The summary writing technique of combining the main idea involves condensing a text by

focusing on the key points and merging them into a unified, concise statement. This technique is
essential because it allows you to express the core message of a text without unnecessary details,
while still maintaining the integrity of the original content. Once you have the key points from
each section, blend them into a single cohesive statement. This new statement should encapsulate
the essence of the text as a whole. While combining, make sure that the order and flow of ideas
make sense. Each sentence or point should naturally lead into the next to create a clear summary.

Combining the main idea in summary writing is a vital skill that allows readers to condense
complex texts into simpler, more digestible pieces. The goal is to communicate the core message
or theme of a passage without losing its essential meaning.

Importance of Combining Main Ideas:

● Clarity: By synthesizing the main points, you reduce clutter and emphasize the most
critical aspects of a text, making it easier for readers to grasp the core message.
● Brevity: In academic and professional settings, summarizing is often necessary to
communicate large volumes of information quickly and effectively.
● Critical Thinking: The process of identifying and combining main ideas requires
analytical skills. You must evaluate what is important, what can be left out, and how
ideas relate to one another.
● Improved Comprehension: When you actively work to combine main ideas, it enhances
your overall understanding of the text, allowing you to see connections between details
and the broader theme.

Steps to Combine the Main Idea:

1. Reading and Understanding:

The first step is reading the entire text to grasp its general meaning.

As you read, underline or highlight the key sentences (often found in topic sentences or
concluding sentences of paragraphs).
 2. Summarize Each Section:

Break the text into smaller sections and summarize each section in one sentence. The summary
for each section should focus on what the paragraph is mainly about.

Avoid getting caught up in examples, anecdotes, or extra information that do not contribute to
the main message.

3. Identify Relationships Between Ideas:

Once you have the main points of each section, look for connections between them. Ask
yourself:

■ How do these ideas relate?

■ Is there a progression of thought?
■ Are there repeating themes or concepts?
4. Synthesize Information:

Now, combine the main ideas from each section into a single cohesive statement or paragraph.
Focus on how these key points build upon one another to support the overall message of the text.

This step is crucial because it forces you to compress the content into something concise while
retaining its original meaning.

5. Condense and Refine:

The final combined main idea should avoid redundancy and unnecessary elaboration. Ensure
your combined statement is clear, logical, and flows smoothly, ensuring that each part relates
directly to the central theme.

Techniques to Help Combine Main Ideas:

● Using Topic Sentences: Topic sentences often give a clear indication of the paragraph’s
main idea. If you identify the topic sentence of each paragraph, it becomes easier to
extract and combine the core message.
 ● Mind Mapping: Create a mind map of the main points from the text. This visual aid can
help you see how ideas connect and aid in forming a single cohesive summary.

Example:

Climate change is having a profound impact on the planet, leading to rising sea levels and
increased global temperatures. Scientists are raising alarms, emphasizing that without immediate
intervention, the world will face catastrophic consequences.

In response, many nations are taking steps to reduce their carbon emissions by adopting policies
that promote the use of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, which serve as
cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.

However, despite these efforts, a significant challenge remains, as some regions continue to rely
heavily on coal and oil, resulting in uneven progress in the global fight against climate change.

Main idea 1: Climate change has an immense impact on the planet

Main idea 2: Nations are relying on renewable energy to mitigate this issue.

Main idea 3: Other countries still rely on the use of fossil fuels which makes it hard to fight the
issue.

Combining the Main Ideas

Climate change has an immense impact on the planet which causes some nations to rely on the
use of renewable energies; however, other nations still use fossil fuels which create an imbalance
in fighting climate change.
Deleting Examples, statistics and Repetition

In summary writing, deleting examples, statistics, and repetition is important to maintain

conciseness and clarity. Here's how to approach it:

1. Examples: Often, examples provide detailed support for the main ideas, but they are not
necessary in a summary. You should remove them unless they are essential to
understanding the core message.

Original: "In 2020, countries like Japan and Germany saw a 5% increase in
renewable energy usage illustrating the global trend."

Summary: "In 2020, renewable energy usage increased globally."

2. Statistics: Specific numbers and data are generally used for emphasis, but in a
summary, they can clutter the key points. Omit them unless the numbers are crucial to
the understanding.

Original: "The study found that 75% of respondents preferred online learning, and
25% still favored traditional classrooms."

Summary: "Most respondents preferred online learning."

3. Repetition: Authors sometimes repeat ideas to emphasize their points. In a summary,

this redundancy should be removed, leaving only the main point.

Original: "The author argues that climate change is the most pressing issue of
our time. It's clear that climate change is an urgent problem, and we must act
now."

Summary: "The author argues that climate change is urgent."