| Feature | Summary | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | Condensing information | Explaining effects |
| Focus | Content and meaning | Language and methods |
| Phrasing | 'The text states...' | 'The metaphor suggests...' |
| Evidence | Short, embedded quotes | Detailed textual exploration |
Use Your Own Words: Whenever possible, paraphrase the text to demonstrate a full understanding of the material. Simply copying long strings of text suggests a lack of comprehension and fails to meet the 'concise' criteria.
Embed Short Quotes: If you must use the writer's words, keep them to two or three words and weave them naturally into your own sentences. This maintains the flow of your summary while providing direct evidence.
Comparative Language: When summarising two sources, use 'signpost' words like whereas, similarly, or in contrast. This shows the examiner you are actively synthesising the texts rather than treating them as isolated tasks.
The 'List' Trap: Many students simply list every fact they find in the order they appear. This is inefficient; a high-level summary groups related facts together to provide a more cohesive overview.
Including Personal Opinion: A summary must remain objective. Adding your own thoughts on whether the text is 'good' or 'interesting' is an evaluative skill, not a summarising one, and will not be rewarded here.
Ignoring Implicit Meaning: Relying only on explicit facts often leads to a shallow response. To reach higher marks, you must include inferences about the underlying themes or the writer's viewpoint.