Cambridge IGCSE Summary Writing
Master the art of condensing complex texts into clear, accurate summaries that capture essential ideas while maintaining proper style and word count.
Quick Overview
✏️ What You'll Learn
Summary writing techniques, identifying what to include, paraphrasing strategies, managing word counts (70-100 words), and meeting marking criteria.
🎯 The Big Picture
Summary writing tests comprehension, selective information processing, and concise expression—critical skills for all academic writing and communication.
⏱️ Where It's Tested
Reading & Writing paper (direct summary tasks). Also indirectly tested in essay introductions, research papers, and examination answers across all subjects.
✅ Your Goal
Write concise summaries that capture main ideas precisely, use own words authentically, stay within word limits exactly, and demonstrate clear understanding.
1. What Is a Summary? Understanding the Task
Definition: Summary Writing Explained
A summary is a condensed version of a text that includes only the main ideas while excluding details, examples, and repetition. Cambridge summaries are typically 70-120 words (depending on the task)—about one-third of the original length.
Key Differences: Summary vs Other Writing
| Type of Writing |
Purpose |
Content |
Word Count |
| Summary |
Condense main ideas from a source |
Only main ideas; no examples or detail |
Fixed (70/100/120 words) |
| Paraphrase |
Restate one idea in different words |
Similar length; all details included |
Usually longer than original |
| Essay |
Discuss and analyze ideas |
Main ideas + examples + analysis |
Variable (500+ words) |
| Notes |
Quick record of key points |
Bullet points; abbreviations; shorthand |
Brief and informal |
Why Summaries Matter in Exams
💡 Examiners test THREE skills through summaries:
1. Reading Comprehension: Can you understand what you read?
2. Analytical Thinking: Can you identify what's important?
3. Expression: Can you write clearly and concisely?
2. The Summary Writing Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Read & Understand (Don't Start Writing Yet!)
What to Do:
Read the entire text ONCE without taking notes. Just understand the overall message. Then read it again, slowly.
Why: You need to understand the big picture before deciding what matters.
Step 2: Identify Main Ideas (Create Mental Framework)
Ask Yourself These Questions:
✅ Pro Tip: The "So What?" Test
Step 3: Plan Your Summary Structure
Create a Simple Outline (In Your Head or Rough Notes):
Step 4: Write in Your Own Words (Paraphrase)
Original Text: