How to Master the Summary Question
Our analysis of the past papers show that every year across 2020-2024, Question 2 in Paper 1 asks you to write a summary. The good news? It never changes much. Once you know the pattern, you can walk into the exam confident that you’ll pick up these marks.
Expect it in Section B
The summary question has a fixed location every year. It’s always Question 2, Section B. That means you can prepare ahead of time. It’s like having one question in the exam you can already predict.
Mark Allocation
The summary is worth 10 marks. Seven of those come from identifying the correct points. Think of it this way: each idea you include is worth 1 mark. If you miss points, you lose marks, even if your writing is beautiful. So your job is to find exactly seven key ideas in the passage.
Stick to Under 90 Words
Examiners are strict here. If you go over 90 words, they stop marking. The sweet spot is 60–80 words. That’s enough to capture seven points without wasting words. Train yourself to cut out extras. For example:
- Instead of writing: “Coca-Cola’s original formula was kept secret and stored in a vault.”
- Write: “Protecting trade secrets maintains competitive advantage.”
Word Count Matters
- Markers must check word count.
- Do not lose marks if you forget to indicate it or get it slightly wrong.
- If you exceed 90 words, only the content up to the last correct sentence under 90 words will be marked.
One Smooth Paragraph
Your summary must be a single fluent paragraph with no bullet points, no numbering. Imagine you’re writing a tiny story that flows from start to end. Use linking words like also, therefore, in addition, ultimately to join the points together.
Example of a summary paragraph (Contentment, 2024 Q2):
“Contentment goes hand in hand with a deeper feeling of appreciation and is a timeless experience. Those who are contented achieve an ongoing sense of serenity. Contented people are satisfied with waiting for rewards. Furthermore, contentment encourages realistic goal-setting. Contented people are neither materialistic nor greedy and are not competitive. Stability and comfort also stem from contentment. Lastly, people who are contented show perseverance and determination, they are goal-driven.” [69 words]
Note: This is merely an example.
Use Your Own Words
You don’t get credit for copying directly from the text. Show the examiner you understand. For example:
- Passage: “People who wait for rewards are more content.”
- Your version: “Content people are patient.”
Short, simple, original. That’s the goal.
Focus on What’s Asked
The question will be very specific about what to summarize. For example:
- 2020: “reasons for improving communication skills”
- 2021: “research undertaken on fake news”
- 2022: “techniques needed to deliver an effective speech”
- 2023: “how silence helps one cope with everyday life”
- 2024: “why contentment is preferable”
Understanding the Marks
Here’s the thing: the summary question is worth 10 marks in total, and it’s split into two parts:
- 7 marks come from including the seven key points. That’s why spotting the correct points is your first priority. Miss a point, and you lose a mark even if your paragraph flows beautifully.
- 3 marks are for language, basically, how well you express those points in your own words.
Now, here’s how to score the language marks:
- If you paraphrase well (don’t copy verbatim):
- You get 1 mark if you include 1–3 points correctly.
- 2 marks if you include 4–5 points correctly.
- 3 marks if you include 6–7 points correctly.
So the more points you get AND paraphrase them properly, the closer you are to max language marks.
- If you quote too much word-for-word:
- 6–7 quotations → 0 language marks
- 4–5 quotations → 1 mark
- 2–3 quotations → 2 marks
Basically, the examiner wants to see your words, not copied sentences. Too many quotes will cost you language marks.
So the golden rule: find the 7 points AND put them into your own words. Nail both, and you’re on track for a full 10/10.
What “Verbatim” Means
Verbatim means word-for-word. If you copy the exact words from the text without changing them, that’s verbatim.
Why it matters: In the summary question, markers want to see that you understand the text, so paraphrasing (putting it in your own words) earns you language marks. Copying verbatim can lose you those marks.
Example from a passage
Original text (from 2024 contentment passage):
“Contentment goes hand in hand with a deeper feeling of appreciation and is a timeless experience.”
Verbatim version (bad for language marks):
“Contentment goes hand in hand with a deeper feeling of appreciation and is a timeless experience.” -copied exactly
Non-verbatim / Paraphrased version (good for language marks):
“Contentment brings a lasting sense of gratitude and fulfilment.” – in your own words
Notice how the paraphrased version keeps the same meaning but uses different words and sentence structure. That’s what examiners want.
Example
Step 1: Read the text
TOPIC: The Benefits of Reading Daily
In today’s fast-paced world, many people overlook the simple act of reading. Social media, television, and video games often seem more appealing, but reading offers unique benefits that no other activity can fully replace.
One major advantage of reading daily is that it improves focus and concentration. Unlike scrolling through short posts online, reading a book requires sustained attention, training the brain to stay engaged for longer periods. This skill transfers into other areas of life, like studying and working.
Reading also builds knowledge. Every page contains new information, from facts about the world to deeper insights into human nature. People who read regularly expand their vocabulary and become better at expressing themselves in conversations and writing.
Another benefit is stress reduction. Studies show that reading lowers heart rate and eases muscle tension, creating the same effect as meditation. After a stressful day, losing yourself in a good book can provide a sense of peace and escape.
Reading stimulates imagination and creativity. When we read stories, our minds create pictures of characters, settings, and events. This mental exercise strengthens problem-solving skills and encourages innovative thinking.
Beyond creativity, reading also develops empathy. By stepping into a character’s shoes, readers learn to understand perspectives different from their own. This improves emotional intelligence and relationships in the real world.
Reading before bed has also been linked to better sleep. Unlike the harsh blue light from screens, a book calms the mind and prepares the body for rest. Establishing a bedtime reading routine can improve sleep quality over time.
Finally, daily reading offers long-term brain health benefits. Research suggests that it reduces the risk of cognitive decline in older adults. In this way, reading keeps the brain active and sharp throughout life.
Step 2: Pick the 7 Key Points
- Improves focus and concentration
- Builds knowledge and vocabulary
- Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
- Stimulates imagination and creativity
- Develops empathy and emotional intelligence
- Supports better sleep when part of a routine
- Protects long-term brain health and prevents cognitive decline
Step 3: Final Summary Paragraph (under 90 words)
Daily reading sharpens concentration and broadens knowledge and vocabulary. It lowers stress and promotes relaxation, offering a healthy escape. Reading fuels imagination and creativity, enhancing problem-solving. By exposing readers to different perspectives it builds empathy and emotional intelligence. A bedtime reading habit improves sleep quality, and regular reading supports long-term brain health, reducing the risk of cognitive decline. [58 words]
Conclusion: Why the Summary Question Should Be Your Safe Marks
The summary question is one of the most predictable parts of Paper 1. Unlike other sections where you might face unexpected texts or tricky language devices, Question 2 always follows the same formula: 7 points, under 90 words, one paragraph. If you prepare a clear method, these are marks you can almost “bank” before you even step into the exam.
Think of it this way: the examiner isn’t testing whether you can write a novel, they just want to see if you can find, filter, and express key ideas efficiently. Once you practice this skill a few times, the summary question becomes your easiest 10 marks in the paper.
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