Summary and Information Transfer Skills
What you must know
Summary tests selection and compression. Read the task first, identify exactly what is wanted, such as causes, benefits or problems, then underline only relevant material. Convert each point into your own words while preserving the original meaning, and omit examples, repetition and illustration. Use linking words, stay within the word limit, and add no opinion unless asked. For information transfer, completing a form, table or set of notes, match the level of detail and grammatical form already used in the grid.
Traps
Copying whole sentences scores poorly, because examiners look for paraphrase. Including every detail rather than the main points wastes words, and exceeding the limit may cost marks for irrelevant material. Never change a fact while rephrasing: 'most' must not become 'all', and 'some scientists believe' must not become 'scientists proved'. In note completion, do not switch from a noun phrase to a full sentence if the grid uses phrases.
Worked example
Source: 'Cycling to work reduces pollution, saves money on fuel and improves fitness; many employees also report lower stress.' Task: three benefits in your own words, within 25 words. Answer: 'It cuts pollution, lowers fuel costs, boosts fitness and, according to many workers, reduces stress.' Four points compressed into one sentence with no copied phrasing beyond ordinary words.
Rule of thumb
List one point per line at planning stage, then combine lines into sentences.