Read and reread the passage to identify the main idea. Before you can begin to summarize the key concepts of an article or story, you must first identify the main idea. The main idea is usually located in the first sentence or two, and is usually written with general information, leaving the remainder of the passage to supply the supporting details. An example of a main idea sentence may be, "The attack on Pearl Harbor caused wide-spread damage to America's Navy."
Look for details that support the main idea. Just as the main idea is usually written as a general statement, supporting sentences give specific information that clearly supports the main idea of the passage. Using the example main idea, "The attack on Pearl Harbor caused wide-spread damage to America's Navy," a supporting sentence could be, "Torpedo and bombing attacks took out both the USS Nevada and the USS Arizona."
Restate the main idea in your own words. By restating the main topic in your own words, you demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose for the reading passage, making summarizing an easier task.
List the supporting details in order, from the weakest to the strongest. Listing the supporting details this way gives the reader a clear picture of the author's argument and how it should be laid out in the story. It also makes it easier to determine whether you forgot anything in your summary.
Combine your restated main idea and your list of supporting details into one complete paragraph. Make sure your paragraph covers all of the details and effectively restates the author's main idea and supporting information.