This outline gives examples of how to structure sentences in your summary paragraph. It also suggests the order in which the sentences can appear. Don’t forget: the first sentence of the summary paragraph should always have the author’s full name and the title of the essay in quotation marks. Though you do not have to use these exact words, you can use this outline to guide you when you are stuck on what to do next in writing a summary.

1. A. In the essay “_______________”  _____  ______ claims (fill in the essay topic and the author’s position in your own words).

B In Book Title, ____ _____ claims/argues/shows (fill in the book’s topic or theme or even a plot summary and make sure, again, in your own words).

2. He/She also discusses (fill in one of the main ideas in your own words).

3. Another important idea is (fill in another main idea in your own words).

4. Additionally, the essay describes (fill in another main idea in your own words).

5. For this reason, the author believes (fill in the author’s position and/or another main idea in your own words).