Understanding Summaries

1. Rose
ESL 130 F14
Understanding Summaries Practice
Listen to an example summary:
Host: Well, we’re out of time, but to wrap up: we need more family time, a better
understanding of our different cultures, and more face-to-face time. Certainly
some things to think about! That’s all for now, until next week.
In the example, the host summarized all of the caller’s comments in one
sentence: We need good manners at home, a better understanding of our
different cultures, and more face-to-face time.
How did this summary compare with your summary?
1. What is a summary?
2. When might you use a summary?
Listen to the excerpts from Our Listeners Respond—Why Is There a Lack of
Manners? Take notes of the key words you hear. Then use those words to write a
sentence that summarizes the main points of what the speaker said.
Excerpt One:
Key words: _________________________________________________________
My Summary sentence: _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Excerpt Two:
Key words: _________________________________________________________
My Summary sentence: _______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Adapted from p. 81 Northstar 2

2. Rose
ESL 130 F14
Understanding Summaries Practice
Now listen to the summary sentences the host used in each excerpt. Compare
your summary sentences. Did you include the same information?
Excerpt One:
Host’s Summary Sentence: ____________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Excerpt Two:
Host’s Summary Sentence: ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Adapted from p. 81 Northstar 2