Writing: A Summary of a Text
Writing a summary of a text is the B1–B2 writing genre that integrates reading and writing skills. The format requires the writer to read a source text, identify its main points (not details), restate them in their own words (avoiding direct quotation), and present them in a coherent shorter version. Learners build the synthesis skill that academic and professional writing both depend on.
This worksheet builds B1–B2 writing fluency with summary writing.
Worksheet preview
What’s inside:
- A source text with annotated main points
- A model summary with annotated structure (introduction, body of main points, brief conclusion)
- Paraphrasing tasks: restate the source’s claims in your own words
- Summary gap-fill: complete a partial summary using paraphrased phrases
- Original-summary task: summarise a different text in 100 words
- Full Answer Key plus Teacher Notes
Common challenges: Distinguishing main points from details at B1–B2 is the central skill — the summary must capture structure, not content variety. Paraphrasing without plagiarism: changing words while preserving meaning. Avoiding personal opinion: summary stays neutral.
For: Adult and teenage learners (14+) at CEFR B1–B2, in intermediate and upper-intermediate classes, 1:1 lessons, or self-study. Maps onto Cambridge B2 First (FCE) Writing Part 1 and C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing Part 1. Part of the Sentence Building & Style collection — the natural next step is Complex Sentences: Coordination, which builds the foundational sentence-construction skill.
Every worksheet you'll ever need — ready to teach.
Stop building from scratch. 324 classroom-ready worksheets, every level, with answer keys and teacher notes on every sheet.
