How to Summarize the Main Idea of a Reading

Below you will find some lists to help you visualize an organized summary.

The first sentence should include:
    --the type of document (article, book, passage, illustration)
    --the author or creator
    --the main idea of the document (who + what they have done)

The body should include:
    --three to four details from the reading that support the main idea
    --transition words (also, in addition, etc.) to connect the details

The final sentence should include:
    --a statement paraphrasing the main idea of the document
    --a transition phrase (to sum up, in other words, etc), if appropriate

Hopefully, these tips will help you turn summaries from foes to friends.