make a summary

Meaning

To write or state the main points of a longer text, lecture, or discussion in a brief form. It is a common way to describe the act of condensing information, though 'write a summary' is also frequently used.

Examples

• After reading the chapter, you should make a summary of the main arguments.

  After reading the chapter, you should make a summary of the main arguments.

• Can you make a quick summary of the meeting for those who couldn't attend?

  Can you make a quick summary of the meeting for those who couldn't attend?

• The assignment asks us to watch the documentary and make a summary of its key points.

  The assignment asks us to watch the documentary and make a summary of its key points.

• I always make a summary of my lecture notes before the final exam.

  I always make a summary of my lecture notes before the final exam.

• Before we start the discussion, let's make a summary of what we have decided so far.

  Before we start the discussion, let's make a summary of what we have decided so far.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She made a summary about the article.

  ✓ She made a summary of the article.

  We make a summary 'of' a book, article, or event, not 'about' it.

• ✗ I need to do a summary for my homework.

  ✓ I need to make a summary for my homework.

  Use the verb 'make' or 'write' with the noun 'summary', not the verb 'do'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To study effectively, you should ___ of each chapter in your own words.

  💡 To write down the main points of a text briefly.

  Show answer

  make a summary

• The teacher asked us to read the article and ___ of the author's main arguments.

  💡 To condense the text into a shorter version.

  Show answer

  make a summary