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Summarising and comparing viewpoints
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Summarising means picking out the main points and putting them briefly in your own words. It is a skill you need for research, revision and GCSE reading questions.
How to summarise
2. Underline the main points, not the examples or extra detail.
3. Put each point in your own words.
4. Keep it short and in a sensible order.
5. Do not add your own opinions.
Practice extract
Viewpoints
Some texts argue one side. Others are balanced, giving more than one view.
When you compare two texts, use linking words: similarly, likewise, both (for similarities); however, whereas, on the other hand (for differences).
Summarise the arguments for banning phones in the extract in one sentence.
- Find the reasons: distraction, online bullying, less talking at break.
- Leave out the examples and the other side.
- Put it in your own words.
Answer: Supporters of a ban say phones distract pupils, lead to online bullying and stop them chatting at break.
A good summary picks out main points, uses your own words, stays brief and leaves out your own opinion. When comparing texts, use 'similarly' for similarities and 'whereas' or 'however' for differences.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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