Summarizing

Grade 5 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.3.2

Name:
Date:

What is a Summary?

A summary is a SHORT retelling of a text that includes only the MOST IMPORTANT information. When you summarize, you use your OWN WORDS (not copied from the text) and leave out minor details and your personal opinions.

Main Idea vs. Key Details

Main Idea: What the text is MOSTLY about - the big picture, central point, or message.

Key Details: Important facts or events that SUPPORT the main idea. Not every detail is a key detail!

Think of it like this: The main idea is the trunk of a tree. Key details are the main branches. Minor details are the leaves - too many to include!

Summarizing STORIES (Fiction)

Include:

Summarizing INFORMATIONAL Text

Include:

Somebody-Wanted-But-So-Then (SWBST) - For Stories!

SOMEBODYMain character
WANTEDGoal/desire
BUTProblem/conflict
SOEvents/actions
THENResolution

Then add: "This story teaches that..." (theme)

Example: Read This Story

Maria had always been terrified of public speaking. Her hands would shake, her voice would crack, and she'd forget everything she wanted to say. When her teacher announced that every student had to give a speech for the school talent show, Maria wanted to hide.

Her best friend, Jasmine, noticed how worried Maria was. "Why don't you practice with me every day after school?" Jasmine suggested. Maria agreed, and for three weeks, she practiced her speech over and over. At first, she could barely get through a sentence without freezing.

On the night of the talent show, Maria's heart was pounding. But when she walked onto the stage and saw Jasmine's encouraging smile in the front row, something changed. She took a deep breath and began to speak. Her voice was clear and steady. When she finished, the audience burst into applause.

"I can't believe I did it!" Maria told Jasmine afterward. "I never thought I could."

"You just needed practice and someone to believe in you," Jasmine said.

Example Summary Using SWBST

SOMEBODY: Maria WANTED to overcome her fear of public speaking BUT she was terrified and had to give a speech at the talent show. SO her friend Jasmine helped her practice every day for three weeks. THEN Maria successfully gave her speech with confidence. Theme: This story teaches that with practice and support from friends, we can overcome our fears.

What Does NOT Belong in a Summary?

A good summary is OBJECTIVE - it sticks to what the text says, not your opinions!

DO Include:
  • Main idea/central idea
  • Key details from the text
  • Information in your own words
DO NOT Include:
  • "I think..." or "In my opinion..."
  • "The best part was..."
  • "This was interesting/boring..."
  • Minor details or examples

How to Write a Great Summary

  1. Read carefully - Make sure you understand the whole text
  2. Find the main idea - What is this MOSTLY about?
  3. Identify key details - What important information supports the main idea?
  4. Leave out - Minor details, examples, and your opinions
  5. Write in YOUR words - Don't copy from the text
  6. Keep it SHORT - Much shorter than the original!

Your Turn!

1. Which is the MAIN IDEA of the story about Maria?
2. Which detail is NOT important enough to include in a summary of Maria's story?
3. Which sentence should NOT appear in an objective summary?
4. What is the THEME (lesson) of Maria's story?

Summary Checklist

Before you finish your summary, check:

FAST Success Kit | Grade 5 | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.3.2