Graphic Organizer for Drafting a Summary

Text Structure & Signal Words

Circle the text structure that best represents the content of your summary & the signal words you might include in your summary.

Problem/Solution Cause & Effect Sequencing

as such as a result of as soon as

thus consequently next

so if…then following

then not only…but also during

therefore because finally

Compare & Contrast Description Persuasive

as opposed to additionally in fact

however in other words moreover

instead of suddenly therefore

although between consequently

on the other hand situated near ultimately

Main Idea

Write a one-sentence statement that represents the main idea of your summary.

Essential Details

Identify the essential details needed to support the main idea of your summary. Then, write a sentence for each detail in which you explain how it supports the main idea.

Concluding Sentence

Write a one-sentence conclusion that reflects on the value, importance, or meaning of the content in your summary.