Tips on summarizing readings for RAs and Literature Reviews

• Just summarize the information--don't give your opinion, critique, or comment on the reading
   
• Don't quote--this is a summary in your own words, not that of the author
   
• Don't just paraphrase sentences or paragraphs--explain the reading as you understand it
   
• Avoid including things like "the author says..." "in the first section..." "then / next the author...", etc.
   
• Think in terms of the big picture: 
  • Start by explaining  the main thesis/ argument of the reading
  • Then identify the main supporting sub-points essential to the explaining the thesis or substantiating the argument
  • If there are multiple parts to the reading, that means you have to account for each section
    • Depending on how the reading is organized, each section may be the key supporting points you're looking for
  • Avoid details--things like percentages, examples, and so forth are minor points