Reading Summaries
Before you write your own summary of an article, you'll want to see how others did so. In this lesson, you'll read a sample article and summary. As you read them, think about what parts of the original article are included in the summary.
Reading a Sample Article and Summary
A summary identifies the key information in a text, condenses it, and states it using the writer’s own words. Read this article about a popular type of music and think about the main idea and key information.
Listen to "K-Pop Goes Global"
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Sample Article
K-Pop Goes Global
Authorby Frances Blake
Korean pop music, or ‘K-pop’ as it’s more commonly called, has already taken over Asia’s music scene and is gaining more fans in the West all the time. Beginning But what is it about K-pop that is attracting so many listeners? It’s K-pop’s unique blend of sound and technology.
To begin with, the music of these young Korean pop stars is unique and captivating with its energetic mix of musical styles, including hip-hop, techno, R&B, and even dubstep. Middle
Where American or British pop groups rarely have more than four or five members, it’s common for K-pop groups like Girls' Generation to include nine or ten singers. Members of the groups are recruited at an early age by Korean record companies, and the young musicians must train for two years singing and dancing before they can join a group. “Every time they perform a song, it’s got to be perfect,” says record company owner Yi Yuen.
EndingIt’s not just the music that attracts fans to the genre. K-pop groups produce larger-than-life music videos complete with multicolored light shows, impressive choreography, and several outfit changes. Listeners keep track of their favorite K-pop groups on the Internet and follow group members on social media Web sites like Twitter. One music video by the group 2NE1 has over 100 million views on YouTube. K-pop’s international influence shows no signs of slowing down soon.
Respond to the article.
Answer the following questions about the article.
- What is the main idea of this article?
- Name two types of music that have influenced K-pop's musical style.
- Where does the topic take place?
- How are K-pop groups different than pop groups in America or Great Britain?
- How do K-pop fans follow their favorite groups?
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Sample Summary
Summary of “K-Pop Goes Global”
Topic SentenceIn the article “K-Pop Goes Global,” Frances Blake writes that Korean pop music is gaining a worldwide following through a mix of sound and technology. K-pop differs from Western pop music because of its blend of musical styles and many group members. Body Sentences Also, members must train for two years before joining groups. Much of K-pop’s success can be attributed to its music videos and Internet presence. Social media sites allow fans to follow K-pop stars more closely. Ending Sentence For all these reasons, K-pop is making a big impact.
Respond to the summary.
Answer the following questions about the summary paragraph.
- What is the main idea of this summary?
- How is the summary organized?
- How is the wording in the summary different from the wording in the original text? Which is simpler?
Teaching Tip
Help students realize that the key features in the model summary can inspire them as they create their own summaries.