A summary answers the question that was set, in continuous prose, using only ideas from the passage. It is not a shorter essay of your own.
The idea
Read the question before you mark the passage. If it asks for reasons, do not summarise the story. Underline only the sentences that answer that question. Then write those ideas in your own words, in the order that helps a reader, usually the order of the passage. Do not add an introduction such as "The passage says". Do not add a conclusion such as "In my opinion". Do not add an example the writer did not give. Those lines cost words and earn nothing.
Aim at the length you are given. If no length is given in a practice task, still be short. One idea, one clause. Join them so the answer reads as prose, not as a numbered list, unless the question allows a list. Do not lift a whole sentence. A marker who sees the writer's sentence copied awards little, because the skill is selection and restatement, not handwriting.
The English tips guide sets out summary writing beside the other English papers. WASSCE English tips
What earns the marks
Marks are for relevant points in your own words. A point that is true but not in the passage scores nothing. A point that is in the passage but does not answer the question scores nothing. Presentation as one paragraph of prose is expected. A preamble is ignored and can push you over a word limit on the real paper.
Practice questions
These are practice questions in the style of the paper, with a model answer and a mark scheme. They are not a promise of what your paper will ask.
1Question 1
4 marks
Read this passage, written for practice.
The town banned charcoal fires in the market after two stalls burned. Traders complained that food would cost more if they used gas. The assembly replied that a licence for a safe stove would be cheaper than rebuilding a burned stall. By the next month most traders had switched, and the morning smoke was gone.
In one short paragraph, in your own words, state two reasons the passage gives for the ban and for staying with the ban. Do not add an introduction. (4 marks)
Model answer
Stalls had burned, so the fires were dangerous. A licensed stove would cost less than rebuilding after another fire.
Mark scheme
Fires had already burned stalls, or the danger of fire. Own words2 marks
A safe stove would cost less than rebuilding. Own words2 marks
2Question 2
2 marks
Why would the sentence "I think everyone should obey the assembly" score nothing in that summary? (2 marks)
Model answer
It is the candidate's opinion. It is not a point in the passage, and a summary does not add a judgment the writer did not make.
Mark scheme
It is not in the passage1 mark
A summary does not take a personal stand1 mark
3Question 3
1 mark
Why is "The passage tells us that" a weak opening? (1 mark)
Model answer
It adds no point from the passage. It only delays the answer.
Mark scheme
It is preamble, not a point1 mark
Practise English Language with Anna
More questions on this topic are inside GLearn, marked as you answer, with the reason written out. The first ones need no account.
Your opinion, an introduction, a conclusion, and examples that are not in the passage. It also should not copy the writer's sentences. Select the points that answer the question and restate them briefly in your own words.
Should a summary be a list?+
Write continuous prose unless the question allows notes or a list. Numbered points can lose the presentation mark. One short paragraph of connected ideas is the usual form. All WASSCE English Language past questions