How to Summarize an Article: Techniques and Examples
February 06, 2026
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1 min read
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Summarization is a critical skill for students, researchers, and professionals. A good summary captures the essential ideas of a source in a fraction of the original length.
The Summarization Process
- Read the full text at least twice for complete understanding
- Identify the main idea and key supporting points
- Write in your own words without looking at the original
- Keep it concise—aim for 25-30% of the original length
- Review for accuracy against the original
What to Include
Include the author's main argument, key evidence, and conclusions. Omit examples, anecdotes, and repetitive points unless they're central to the argument.
What to Avoid
- Don't include your own opinions or analysis
- Don't copy phrases from the original
- Don't add information not in the source
Try our AI summarizer to quickly condense articles into key points, then refine the output in your own voice.