In this online Hogwarts platform, texts and paragraphs replace the verbal lessons we have in Hogwarts. Aren't you guys sad that Hogwarts have missed sending our letter? Well, I sure am. In fact, pretty jealous I am of my sister. Anyways, going into the real deal, why do we need to summarize the text? This you might be wondering, so I am here to answer it. 

Why do we need to summarize texts?

This is an important skill you need to learn. Imagine your professor giving you an essay with large amount of words on it. He/She requests for you to summarize the text. How would you be able to do it? Or, what if you are in an emergency. A building is on fire and you are trapped inside it. There is no map. You kept running. However hard you try, you couldn't find an exit. Just then, you see a notice and there are many words on it. You read the first paragraph and realised it is a direction notice. There are so many words but you have so little time to read them. What are you going to do? Although you are wizards and witches, taking out your wands are not an option. What if you happen to not know the correct spell to set out the fire? Your wands are still not a very good choice until when you are older than the 3rd year.

How do we summarize the texts then?

Very easy. Firstly, You need to think - what is the passage trying to tell you? Of Course, you wouldn't be able to do it without reading the text. So ensure that you understand what the text is trying to express before you can summarize it. Let me give you a text for example:

Marissa is an adventurous girl. She often goes out into the forest near her house to pluck mushrooms. Sometimes, she would even play with the animals out there. She also loves to go bungee jumping. Marissa likes it when the wind blows her hair across her face as she falls towards the ground, looking around at the scenic view.

Try summarizing it. What does this text show you? After reading it, what are your thoughts and feelings about this girl? What makes you feel this way? What do you think is the main idea/purpose of this text?

Yes, the text tells us about how adventurous Marissa can be. The passage behind "Marissa is an adventurous girl." confirms that Marissa is venturesome.

Once you have identified the main point, jot it down! Great job, you have done it! One more step towards being like Hermione! Congratulations.