The key idea
I can choose the main ideas, paraphrase key points, and combine two sources without changing their meaning.
What is it for?
Learn to shorten information and combine ideas from two sources without copying their words or adding personal opinions.
What you need to know
- The main idea and two or three important points from each source.
- Your own words and sentence structures, with the original meaning unchanged.
- Clear links between information from both sources.
- Source phrases that show where the information comes from.
- About one quarter of the original length, without personal opinions.
1. Find the information that matters
A summary gives the main message and its key points. It leaves out examples, repeated ideas, and small details. Read the whole text before choosing what to keep.
- Write down the main idea in one short sentence.
- Choose two or three points that support it.
- Remove details that do not change the main message.
- Aim for about one quarter of the original length.
Original: The shop opens at eight, sells fresh bread, and offers free coffee on Fridays.
This sentence contains several details about one shop.
Summary: The shop offers bread and a weekly free drink.
The summary keeps the main information and removes extra detail.
2. Paraphrase without changing the meaning
Paraphrasing means expressing the same idea differently. Change some words and the sentence structure. Keep important facts, limits, and reasons unchanged.
- Replace words with suitable words that have the same meaning.
- Change the order of information when this sounds natural.
- Change active sentences to passive sentences when useful.
- Do not replace a precise fact with a general guess.
Original: The manager reduced shop hours because sales fell.
This gives a reason and a result.
Paraphrase: Shop hours were reduced after sales declined.
The sentence structure and words change, but the main facts remain.
3. Combine information from two sources
Two texts may explain the same subject in different ways. Put related ideas together instead of summarising each text separately. Show differences when the sources disagree or focus on different points.
- Use both sources when writing the combined summary.
- Join similar points in one sentence when possible.
- Show differences with while or whereas.
- Do not claim that both sources agree when they do not.
Both texts suggest that early shopping saves time.
This sentence joins a shared idea from two sources.
While the first text focuses on prices, the second highlights convenience.
This sentence shows two different points clearly.
4. Name your sources and stay neutral
Readers need to know where the information comes from. Use short phrases to identify each source. Report the information without adding your own judgement.
- Use According to the article to introduce a source.
- Use the first text and the second text to separate ideas.
- Use both sources say only when both support the claim.
- Remove personal comments such as I think or I prefer.
According to the first article, evening shopping is often quieter.
The phrase tells readers where the information comes from.
The second source reports lower prices during weekday mornings.
This sentence reports information without adding an opinion.
How to do it, step by step
- Read both sources and identify their main ideas.
- Select two or three important points from each source.
- Group shared ideas and note important differences.
- Write a short summary using new words and sentence structures.
- Check the facts, source references, length, and neutral tone.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| According to + source, + information | According to the first article, morning shopping is quieter. | According to the report, delivery times have increased. |
| Both sources suggest that + shared idea | Both sources suggest that planning saves time. | Both texts suggest that clear labels help shoppers. |
| While the first source + point, the second + contrast | While the first source focuses on cost, the second examines comfort. | While the first text describes delays, the second explains their causes. |
| The first text states that + information | The first text states that the shop closes early. | The first source states that prices change each month. |
| The second source also highlights + noun | The second source also highlights customer comfort. | The second article also highlights the value of planning. |
| Both texts agree that + shared idea | Both texts agree that clear signs help customers. | Both sources agree that regular breaks can reduce tiredness. |
| The sources differ in their views on + topic | The sources differ in their views on delivery costs. | The texts differ in their views on flexible opening hours. |
| Overall, the sources indicate that + main conclusion | Overall, the sources indicate that planning improves shopping trips. | Overall, the texts indicate that clear instructions reduce mistakes. |
UK / US: Both British and American English use these summary methods. Some words differ, such as shop in British English and store in American English. Keep one variety consistent.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B2 upgrades page.
Model text
Combining Two Sources About Local Shops
Source 1
A local shop changed its opening hours last month. It now opens earlier on weekdays because many customers shop before work. The manager says morning sales have increased. However, some older customers prefer the previous hours because they usually shop later. The shop plans to collect more customer feedback before making further changes.
This source explains the change, its reason, and two customer responses.
Source 2
Another report describes a shop that extended its evening hours. This change helped workers who could not shop during the day. Evening sales also increased, but staff costs rose. The report suggests that shops should study customer habits before changing their schedules. It also recommends testing new hours before making permanent decisions.
This source focuses on evening shopping, costs, and planning.
Combined summary
Both sources examine changes to shop opening hours and their effects. According to the first source, earlier weekday hours attract customers who shop before work. The second report shows that longer evenings help workers with daytime commitments. Sales increased in both cases, but the changes also created concerns. Some customers prefer the old schedule, whereas longer opening hours can increase staff costs. Both sources therefore highlight the need to understand customer habits before making changes. The reports also support testing new schedules and collecting feedback before permanent decisions are made.
This summary combines shared findings and differences. It uses new wording and avoids personal opinions.
Common mistakes
✗ The article says that the shop opens at eight and sells bread, cakes, and fruit.
✓ The article describes the shop's morning opening and food sales.
The first version copies several details instead of shortening the information.
✗ Both sources agree that evening shopping is cheaper.
✓ The second source states that evening shopping is cheaper.
Only one source supports this claim, so both is incorrect.
✗ I think the manager made a terrible decision.
✓ The manager changed the opening hours after studying customer habits.
A summary reports source information instead of personal opinions.
✗ According the article, morning sales increased.
✓ According to the article, morning sales increased.
Use to after according when you identify a source.
✗ The second source also reports that staff costs increased, but.
✓ The second source also reports that staff costs increased.
Do not leave but at the end when no contrast follows.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Write the main idea of each source in your own words.
- List two or three key points from each source.
- Mark shared ideas and differences.
- Group related points and choose useful source phrases.
- Write a neutral summary of about one quarter of the original.
Check
- Have I included the main idea and key points?
- Have I changed the words and sentence structures?
- Have I combined both sources accurately?
- Have I named the sources where needed?
- Have I removed my opinions and unnecessary details?
Practice
Choose the best summary
Read each original sentence. Choose the summary that keeps its main meaning.
1.Original: The cafe extended its opening hours because evening customers increased.
The first option keeps both the schedule change and its reason.
2.Original: The new bus route saves time but costs more to operate.
The second option keeps both the benefit and the extra cost.
3.Original: One report supports online shopping, while another stresses the value of local shops.
The third option captures the main difference between the reports.
4.Original: According to the report, clear labels helped customers find products faster.
The first option keeps the link between labels and speed.
5.Original: Both studies found that regular breaks reduced mistakes at work.
The second option keeps the shared result from both studies.
6.Original: The shop tested its new hours for two weeks before keeping them.
The third option keeps the order and purpose of the trial.
Match each phrase with its paraphrase
Match each original phrase with the phrase that keeps its meaning.
1.Sales increased during the morning.
2.The report highlights staff costs.
3.Both sources support the change.
4.Customers preferred the old schedule.
5.The manager collected customer feedback.
Choose a source or contrast phrase
Complete each sentence with the phrase that fits the meaning.
1. the first report, morning sales increased.
According to introduces information from a named source.
2. sources agree that clear signs help customers.
Both refers to two sources that share the same finding.
3. the first text focuses on prices, the second examines comfort.
While introduces a contrast between two different points.
4.The second report highlights the value of customer feedback.
Also adds another point from the same source.
5.The sources differ their views on evening opening hours.
The usual phrase is differ in their views on something.
6., both reports suggest testing changes before making them permanent.
Overall introduces the main conclusion from the information.
Correct one small mistake
Change only the word or punctuation mark that is wrong.
1.According the report, costs increased.
The phrase according to needs the word to.
2.Both source suggests that planning helps.
Both refers to two sources, so the noun must be plural.
3.The first report focus on customer needs.
A singular subject needs focuses in the present simple.
4.I believe the second report is completely useless.
The original adds a personal opinion instead of neutral reporting.
5.The second source also reports higher costs, but.
Remove the final but because no contrasting idea follows.
Now write
Your task
Read both texts. Then write an 80-100-word summary of their shared ideas and differences. Use your own words. Include the main idea and key points. Do not add your opinion. Text 1: Working from Home A small survey examined employees who worked from home three days each week. Many workers said they saved time because they did not travel to the office. Some also reported fewer interruptions and more time for family tasks. However, several employees missed daily conversations with colleagues. The survey suggested that clear work hours helped people separate their jobs from home life. It also noted that quiet rooms were useful for tasks requiring concentration. Text 2: Working in a Shared Office A different report examined employees who used a shared office. Many workers valued face-to-face talks because they could solve problems quickly. They also found it easier to ask for help. However, travelling to work took time and money. Some employees found busy rooms distracting, especially during difficult tasks. The report suggested offering quiet areas and flexible schedules. It also stated that workers had different needs, so one work arrangement might not suit everyone.
Word bank
according toboth sourceswhilewhereassuggestreportsurveyconcentrationinterruptionsflexible schedulesface-to-face talkstravel timeshared officework arrangementscustomer needs
Sentence starters
- Both sources examine ...
- According to the first text, ...
- The second report highlights ...
- While the first source focuses on ..., the second ...
- Both texts suggest that ...
- Overall, the sources indicate that ...