How to Summarize an Article

Why summarize?Yes,it can be a very boring and dull activity.Usually we are asked to summarize for school projects or homework.Being able to summarize is a very useful tool.Not only do you need to summarize for school purposes,but this skill comes in handy for many other reading and writing projects.Read further for some easy tips and steps on how to summarize an article.

Instructions

1. Basically summarizing is breaking down the article or a long passage of reading.When you are complete,you should be left with 5 'W's.Who,what,where,when,and why.

2. Study the article. Examine the title, any headings, illustrations, or any information about the author that may help you focus on your reading.

3. Read the entire article carefully. Identify the main idea, major subordinate ideas, and their relationship to each other.

4. The easiest way to summarize is to follow a well known and trusted method.This method is called T.M.D.
   Topic-it is what the passage is about.
   Main Idea-so the topic is the What then the main idea is the why important.The main idea is always written as a fact.It is never a question.
   Supporting Details-The supporting details are the rest of the most relevant facts left in a passage or article. They should answer the rest of the 'W' questions.