How to Summarize an Article

TL;DR

• Read the whole thing first. Don't try to summarize while you read.
• Find the "Main Claim." What is the one thing the author wants you to know?
• The "One Sentence Per Paragraph" Rule. Summarize each section in a single sentence.
• Use your own words. If you copy-paste, it’s not a summary; it’s a quote.
• Keep it to 25% or less. A summary should be significantly shorter than the original.
• Use Gradily. Use AI to check if your summary missed any key "hidden" details.

In 2026, we are drowning in information. Between 50-page PDFs, long-form news articles, and academic journals, you don't have time to read everything five times. You need to be able to "compress" information quickly.

Summarizing is not just about making something shorter; it’s about extracting the essence of the text. It’s a skill that will serve you in every class and every job you ever have. Here is how to do it like a pro.

1. The "Three-Pass" Reading Method

You can't summarize what you don't understand.

1. The Skim: Read the title, the headings, the first sentence of every paragraph, and the conclusion. This gives you the "map" of the article.
2. The Deep Dive: Read the whole article. Highlight the main arguments and ignore the fluff/examples.
3. The Audit: Look specifically for the "Thesis" (usually at the end of the intro) and the "Summary" (at the beginning of the conclusion).

2. Identify the "Main Claim" (The Big Idea)

If you had to explain this article to a friend in 10 seconds, what would you say? That’s your summary's core.

Every other sentence in your summary should support that big idea. If you find yourself including a random interesting fact that doesn't help prove the "Big Idea," cut it. A summary is not the place for "interesting but irrelevant" details.

3. The "One Sentence Per Section" Strategy

Instead of trying to summarize the whole article at once, break it down by headings or paragraphs.

• Write one sentence that captures the main point of Section 1.
• Write one sentence for Section 2.
• ...and so on.

Once you have these sentences, you have the "skeleton" of your summary. Now, just add transition words to make it flow.

4. The "Paraphrase" Rule (Avoid the Quote Trap)

A common mistake is "Patchworking"—taking a few words from the article and mixing them with your own. This can lead to accidental plagiarism.

The Hack: Read a paragraph, close your eyes, and explain it out loud to an empty room. Then, write down what you just said. Because you’re speaking, you’ll naturally use your own vocabulary.

5. What NOT to Include

• Examples: Unless the example is the core of the article, skip it.
• Background Info: The original author probably spent five pages on history; you only need one sentence.
• Your Opinion: A summary is objective. Don't say "The author correctly argues..." Just say "The author argues..."
• Repetition: Authors often repeat their points three times to be thorough. You only need to say it once.

6. Structure Your Summary

A professional summary usually follows this format:

• The Intro: "In the article [Title], author [Name] argues that [Main Claim]."
• The Body: 3-5 sentences explaining the supporting evidence or key points.
• The Conclusion: A final sentence on the author’s final recommendation or takeaway.

How Gradily Can Help You Master Summarization

Gradily is a world-class summarizer, but you should use it to learn, not just to "skip."

• The "Check-My-Work" Method: Write your summary first. Then, ask Gradily: "Summarize this article in 3 bullet points." See if your summary matches Gradily's points. If you missed one, you know you need to work on your "Deep Dive" reading.
• The "Roadblock" Explainer: If a specific paragraph in an article is too complex, ask Gradily: "Explain this paragraph in simpler terms so I can summarize it."
• The "Length" Adjuster: If your summary is too long, ask Gradily: "Can you help me condense this summary by 30% without losing the core meaning?"

Final Thoughts

Summarizing is like "zipping" a file on your computer. It makes the information easier to store, easier to move, and easier to use later.

When you summarize an article, you are actually "downloading" it into your long-term memory. It’s one of the best forms of Active Recall because it forces your brain to process the information rather than just seeing it.

Next time you have a long reading assignment, don't just read it—summarize it. You'll be surprised at how much better you remember it for the test.

Read Next:

• Active Recall: The #1 Study Technique
• How to Study Smarter, Not Harder
• How to Proofread Your Essay Like a Pro