"SUM IT UP"

                                                                       
What is this strategy?

When using the Sum It Up strategy, readers select words
that relate to the main idea of the essay or reading.

When using this strategy, students focus on the 
key words that they will need in order to build a
summary.  
                                                                                                                           
Critical thinking skills are needed in making decisions
about which words are necessary to demonstrate
understanding.

Select a brief passage from the reading for summarizing.                    
Demonstrate the process of selecting key words or  
phrases that will be important in determining the main
idea. Choose at least two readings of the passage.
Show them how to narrow the word selection after the reading is completed. From the remaining list, create a summary statement of no more than 20 words. When possible, encourage students to mark on the text
before writing on the organizer.After modeling, have students continue with the essay or  
article. This works well with students working in pairs.

Name:  ________________________                  Date:  ________________

Title of article or essay  _______________________________________

Author: _______________________________________

1. As you are reading, think about the key words or phrases that explain the main idea of the reading. List those key words or phrases.

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2.  Select key words that are most important in understanding the text.

3.  Summarize the reading .

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