A summary.  When we think of a summary, we typically think of the end of something: the end of a textbook chapter, the end of a year, etc.  In fact, a summary is a wrap-up--a general picture of the information--much like TV networks produce at the end of the year.  In textbooks, summaries provide a quick overview of a subject without having the reader wade through a lot of facts and details.  Summaries help readers and writers boil information down to its most basic elements.  Encyclopedias, almanacs, and digests provide good examples of summaries.

Effective summary reading and writing are important study strategies.  Yet, summarizing is often quite difficult for children.   It requires them to categorize details, eliminate insignificant information, generalize information, and use clear, concise language to communicate the essence of the information.  With practice, students can use summarizing to support their reading and learning.  The next two strategies can be used to help young readers comprehend informational writing.