10 characteristics of a good summary

Summary is a technique that consists of reducing a long text to its most important points, so that it can be understood quickly and clearly. It is a highly valued skill in different areas, both academic and professional. Below, we are going to detail the top 10 features of the summary and answer some frequently asked questions about this technique.

Summary Features

1. It consists of synthesizing the most relevant information in a text.
2. It should be brief and clear, avoiding including unnecessary details.
3. The structure and logic of the original text must be maintained.
4. Use keywords to convey information effectively.
5. Summarizes the objective, methodology and main results of the original text.



6. It does not include personal opinions or interpretations of the summarizer.
7. It is a useful tool for studying, remembering and communicating the essential information of a text.
8. It is commonly used in writing academic papers and in news communication.
9. Requires comprehension and synthesis skills on the part of the summarizer.
10. Facilitates access to information, especially in long or complex texts.

Summary FAQ

1. What is the difference between summary and synthesis?The main difference lies in the approach. While summary focuses on reducing a long text to its key points, synthesis involves combining different sources of information to generate a new analysis or point of view.
2. When is it appropriate to use a summary?The summary is useful in situations where it is necessary to understand the essential information of a text quickly. This can be applied when reading books, articles, reports, among others.
3. How can I improve my summary skills?Constant practice is essential to improve the ability to summarize texts. It is advisable to identify the key points of a text and use synthesis techniques to condense the information effectively.
4. What are the most common mistakes when making a summary?Some common errors include including irrelevant information, not maintaining the structure of the original text, adding personal opinions, and not clearly conveying the essential information of the text.
5. Is it ethical to use a summary in academic papers?It depends on the context and the teacher's instructions. In some cases, the use of summaries as a tool for understanding and remembering information is permitted, as long as the original source is acknowledged.
6. What is the appropriate length for a good summary?There is no specific extension, since this will depend on the original text. However, it is considered that a good summary should be approximately one sixth of the original text.
7. How can I avoid plagiarism when writing a summary?It is important to paraphrase information and use your own words when summarizing. Furthermore, it is essential to cite the original source to avoid any type of plagiarism.
8. What tools can I use to generate a summary automatically?There are various online tools that use artificial intelligence algorithms to generate automatic summaries, however, it is advisable to review and adjust the manually generated summary to ensure its quality.

Examples table

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