Guidelines to Summarizing and Abstracting

Summaries

A summary (рус. реферат) is a shortened version of a text giving the most important information of the original. Summaries may be given either orally or in writing. A good summary should meet the following requirements:

1. It compresses the original text to about one third or one fourth of its length and gives a comprehensive coverage of all essential items of information.

2. It is preferably given in the summarizer’s own words.

3. It is neutral and does not evaluate the source text.

4. The introductory part of the summary contains the name of the author of the original, its title, and the subject.

5. The summary contains enough supporting detail and transition devices to show the author’s line of argumentation and the logical relationship of the ideas.

Steps in Summarizing

1. Skim the original text and identify the author’s purpose and the main idea of the text.

2. Try to divide the text into logically complete parts. If it has subheadings, think about the idea that each section (or paragraph) contains.

3. Read the text again and take notes of the most important information in each section; you may also draw up an outline of the text.

4. Try to give a one-sentence summary of each section or item of the outline in your own words; avoid evaluation or comments. Use the words and phrases synonymous to those used by the author of the original text.

5. Think about most essential details that may be added to support the main points.

6. Formulate the introductory part of the summary including the name of the author, the title and the subject of the text.

7. Add appropriate transition words and phrases to show the logical connection between the parts of the summary.

8. If you prepare a summary in writing, go through the resulting text again and edit it.

Abstracts

An abstract, or synopsis (рус. аннотация) is a short written account of the original text, article, or book.

The purpose of the abstract is to give a potential reader the most important information about the text and prepare him/her for reading the whole text, or help decide whether to read it or not.

Abstracts may be written by authors themselves or by special reviewers, in case they are published in abstracting journals. The requirements to abstracts may vary, depending on the purpose and edition they are prepared for. Below you’ll find the most common language and textual characteristics of an abstract:

1. it consists of a single paragraph;

2. it contains 4-7 sentences;

3. it avoids the first person and tends to use impersonal active or passive constructions;

4. it rarely uses negative sentences;

5. it avoids abbreviations, symbols and numbers;

6. the most frequent tenses used in abstracts are the present and the past.

Useful Phrases for Summarizing and Abstracting

Introducing the main theme of the text:

● the text (book, article, paper, chapter, excerpt, passage, etc) is about… / deals with… / focuses on … / develops the theory (idea, method, etc)…

● the text solves the problem of …

● the aim (objective, purpose, task) of the text is to determine (test, establish, describe, explain, etc)…

● the text was intended to establish…

● the basic topic is…

Introducing the key ideas, facts and arguments:

● the main idea of … is …

● the main facts of the text are…

● the author considers (describes, gives a description of, explores, discusses, studies, investigates, examines, determines, finds, establishes, assesses, evaluates, offers, suggests, provides, states, emphasizes, analyzes, summarizes)

● the author performs detailed (careful, thorough, extensive, accurate, comprehensive, brief, short, preliminary, etc) analysis of (on)…

● the author thinks (believes) that…

● the author takes unto account…

outlines

gives full coverage of

comments on…

draws one's attention to…

reminds that…

notes that…

expresses the view that…

argues that…

voices concern about…

is sure that…

● as visualized by the author

● according to the author…/ in the author’s opinion

Comparing

From Nerd to Networker

By Denise Winterman
BBC News Magazine

Being a boffin¹ is no longer going to get graduates the well-paid jobs they want - the stakes have been raised. As well as academic success, employers want people who are able to communicate properly, work as part of a team, are culturally aware and can lead others - skills gained outside the lecture theatre, says Carl Gilleard, chief executive of the Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR).

Traditionally the boffin or nerd was hired for their brains but put in a backroom job and didn't have to communicate much. But those jobs are now few and far between. Employees have to communicate all the time with colleagues and clients so companies want people who can do that effectively. They have higher expectations now.

For those who spend more time with computers than with fellow humans, here's the quick guide to brushing up on the social skills required to get ahead in business.

Communicating.Mumbling², avoiding eye contact, talking to their shoes - the boffin's biggest challenge can often be talking to another human being. They can decipher³ the most complicated equation but trying to work out the social etiquette required to converse with someone else leaves them baffled - and making small talk can be plain scary. The only way to improve communication skills is to get out of the house and actually talk to someone. Following a formula called OPEN should set the socially inept well on their way. It stands for 'occupation, personal, environment and non-work activities.' Use these four areas as the basis of a conversation and the chat should flow. It's all aimed at encouraging small talk.

Team Working.Some students are so focused on one thing - getting their degree - it can come as no surprise when they are no good at team activities after leaving university. They need to get involved in different social groups and mix. At first they will be awful but they will eventually learn the skills they need to be a good team player. Those skills include being a good listener and being assertive, but in a way that is respectful to other people.

Leadership.The ability to lead and inspire a team of people is essential in a lot of jobs. To improve this skill, seek out a role model. Look for someone who has good leadership skills in your own office and watch what they do and what they say. It's called modeling.

Cultural Awareness.Often the day-to-day life of a boffin involves a lot of isolation. But in today's global community, graduates will have to work with people or deal with clients from many different backgrounds. Ignorance can result in an embarrassing faux pas⁵.

Notes

1) boffin = nerd n - исследователь, ученый; человек с всепоглощающим стремлением к учебе, научной деятельности

2) mumble v – бормотать

3) decipher v - расшифровывать, разгадывать

4) small talk - светский разговор

5) faux pas - ложный шаг, ошибка

Summary

Denise Winterman, the author of the article “From Nerd to Networker” published in BBC News Magazine emphasizes the significance of good communication skills for everyone who wants to have a successful business career. Being an expert in a professional area is not enough; most jobs nowadays require effective communication.

The article contains a brief guide to the social skills needed to be ahead in business. According to the author, the four skills are essential - communicating, team working, leadership and cultural awareness.

In terms of face-to-face communication even the most knowledgeable boffins might have difficulties in small talk. To solve the problem the use of the formula OPEN is recommended that stands for 'occupation, personal, environment and non-work activities‘, suggesting the range of topics for small talk.

The other skill is ability to work in a team which might be difficult for a person concentrated on solving a particular task. Being a good team player implies being a good listener, being assertive but respectful to others.

To improve leadership skills the author suggests a modeling technique, i.e. finding a role model with good leadership skills to watch and follow.

Finally, in modern globalized business environment cultural awareness will help a person to avoid mistakes in dealing with colleagues coming from different cultures.

Abstract

The article discusses the significance of good communicating skills for success in modern business environment. The author gives a few practical recommendations on developing such social skills as small talk, team working, leadership and cultural awareness. A formula encouraging small talk is suggested. The usefulness of a modeling technique for improving leadership skills is shown. The importance of raising cultural awareness to function in global business community is emphasized.

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