Summary Writing Skills

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Date:

📚 Part 1: Understand main ideas and details

WALT: Identify the main idea and key details, and use sentence starters to plan a summary.

Success criteria: I can pick the main idea, note two key details, and choose a starter to begin my summary.

1. Read the short text below. What is the main idea?

The kiwi is a small, flightless bird native to New Zealand. It has a long beak and lives in forests and scrub. Kiwis are mainly nocturnal and use their beaks to find insects and worms.

Kiwis can fly long distances.

Kiwis are small New Zealand birds that use their long beaks to find food.

Kiwis live in cities and eat fruit.

2. Check all the sentences that are key details from the text above:

Kiwis are native to New Zealand.

Kiwis use their long beaks to find insects and worms.

Kiwis migrate north each winter.

Kiwis are mainly active at night.

3. Match each sentence starter to its best purpose. Draw a line between matching items.

A. The text is mainly about...

B. One important detail is...

C. In summary...

D. Firstly...

1. Opening/main idea

2. Linking order or sequence

3. Supporting detail

4. Concluding sentence

✏️ Part 2: Plan, draft and revise

4. Read this short passage. Write the main idea in one sentence below.

Last week our class visited Piha Beach. We learned about dune restoration and native plants. Students helped plant sand-binding grasses and removed weeds. The trip taught us how people protect coastal habitats.

5. Note two key details from the passage (use short phrases):

6. Draft a short summary of the passage (3–4 sentences). Use your own words and a sentence starter like "The trip was about..."

7. Self-check your draft. Tick the boxes that apply to your summary:

I have a clear opening sentence that states the main idea.

I included key details, not every sentence from the passage.

I used my own words (not copied whole sentences).

I used at least one linking word (e.g., firstly, also, in summary).

8. Extension: Suggest one sentence to improve your summary (add a concluding thought or inference).

Differentiation & support: Use a partially filled organiser, oral rehearsal, or a word bank if needed. For advanced learners, extend the summary to include an inferred conclusion or compare with another trip.