Using your own words

A summary should be written in your own words – but reporting the events that someone else has written about. You must not give your own opinion in a summary. A useful way to help you to do this is to refer to the author. Begin your summary with a line such as:

‘In the article 'My Gran was a Monster’ by Michael North, the author starts off by telling us that …’

And as you write your summary, use linking phrases such as those in bold here:

‘The writer then goes on to claim that his grandmother used to eat babies whole.’

‘North then argues that grandmothers are ferocious as a race, and that false teeth should only be dispensed on special licence.’

Writers often give opinions in their writing and for this reason you should avoid repeating something as if it is a fact. Use phrases such as the bold ones here:

‘The author says that grandmothers are all devious.’
‘The author states that his grandmother was quite mean.’
‘The writer feels that it’s strange what they get away with.’
‘The author argues that grandmothers have a lot to answer for.’