summarising

Summarising is the act of creating a concise version of a longer text that preserves its central ideas, arguments, and overall meaning while omitting nonessential details. A well-made summary reflects the source's purpose and tone and allows readers to grasp the main points quickly without engaging with the full text.

Notes on terminology: a summary is typically shorter than the original and focuses on main ideas. A précis is a tightly condensed version that mirrors the structure and argument with greater precision. An abstract, common in academic writing, presents the essential content of a work and its purpose, often for inclusion in databases or journals. Distinctions vary by discipline, but all share the aim of condensation without misrepresentation.

Methods include extraction and synthesis. Extraction selects phrases and sentences directly from the source. Synthesis rephrases and reorganises ideas in the summariser's own words, often combining related points, and may alter order to improve coherence while preserving meaning.

Process steps: read the text with a clear purpose, identify the main ideas and supporting points, outline a logical sequence, draft a concise version, and revise for accuracy and readability. Quality criteria include accuracy, completeness, conciseness, coherence, and faithful representation of the source’s intent. Ethical practice requires attribution when necessary and avoidance of added interpretation beyond the source.

Summarising is widely used in education, journalism, research, and professional settings. It can facilitate comprehension, comparison, and information management. Limitations include potential loss of nuance, context, or emphasis, and the risk of oversimplification or distortion if the summary is not carefully checked.