Summary Writing Tips: How to Summarise a Passage for WAEC
Summary writing tips for WAEC and NECO English: find the key points, use your own words, respect the word limit, and write clear one-sentence answers.
ExamPadi Editorial · Updated · 7 min read
Summary writing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the English paper. Students either copy large chunks of the passage or write vague, rambling answers. A good summary does something specific: it picks out only the key points the question asks for and states them briefly, clearly and in your own words.
Because instructions differ from year to year (some ask for numbered points, others for a short paragraph, and word limits change), always read the question carefully and check recent papers and the syllabus on the official site (waecnigeria.org or neco.gov.ng). The method below works across formats.
What a summary is, and is not
| A good summary | A poor summary |
|---|---|
| Keeps main ideas | Includes small details and examples |
| Uses your own words | Copies sentences from the passage |
| Follows the question focus | Summarises everything |
| Is within the word or sentence limit | Runs long |
| Is written in correct, simple English | Contains errors that hide the point |
| States facts neutrally | Adds your opinion |
Step 1: Read the question first
Underline three things in the instruction:
- What to summarise (for example, "the reasons the writer gives for...").
- How many points or words are required.
- Which part of the passage (paragraphs, or the whole).
If the question asks for "the effects of flooding as described in the passage", then causes and solutions are irrelevant, even if the passage discusses them heavily.
Step 2: Read the passage and mark relevant sentences
Read once for the general idea, then a second time to mark sentences that answer the question. As you read, notice:
- Topic sentences, often the first or last sentence of a paragraph.
- Lists, where writers give several reasons or examples.
- Signal words such as "firstly", "another", "consequently", "as a result".
Ignore the following unless the question asks for them:
- Examples and illustrations ("for instance...")
- Repetition (the writer saying the same idea in different words)
- Quotations and names of people used as evidence
- Descriptive details and figures of speech
Step 3: List the points in rough
Write each relevant point as a short phrase on rough paper. Aim for slightly more points than you need, then choose the strongest ones.
Here is an original example, made up for practice. Suppose a passage describes how a village protected its stream, giving these ideas:
- Elders banned washing clothes upstream.
- Young people planted trees along the bank.
- A weekly clean-up day was introduced.
- A visiting official praised the village (not relevant to "how the village protected the stream").
If the question asks, "State three ways the village protected its stream", the first three are your points, and the fourth is left out.
Step 4: Rewrite in your own words
Turn each phrase into a clear sentence, changing structure and vocabulary where you can.
| Original idea | Poor (copied) | Better (own words) |
|---|---|---|
| "Elders banned washing clothes upstream" | "Elders banned washing clothes upstream." | "The elders forbade laundry at the upper part of the stream." |
| "Young people planted trees along the bank" | "Young people planted trees along the bank." | "Youths grew trees beside the water." |
| "A weekly clean-up day was introduced" | "A weekly clean-up day was introduced." | "People cleaned the area once every week." |
Do not change words that have no good substitute, such as technical terms or names. You are not expected to rewrite "stream" or "village".
Keep the meaning exact
Changing words must not change facts. If the passage says "most villagers", do not write "all villagers". If it says "may cause", do not write "causes".
Step 5: Write in the required form
If the question asks for numbered points
Write each point as one complete sentence, starting with a capital letter and ending with a full stop. Use the same tense throughout.
If it asks for a paragraph
Join your points with simple linking words (and, also, in addition, because), keep to the order of the passage where logical, and avoid introductions such as "The writer says that..." unless the question asks for it.
Word limit
Count your words. Short words count too. If you are over, remove less important details, adjectives, and repeated ideas. If you are well under, you may have missed a point.
Step 6: Check
Use this checklist:
- Did I answer exactly what was asked?
- Did I include the required number of points?
- Are the points separate, not repeated?
- Is every sentence in my own words, as far as possible?
- Have I stayed within the limit?
- Are spelling, tense and punctuation correct?
A summary with accurate content but poor grammar can lose marks, so check carefully. Our lexis and structure tips cover common grammar slips.
Common mistakes
| Mistake | Why it costs marks | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting whole sentences | Shows no understanding | Paraphrase each idea |
| Including examples | Examples are supporting details, not main points | Skip "for example" material |
| Two ideas in one sentence when asked for one point each | Examiners cannot award marks cleanly | One idea, one sentence |
| Adding personal opinions | The summary should reflect the passage | Stick to the text |
| Starting with a long introduction | Wastes the word limit | Begin with your first point |
| Ignoring paragraph limits | You may include irrelevant material | Use only the paragraphs named |
A practice routine
- Daily (5 minutes): read a short news item and say its main point in one sentence.
- Three times a week (15 minutes): take a passage of about 300 words, write a summary of 60 to 80 words, then compare with the passage.
- Weekly (25 minutes): do a timed summary question in exam conditions, and ask a teacher to check.
As you practise, keep a "paraphrase bank": a list of everyday words and their alternatives (begin / start, huge / very large, reduce / lessen). It helps when you need to reword quickly.
This skill supports other parts of the paper as well. Careful reading helps comprehension, and writing concisely helps your essay. For the full picture, see how to pass WAEC English Language.
Time plan in the hall
As an illustration, if you have about 20 minutes for a summary question: 2 minutes reading the question, 5 minutes reading and marking the passage, 5 minutes listing points, 6 minutes writing, and 2 minutes checking. Adjust to your own paper.
Final word
Summary writing rewards discipline. Know what is asked, pick the points, say them in your own words and stay inside the limit. These steps are simple, and with a few weeks of regular practice they become automatic. You can build the surrounding skills, such as grammar and vocabulary, through free English practice on ExamPadi, with explanations after each question.
Practise with real past questions and worked answers
Practise WAEC English Language freeFrequently asked questions
How long should each summary point be?
Follow the question. Many summary questions ask for a set number of points in one sentence each, or a total word limit. Keep each point short and complete and stay inside the limit.
Can I copy sentences from the passage into my summary?
Avoid lifting whole sentences. Use your own words where you can, and keep any unavoidable key terms short. Copying long stretches usually loses marks.
Do I lose marks for writing more than the word limit?
It is risky. Examiners may stop reading or deduct marks when you exceed the limit. Count your words and cut the extras.
How can I practise summary writing at home?
Take a newspaper article, write a 50-word summary, then check if it keeps the main points and drops examples. Repeat a few times a week.