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Table of Contents Summary writing Tips  Understand the Focus of the Question The summary question tests candidates' ability to select relevant information from the passage while presenting it concisely and precisely within the stipulated word limit. It is important to note that ZIMSEC summary questions focus on specific aspect(s) so, candidates should select specific details as stated in the questions. Analyse the Question It is very important for candidates to carefully analyse the summary question in order to unpack all its demands. More often than not, candidates perform poorly on this question due to failure to understand its requirements. Identify Key Words(s) The key word provides specific instructions regarding the task to be performed. It typically takes the form of a command word such as "summarise" or "describe." Key words are not limited to writing summaries; they are also used in other types of questions and subjects. Examples o...

As was pointed out in How to Write a Summary Part 1 ,    the summary question tests candidates on whether they have understood the passage or not. Summarising information indicates that the reader has a clear understanding of the key points raised by the writer. Candidates should take note of the following aspects as they write summaries. Distractors are a major stumbling block when it comes to identify relevant points. Distractors are pieces of information which have the potential to mislead the reader/candidate into thinking that they also have to be included in the summary. Candidates who fail to discern properly end up including such information resulting in scoring low marks or failing. To avoid this mistake, candidates should analyse the summary question carefully before they start compiling their points. Question analysis involves identifying key words and content words. Key words are instructional words or phrases. These words direct the candidate as to what ex...

The summary question tests candidates' ability to select relevant information from the passage at the same time presenting it concisely and precisely within the stipulated word limit.  In this part, I will focus on question analysis, key words, content words and responding to all the aspects of the question. It is very important for the candidates to carefully analyse the summary question in order to unpack all its demands. More often than not, candidates perform badly on this question as a result of failure to understand the demands of the question. Understanding the question entails several aspects including identifying the material to be summarised. The summary question always specifies the parameters of the material to be summarised and candidates must always stick to it otherwise they may spend precious time working on material which is irrelevant thus risking losing all the marks allocated for this question. Pay attention to the instruction, "...