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How to Summarize a Paper: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever written (or read!) a research paper, you know they are long . And you also know it’s not always realistic to read every research paper that pertains to your work or field of study. This is why many people turn to research paper summaries.

As a student, you might be wondering how to summarize a paper effectively. As with any other kind of summary, the key to summarizing a research paper is keeping it concise, objective, and focused on the original paper’s main points rather than its details.

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What is a research paper summary?

A research paper summary is a short overview of a research paper. Generally, a research paper summary is about 300–400 words long, though with longer papers, they’re usually no more than 10 percent the length of the original paper.

Research paper summaries play an important role in academia. Because research papers can be quite long and dense, often ranging between fifteen and twenty-five pages, it just isn’t always efficient for everybody to read the whole thing. This is where summaries come in—when readers and collaborators need to know a paper’s key points but not necessarily all its details, a summary brings them up to speed.

You’ll find research paper summaries in a variety of documents, such as literature reviews and academic journals. A paper’s abstract is a specific type of summary that’s often part of a research paper. It’s not uncommon for individuals to read a paper’s summary for their own understanding or to prepare for academic discussions about the paper’s subject.

When you write a research paper summary, be sure to summarize , not paraphrase . Paraphrasing, or presenting a shortened version of the text verbatim, is often confused with summarizing. Other common mistakes include oversimplifying the paper’s subject, failing to properly credit the paper’s author, and including personal opinions, all of which we’ll discuss further in a moment.

Understanding research paper summarization

Whether it’s for a news article, book, case study, research paper, or any other type of writing , a summary is a concise overview that highlights the original’s main points . The difference between a research paper summary and other types of summary is its source material.

Summarizing a paper effectively is an important skill to develop as a student. If you pursue an advanced degree, a career in academia, or a scientific career, you will likely continue to use this skill regularly because academic and scientific papers can be long, dense, and complex.

When you’re doing research or searching for academic sources to cite, summaries make it easy to quickly discern which papers are relevant to your work and which aren’t. When you summarize academic papers , you’re helping other researchers navigate these papers for themselves. You also make it easier to discuss papers with collaborators, especially through written communication like email.

Preparing to summarize a research paper

Before you start writing a research paper summary, it’s important that you read the paper in its entirety and understand its purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions. If you’re summarizing your own research paper, this is easy—you’re the one who did the research!

However, if you’re summarizing somebody else’s work, this step can take some time. This is especially true when the paper is from a different research field than yours. Before diving into the paper, read its abstract, introduction, and conclusion. These sections include the paper’s thesis statement and overviews of the work, which present key information like:

• The researcher’s hypothesis
• How the research was conducted
• When it was conducted
• The results of the research
• Findings from the research

Take notes on these subjects to guide your understanding as you read the paper itself. Don’t skip this latter part—although your summary is essentially a highlight reel of the paper, fully comprehending all of its components positions you to write a stronger summary.

Identify the research paper’s structure

As you read the research paper, you’ll find context for the main points in its structure. Typically, a research paper begins with an introduction, followed by an explanation of the research methodology used, the results, and a conclusion section. You’ll find the paper’s thesis statement in its introduction, which should act as the foundation for your summary. In other words, the other points you include, such as important details about the research and an explanation of its findings, should tie back to the thesis statement in an obvious way.

Understanding the author’s research question, the hypothesis they tested, and the theoretical framework they worked in can help you determine the key points to include in your summary. In fact, they could even be the key points in your summary.

Steps to summarize a research paper effectively

With a research paper summary, it’s important to include the paper’s highlights. These generally include:

• Data collected
• Research question
• Purpose of the research

Although it may be tempting to include your interpretations or opinions about the implications of the data, don’t. Like any other piece of academic writing, a research paper summary needs to be objective.

With your notes from the paper, it can be helpful to write an outline before you write your summary. In an outline, you can organize the paper’s key points and determine where to include each piece of supporting evidence. You can also see the summary’s flow through the outline structure, which can make it easier to write it.

Be sure to include citations where necessary, including citations for any generative AI assistance you used. Proper citations in your work are important for maintaining academic integrity and can help you avoid plagiarism . Cite any time you include specific data, a direct quote from the original, or a direct quote from generative AI. Navigate responsible AI use with Grammarly’s  AI checker , trained to identify AI-generated text.

Lastly, make sure the writing is in your own words. In this regard, summarizing research papers can be uniquely challenging because they often deal with complex, jargon-heavy subjects that you might not be well-versed in enough to discuss without borrowing from the experts. To handle this, try explaining the subject in the most basic terms possible. Pretend you’re explaining it to somebody who has no experience with the subject and write down a few different versions of your explanation. Opt for plain language, not jargon; when jargon cannot be avoided, find a way to define it through context or a brief explanation. This will likely result in a somewhat clunky first draft, but don’t worry—you’ll polish it up through the revision process .

Tips for effective research paper summaries

When you’re summarizing a research paper, it’s important that you maintain the same objective, academic tone the author used in their work. Though you shouldn’t aim to mirror their voice, your summary should be free of personal bias and use the type of vocabulary found in academic works.

Your summary also shouldn’t be long. Keep it below four hundred words, or if you’re summarizing a fairly long research paper, about 10 percent of the original’s word count.

Avoid plagiarism by citing relevant sources when necessary. For example, you might need to cite the author of the original paper by name in your summary or the name of an author whose work the original cites. Similarly, do not simply repurpose the original author’s words as your own—this is plagiarism.

Example of a research paper summary

See a summary of a research paper example below. Keep in mind that, while this is one example of a research paper summary, ultimately the format of the summary should be tailored to suit the specific context and purpose of the research paper while effectively communicating the study’s main points and contributions.

This research paper conducts a comparative analysis of the basketball careers and legacies of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, two of the most prominent figures in the history of the NBA. Through an examination of their respective achievements, accolades, and contributions both on and off the court, this paper aims to provide insights into the ongoing debate surrounding their status as the greatest basketball player of all time. The paper begins by outlining Jordan’s unparalleled success during his career, including his six NBA Championships, Olympic gold medals, and numerous NBA All-Star Game appearances. Additionally, Jordan’s lasting impact on the sport of basketball is highlighted through his records and achievements. Furthermore, the paper examines James’s achievements outside of basketball, such as his roles in film and his historic financial milestone. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion on the enduring question of who is the better player, offering arguments in favor of Jordan based on his unparalleled impact on the game and cultural significance.

Tools and resources for summarizing research papers

Using Grammarly’s free summarizing tool can make summarizing research papers easy. You can also use Grammarly’s free citation generator and plagiarism checker to ensure you don’t inadvertently plagiarize the paper or any others you cite in your work.

Research paper summarization FAQs

What is summarization.

Summarization is the process through which a writer condenses a research paper (or other text) into a short overview of the original.

How do I ensure my paper summarization is unbiased and objective?

To ensure your paper summary is unbiased and objective, write it using neutral, professional language. Do not include any of your own interpretations or opinions of the original or its topic; just note its thesis statement and any other relevant points.

How do I avoid plagiarism when summarizing?

Avoid plagiarism when summarizing a research paper by writing your own words rather than restating the original words and citing the original’s title and/or author any time you reference specific data or points from it. Use Grammarly’s plagiarism checker to easily detect plagiarism in your text.

How can I use AI to summarize papers?

Grammarly’s free AI summarization tool can make it easier to summarize papers. Paste the text you’d like to summarize into the field, then instantly generate an accurate summary.

Research Paper Summarizer: AI-Powered Academic Text Analysis

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Writing a Summary – Explanation & Examples

Published by Alvin Nicolas at October 17th, 2023 , Revised On October 17, 2023

In a world bombarded with vast amounts of information, condensing and presenting data in a digestible format becomes invaluable. Enter summaries. 

A summary is a brief and concise account of the main points of a larger body of work. It distils complex ideas, narratives, or data into a version that is quicker to read and easier to understand yet still retains the essence of the original content.

Importance of Summaries

The importance of summarising extends far beyond just making reading more manageable. In academic settings, summaries aid students in understanding and retaining complex materials, from textbook chapters to research articles. They also serve as tools to showcase one’s grasp of the subject in essays and reports. 

In professional arenas, summaries are pivotal in business reports, executive briefings, and even emails where key points need to be conveyed quickly to decision-makers. Meanwhile, summarising skills come into play in our personal lives when we relay news stories to friends, recap a movie plot, or even scroll through condensed news or app notifications on our smartphones.

Why Do We Write Summaries?

In our modern information age, the sheer volume of content available can be overwhelming. From detailed research papers to comprehensive news articles, the quest for knowledge is often met with lengthy and complex resources. This is where the power of a well-crafted summary comes into play. But what drives us to create or seek out summaries? Let’s discuss.

Makes Important Things Easy to Remember

At the heart of summarisation is the goal to understand. A well-written summary aids in digesting complex material. By distilling larger works into their core points, we reinforce the primary messages, making them easier to remember. This is especially crucial for students who need to retain knowledge for exams or professionals prepping for a meeting based on a lengthy report.

Simplification of Complex Topics

Not everyone is an expert in every field. Often, topics come laden with jargon, intricate details, and nuanced arguments. Summaries act as a bridge, translating this complexity into accessible and straightforward content. This is especially beneficial for individuals new to a topic or those who need just the highlights without the intricacies.

Aid in Researching and Understanding Diverse Sources

Researchers, writers, and academics often wade through many sources when working on a project. This involves finding sources of different types, such as primary or secondary sources , and then understanding their content. Sifting through each source in its entirety can be time-consuming. Summaries offer a streamlined way to understand each source’s main arguments or findings, making synthesising information from diverse materials more efficient.

Condensing Information for Presentation or Sharing

In professional settings, there is often a need to present findings, updates, or recommendations to stakeholders. An executive might not have the time to go through a 50-page report, but they would certainly appreciate a concise summary highlighting the key points. Similarly, in our personal lives, we often summarise movie plots, book stories, or news events when sharing with friends or family.

Characteristics of a Good Summary

Crafting an effective summary is an art. It’s more than just shortening a piece of content; it is about capturing the essence of the original work in a manner that is both accessible and true to its intent. Let’s explore the primary characteristics that distinguish a good summary from a mediocre one:

Conciseness

At the core of a summary is the concept of brevity. But being concise doesn’t mean leaving out vital information. A good summary will:

• Eliminate superfluous details or repetitive points.
• Focus on the primary arguments, events, or findings.
• Use succinct language without compromising the message.

Objectivity

Summarising is not about infusing personal opinions or interpretations. A quality summary will:

• Stick to the facts as presented in the original content.
• Avoid introducing personal biases or perspectives.
• Represent the original author’s intent faithfully.

A summary is meant to simplify and make content accessible. This is only possible if the summary itself is easy to understand. Ensuring clarity involves:

• Avoiding jargon or technical terms unless they are essential to the content. If they are used, they should be clearly defined.
• Structuring sentences in a straightforward manner.
• Making sure ideas are presented in a way that even someone unfamiliar with the topic can grasp the primary points.

A jumble of ideas, no matter how concise, will not make for a good summary. Coherence ensures that there’s a logical flow to the summarised content. A coherent summary will:

• Maintain a logical sequence, often following the structure of the original content.
• Use transition words or phrases to connect ideas and ensure smooth progression.
• Group related ideas together to provide structure and avoid confusion.

Steps of Writing a Summary

The process of creating a compelling summary is not merely about cutting down content. It involves understanding, discerning, and crafting. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing a summary that encapsulates the essence of the original work:

Reading Actively

Engage deeply with the content to ensure a thorough understanding.

• Read the entire document or work first to grasp its overall intent and structure.
• On the second read, underline or highlight the standout points or pivotal moments.
• Make brief notes in the margins or on a separate sheet, capturing the core ideas in your own words.

Identifying the Main Idea

Determine the backbone of the content, around which all other details revolve.

• Ask yourself: “What is the primary message or theme the author wants to convey?”
• This can often be found in the title, introduction, or conclusion of a piece.
• Frame the main idea in a clear and concise statement to guide your summary.

List Key Supporting Points

Understand the pillars that uphold the main idea, providing evidence or depth to the primary message.

• Refer back to the points you underlined or highlighted during your active reading.
• Note major arguments, evidence, or examples that the author uses to back up the main idea.
• Prioritise these points based on their significance to the main idea.

Draft the Summary

Convert your understanding into a condensed, coherent version of the original.

• Start with a statement of the main idea.
• Follow with the key supporting points, maintaining logical order.
• Avoid including trivial details or examples unless they’re crucial to the primary message.
• Use your own words, ensuring you are not plagiarising the original content.

Fine-tune your draft to ensure clarity, accuracy, and brevity.

• Read your draft aloud to check for flow and coherence.
• Ensure that your summary remains objective, avoiding any personal interpretations or biases.
• Check the length. See if any non-essential details can be removed without sacrificing understanding if it is too lengthy.
• Ensure clarity by ensuring the language is straightforward, and the main ideas are easily grasped.

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Dos and Don’ts of Summarising Key Points

Summarising, while seemingly straightforward, comes with its nuances. Properly condensing content demands a balance between brevity and fidelity to the original work. To aid in crafting exemplary summaries, here is a guide on the essential dos and don’ts:

Use your Own Words

This ensures that you have truly understood the content and are not merely parroting it. It also prevents issues of plagiarism.

Tip: After reading the original content, take a moment to reflect on it. Then, without looking at the source, write down the main points in your own words.

Attribute Sources Properly

Giving credit is both ethical and provides context to readers, helping them trace back to the original work if needed. How to cite sources correctly is a skill every writer should master.

Tip: Use signal phrases like “According to [Author/Source]…” or “As [Author/Source] points out…” to seamlessly incorporate attributions.

Ensure Accuracy of the Summarised Content

A summary should be a reliable reflection of the original content. Distorting or misrepresenting the original ideas compromises the integrity of the summary.

Tip: After drafting your summary, cross-check with the original content to ensure all key points are represented accurately and ensure you are referencing credible sources .

Avoid Copy-Pasting Chunks of Original Content

This not only raises plagiarism concerns but also shows a lack of genuine engagement with the material.

Tip: If a particular phrase or sentence from the original is pivotal and cannot be reworded without losing its essence, use block quotes , quotation marks, and attribute the source.

Do not Inject your Personal Opinion

A summary should be an objective reflection of the source material. Introducing personal biases or interpretations can mislead readers.

Tip: Stick to the facts and arguments presented in the original content. If you find yourself writing “I think” or “In my opinion,” reevaluate the sentence.

Do not Omit Crucial Information

While a summary is meant to be concise, it shouldn’t be at the expense of vital details that are essential to understanding the original content’s core message.

Tip: Prioritise information. Always include the main idea and its primary supports. If you are unsure whether a detail is crucial, consider its impact on the overall message.

Examples of Summaries

Here are a few examples that will help you get a clearer view of how to write a summary. 

Example 1: Summary of a News Article

Original Article: The article reports on the recent discovery of a rare species of frog in the Amazon rainforest. The frog, named the “Emerald Whisperer” due to its unique green hue and the soft chirping sounds it makes, was found by a team of researchers from the University of Texas. The discovery is significant as it offers insights into the biodiversity of the region, and the Emerald Whisperer might also play a pivotal role in understanding the ecosystem balance.

Summary: Researchers from the University of Texas have discovered a unique frog, termed the “Emerald Whisperer,” in the Amazon rainforest. This finding sheds light on the region’s biodiversity and underscores the importance of the frog in ecological studies.

Example 2: Summary of a Research Paper

Original Paper: In a study titled “The Impact of Urbanisation on Bee Populations,” researchers conducted a year-long observation on bee colonies in three urban areas and three rural areas. Using specific metrics like colony health, bee productivity, and population size, the study found that urban environments saw a 30% decline in bee populations compared to rural settings. The research attributes this decline to factors like pollution, reduced green spaces, and increased temperatures in urban areas.

Summary: A study analysing the effects of urbanisation on bee colonies found a significant 30% decrease in bee populations in urban settings compared to rural areas. The decline is linked to urban factors such as pollution, diminished greenery, and elevated temperatures.

Example 3: Summary of a Novel

Original Story: In the novel “Winds of Fate,” protagonist Clara is trapped in a timeless city where memories dictate reality. Throughout her journey, she encounters characters from her past, present, and imagined future. Battling her own perceptions and a menacing shadow figure, Clara seeks an elusive gateway to return to her real world. In the climax, she confronts the shadow, which turns out to be her own fear, and upon overcoming it, she finds her way back, realising that reality is subjective.

Summary: “Winds of Fate” follows Clara’s adventures in a surreal city shaped by memories. Confronting figures from various phases of her life and battling a symbolic shadow of her own fear, Clara eventually discovers that reality’s perception is malleable and subjective.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a summary.

A summary condenses a larger piece of content, capturing its main points and essence.  It is usually one-fourth of the original content.

What is a summary?

A summary is a concise representation of a larger text or content, highlighting its main ideas and points. It distils complex information into a shorter form, allowing readers to quickly grasp the essence of the original material without delving into extensive details. Summaries prioritise clarity, brevity, and accuracy.

When should I write a summary?

Write a summary when you need to condense lengthy content for easier comprehension and recall. It’s useful in academic settings, professional reports, presentations, and research to highlight key points. Summaries aid in comparing multiple sources, preparing for discussions, and sharing essential details of extensive materials efficiently with others.

How can I summarise a source without plagiarising?

To summarise without plagiarising: Read the source thoroughly, understand its main ideas, and then write the summary in your own words. Avoid copying phrases verbatim. Attribute the source properly. Use paraphrasing techniques and cross-check your summary against the original to ensure distinctiveness while retaining accuracy. Always prioritise understanding over direct replication.

What is the difference between a summary and an abstract?

A summary condenses a text, capturing its main points from various content types like books, articles, or movies. An abstract, typically found in research papers and scientific articles, provides a brief overview of the study’s purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions. Both offer concise versions, but abstracts are more structured and specific.

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In any form of written communication, be it academic writing, journalism, or even casual blogging, there comes a time when we need to reference another’s words to support, explain, or emphasise our points.

A tertiary source is an information source that compiles, analyses, and synthesises both primary and secondary sources.

In today’s information age, where vast amounts of knowledge are easily accessible, it is crucial to know how to use and represent that knowledge correctly and how to cite sources properly.

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How to use ChatGPT to summarize a book, article, or research paper

Sometimes it can be hard to get all your reading done, especially with ADHD diagnoses on the rise . If you're tasked with a school or work project and you're pressed for time (or focus),  artificial intelligence (AI)  chatbots like ChatGPT can help summarize long articles, research papers, and books to make them a bit more accessible. 

Also: You can now talk to ChatGPT on the phone - no Wi-Fi needed

ChatGPT has come a long way from its launch in 2022, especially since it got web browsing last spring. However, all AI chatbots can make mistakes -- don't rely entirely on ChatGPT's summary for your understanding of a text. Though ChatGPT now provides citations, they aren't always correct. Plus, an AI system won't interpret more abstract concepts or literature the way a human mind can, meaning it won't necessarily capture certain themes or details.

Think of ChatGPT as a tool that can help make a dense text more approachable. If you're using it to help with other parts of your work, such as writing, tread carefully -- considering the plagiarism and copyright issues surrounding these tools, it isn't in your best interest to have chatbots write your work for you.

If you're a student writing a research paper, someone who is keen to discover more about a lengthy article, or want to dive into a complicated subject, you can use ChatGPT to simplify the process.

How to create summaries with ChatGPT

What you'll need : A device that can connect to the internet, a free (or paid ) OpenAI account, and a basic understanding of the article, research paper, or book you want to summarize. 

The process should take about one to three minutes.

1. Find your article, paper, or book to summarize

If you need ChatGPT to help summarize an article or research paper, find the body of text online and keep it open in a separate tab. You can also try just giving ChatGPT the book title and author by inputting it into the text box. 

2. Open your web browser and log in to ChatGPT

Open your web browser of choice and head to chatgpt.com . 

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Log in or sign up for an account. 

3. Type your request

In the chat box, type in "Summarize [book title]." For example, "Summarize Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman," or "Summarize this article: [URL]." 

Also: Study finds AI-generated research papers on Google Scholar - why it matters

Now that ChatGPT can provide sources for the info it surfaces , you can also ask for clarifying background information on a topic. For example, if you're writing about cognition, you can prompt ChatGPT to "Explain how personal experiences impact cognition and provide citations." 

ChatGPT will respond with several bullet points and citations, giving you a framework for your larger topic area and additional sources to dive into if you choose. 

In my case, those citations were papers and books that weren't linked -- I verified the titles were real by Googling each one. If you want to skip that step, simply ask ChatGPT to "provide citations with links," and you'll only get sources you can click on to verify yourself. 

If you're having trouble comprehending specific passages in an article, book, or research paper, you can copy parts of the text and paste them into ChatGPT, or even upload a photo. 

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Think of this method as reshuffling the words you're currently reading to help you make more sense of the text in front of you.

This is an accurate summary of Let The Misunderstand, an essay by Moeko Fujii that I have read before.

4. Check responses and citations for accuracy

Review ChatGPT's responses to ensure they're correct within your understanding. For one of my queries, ChatGPT did not catch that an article was an excerpt of a novel, responding instead that it was the novel itself.

"'The Witches of El Paso' is a novel by Luis Jaramillo, published on December 11, 2024," ChatGPT told me. The novel was published on Oct. 8, and the excerpt was published in the Public Seminar on Dec. 11, but ChatGPT mistakenly noted that date as the novel's publication date despite citing the article itself. 

ChatGPT  has a track record of fabricating sources . Once you've reviewed the chatbot's responses, be sure to check the sources it provides. Search titles of papers or books to verify they're real, and click on linked articles if ChatGPT provided them. For one of the non-linked book titles ChatGPT offered me, the chatbot listed the book's publication year as 2009, but I was only able to find editions going back to 2012.

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While the other details were correct, this is a good reminder that ChatGPT does make mistakes, or at the very least doesn't always offer transparency into how it finds sources. 

ChatGPT did not catch that this article was an excerpt of a novel, not the novel itself. The novel was published on Oct. 8, and the excerpt was published in Public Seminar on Dec. 11, but ChatGPT mistakenly noted that date as the novel's publish date. 

What are ChatGPT's limitations?

If you're using ChatGPT to summarize an article, book, or piece of research, keep in mind that ChatGPT can still hallucinate  information. Always check its outputs. 

Also: 8 ways to reduce ChatGPT hallucinations  

ChatGPT is a large language model that uses queues and millions of data points to mimic human responses. This form of mimicry is why ChatGPT will answer questions even when it doesn't output the correct answer. Make sure you're not using any information from ChatGPT without fact-checking it.

Can ChatGPT summarize a PDF?

Now that ChatGPT can ingest file uploads in both the free and paid versions, you can upload a PDF and ask ChatGPT to summarize it. The chatbot correctly summarized a press release I uploaded, formatting the key points of a tech company's release -- though it was only two pages long. 

Also:  Don't trust ChatGPT Search and definitely verify anything it tells you

You can also try ChatPDF  for free, especially for much longer documents. You can summarize two PDFs of up to 120 pages per day, and a plan is available for $5 per month. 

Can ChatGPT summarize an email thread?

Sort of. If you want to copy and paste every single email, ChatGPT can summarize the thread's contents for you -- but I wouldn't recommend that in terms of security. Emails can contain sensitive information, like confidential work information or personal identifiers, that you can't guarantee will be safe if uploaded to OpenAI.

It would be more helpful to scan an email thread yourself and ask ChatGPT to help you write a response based on the key points you know about the conversation. 

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