Summarizing
and
Paraphrasing
Academic
Learning
Objective
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1.Define summarizing and paraphrasing and
understand their differences.
2.Identify when to summarize and when to paraphrase.
3.Use strategies to write clear summaries and accurate
paraphrases.
4.Practice both skills using academic texts.
What is a
Summary?
A summary is a shortened
version of the original text. It
includes only the main idea
and the most essential
points.
Key
Features
• Brief and concise
• In your own words
• No personal opinions
• Includes only the essential
ideas
Use a summary
when:
• You want to give an overview of a long
text
• You need to compress a large amount of
information
• You are writing a review or report
What is
Paraphrasing?
means rewriting a sentence or
short passage using your own
words while keeping the original
meaning.
Key
Features
• Same length or slightly shorter than
the original
• Must be written completely in your
own words
• Still requires citation in academic
writing
• Keeps the same meaning, but uses
different words and sentence structure
Use a paraphrasing
when:
• You want to simplify or clarify a sentence
• You are integrating someone else’s idea
into your own paper
• You want to show understanding without
quoting directly
Feature Summary Paraphrase
Length Much shorter About the same length
Purpose To give the main idea To explain in your own
words
Includes Only key points All points but reworded
Used in Reviews, outlines, Explanations, support in
abstracts essays
Cite? Yes (if not your own Yes (still someone else’s
idea) idea)
Example
“Regular exercise has many benefits. It
helps improve cardiovascular health,
strengthens muscles, and increases
flexibility. In addition to physical benefits,
exercise also improves mental health by
reducing stress and boosting mood. Even
30 minutes of walking a day can make a big
difference.”
Summarizing Tips
• Find the thesis and topic
sentences
• Identify only the most
important supporting points
• Eliminate minor details,
examples, and repetition
• Use your own words
Paraphrasing
Tips
• Read the original sentence carefully
• Identify the core idea
• Change vocabulary and sentence
structure
• Do not just replace words (this is
plagiarism!)
• Always check: “Did I keep the
meaning the same?”
Practice Activity
Online learning has become more common
in recent years. It offers flexibility and
allows students to learn at their own pace.
However, it also requires strong self-
discipline and time management skills to
be effective.
Practice Activity
Many students today struggle to focus in
class because of the constant presence of
mobile phones. Notifications, games, and
social media updates make it hard to
concentrate on lessons. As a result, some
schools have created policies to limit phone
usage during class hours to help students
improve their attention and learning.
Practice Activity
Learning a second language has many
benefits. It enhances memory, sharpens
problem-solving skills, and increases job
opportunities. In today’s global society,
being bilingual gives students a
competitive edge in school and in the
workplace.
