Summarising non-fiction texts
Alison Wilcox · 2023
This chapter provides instructions and models on how to create a sentence combining exercise using a current class fiction or non-fiction text to develop the skill of eliciting the main points and paraphrasing the text. It models how dividing sentences into subjects and predicates is a useful exercise when teaching students how to summarise a non-fiction text. Collecting information about what the subject is or does helps to isolate the main information. Using this in conjunction with a sentence combining exercise is a scaffolded approach to teaching students how to paraphrase. It also provides a contextualised exercise to practising using recently taught writing craft tools.