, character description, dates, numbers, etc.
· What is the problem? Conflict?
· What are the consequences or implications?
· What are the causes of the conflict?
· Any vocabulary used (from text or the vocabulary list) should be bolded and in all CAPITALS, vocabulary may be text specific or from the vocabulary list (previous or current).
· Use one of the verbs and bold to show what the author is doing, and then give examples to support the verb you chose. Verbs: Argues , Asserts , Concludes, Considers, Discusses, Emphasizes, Examines, Explores, Focuses on, Implies, Mentions, Points out, Notes, States, Suggests, Says
Ex. In the short story, Woman Hollering Creek by Sandra Cisneros, the story emphasizes the ideals of love Cleofilas has created from watching telenovelas, music and books.