Summarising — Class 11 English Notes

Topics covered in Summarising

1. 1.Summarising

   Short Summary

   The chapter "Summarising" in the NCERT Class 11 English textbook explains the technique of summarizing information. Summarising involves condensing the main points of a passage into a concise form, focusing on the essential ideas while omitting examples, explanations, and repetitions. The process involves identifying key points, writing them in full sentences, and using connectors for coherence. The chapter provides examples to illustrate how to effectively summarize text, emphasizing clarity and brevity.
   
   

   Detailed Summary

   The chapter "Summarising" outlines the steps and techniques necessary to create effective summaries. It starts by explaining that summarizing follows note-making and is used for reporting main points in a concise form. The process involves underlining important ideas, writing them down with abridged verbs, and avoiding examples, explanations, and repetitions. Instead of nominalizing points, they should be expanded into full sentences with suitable connectors.

   To illustrate, the text provides an example of summarizing a passage about soybeans. The original passage details the various uses, nutritional benefits, and methods of preparing soybeans. The process of summarizing this passage involves reducing it from 225 words to 111 words by focusing on key points, and then further to 74 words by using techniques such as apposition and present participles. This demonstrates how to effectively condense information while maintaining the main ideas.

   The chapter also includes an exercise to summarize a passage about the Sahara Desert, providing students with practical application of the summarizing techniques.
   
   

   Key Events

   1. Explanation of summarizing as a technique following note-making.
   2. Steps involved in summarizing: underlining important ideas, writing them down, avoiding examples and repetitions, expanding points into full sentences with connectors.
   3. Example of summarizing a passage about soybeans from 225 words to 74 words.
   4. Practical exercise for students to summarize a passage about the Sahara Desert.

   
   Lessons to Learn

   • Importance of condensing information to its essential points for clarity and brevity.
   • Techniques for effective summarizing, such as identifying key points and using concise language.
   • Practical application of summarizing skills through exercises.

   
   Practice Questions
   
   

   Unseen Passage 1: Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

   The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. It has made the world smaller by enabling instant communication and information sharing across the globe. With the advent of social media platforms, people can connect with friends and family, share their thoughts, and stay updated with current events. The internet has also transformed industries such as education, healthcare, and entertainment by providing new opportunities for learning, medical consultation, and streaming content. However, it also poses challenges such as privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.

   1. How has the internet changed communication?
   2. What are some benefits of social media platforms?
   3. In which industries has the internet brought significant changes?
   4. What are some challenges associated with the internet?
   5. How has the internet affected education?

   
   Answers:

   1. The internet has enabled instant communication and information sharing across the globe.
   2. Social media platforms allow people to connect with friends and family, share thoughts, and stay updated with current events.
   3. The internet has significantly changed industries like education, healthcare, and entertainment.
   4. Some challenges associated with the internet include privacy concerns, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation.
   5. The internet has provided new opportunities for learning and access to educational resources.

   
   Unseen Passage 2:
   Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

   Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power are becoming increasingly important as the world seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. These energy sources are sustainable and have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional energy sources. Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun, wind energy captures the kinetic energy of wind, and hydroelectric power utilizes the energy of flowing water. Governments and organizations worldwide are investing in renewable energy infrastructure to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

   1. Why are renewable energy sources becoming important?
   2. Name three types of renewable energy mentioned in the passage.
   3. How does solar energy work?
   4. What is the benefit of using wind energy?
   5. What is the purpose of investing in renewable energy infrastructure?

   
   Answers:

   1. Renewable energy sources are becoming important to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower environmental impact.
   2. The three types of renewable energy mentioned are solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
   3. Solar energy works by harnessing the power of the sun.
   4. The benefit of using wind energy is that it captures the kinetic energy of wind.
   5. The purpose of investing in renewable energy infrastructure is to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

   
   Additional Practice Questions

   1. Summarize the main points of a news article of your choice.
   2. Write a summary of a chapter from your favorite book.
   3. Summarize the key ideas from a scientific article about climate change.
   4. Create a summary of a historical event you have studied in class.
   5. Summarize the main arguments from an editorial in a newspaper.

   
   Additional Resources

   • Vocabulary Lists: Create a list of key vocabulary words related to summarizing and their definitions.
   • Important Quotes: "Brevity is the soul of wit." - William Shakespeare
   • Sample Essays: Write a short essay on the importance of summarizing skills in academic and professional settings.