Summarizing Nonfiction Passages

Contributor: Jessica Buch. Lesson ID: 10163

Have you ever asked someone how his or her day was and had to listen to a looooong story, wishing the person would just summarize? Learn the importance of summarizing by sticking to important facts!

categories

Comprehension

subject
Reading
learning style
Visual
personality style
Lion, Beaver
Grade Level
Intermediate (3-5)
Lesson Type
Skill Sharpener

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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  • Have you ever felt like the girl in this video having to listen to someone tell a very long story?

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  • Have you ever wished someone would just tell you the short version of a story?

The same is true with stories you read. Sometimes, you just want a summary, like the one below.

"Wicked step-sisters and step-mother try to ruin an orphaned girl's evening at the ball. Fairy godmother saves the day! The shoe fits, and they live happily ever after!"

  • Do you recognize this story?

Summarizing is something we do every day.

When someone asks us about your day, you probably say something like this.

"I got up and ate breakfast in the morning. I started to study right away. I studied for a few hours, then had lunch and went outside. I practiced soccer and then had dinner. Mom and Dad let me watch TV, and then I got ready for bed."

  • What did you notice about the summary?
  • Was every single detail included in the summary? Or only the significant events?

Generally, looking for only the most critical points is a good idea.

Continue to think about this as you watch the following video.

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If you have a good handle on how to summarize, continue to the Got It? section to find the main points of a story.

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