Writing the Summary

A summary is a condensed version of a larger reading. The purpose of a summary is to give the reader a clear, objective picture of the original text. A good summary makes the author's ideas clear, perhaps even clearer than in the original.

A summary, which is generally much shorter than the original text, is not a rewrite of the original piece. It should be written in your own words to give the basic ideas of the original reading while eliminating most of supporting details, such as examples and illustrations. While reading the original work, take note of what or who is the focus and do your best to answer the question: What is the reading about and what does the author want to communicate?

Sometimes, the central idea of the piece is stated in the introduction or first paragraph, and the supporting ideas of this central idea are presented one by one in the following paragraphs. Always read the introductory paragraph thoughtfully and look for a thesis statement. Finding the thesis statement is like finding a key to a locked door. Frequently, however, the thesis, or central idea, is implied or suggested. Thus, you will have to work harder to figure out what the author wants readers to understand. Use any hints that may shed light on the meaning of the piece: pay attention to the title and any headings and to the opening and closing lines of paragraphs.

1. Skim the text, noting in your mind the subheadings. If there are no subheadings, try to divide the text into sections. The author'suse of paragraphing will often be a useful guide.

3. In your own words, write one-sentence summaries for each section or paragraph.

4. Write down the key support points for the main topic, but do not include minor details.

5. Write a thesis:a one-sentence summary of the entire piece. Remember:the thesis expresses the central idea of the piece.

A patent is an exclusive right to use an invention for a certain period of time, which is given to an inventor as compensation for disclosure of an invention. Although it would be beneficial for the world economy to have uniform patent laws, each country has its own laws designed to protect domestic inventions and safeguard technology. Despite widespread variation, patent laws generally fall under one of two principles: the first-to-file and the first-to-invent. The first-to-file principle awards a patent to the person or institution that applies for a patent first, while the first-to-invent principle grants the patent to the person or institution that was the first to invent – and can prove it. Most countries have adopted the first-to-file system.However, the United States maintains the first-to-invent system, despite obvious shortcomings. A result of countries employing different patent law principles is inconsistency of patent ownership. Patent ownership is not recognized globally. On the contrary, ownership may change depending on the country. It is not uncommon for an invention to have two patent owners – one in the United States and one in the rest of the world. This unclear ownership often has economic consequences. If a company is interested in using a patented invention, it may be unable to receive permission from both patent owners, which in turn may prevent manufacture of a particular product. Even if permission is received from both owners, pay royalties to both may be quite costly. In this case, if the invention is useful enough, a company may proceed and pass on the added cost to consumers. International economic tension has also been increasing as a result of differing policies. Many foreign individuals and companies believe that they are at a serious disadvantage in the United States with regard to patent ownership because of the logistical difficulties in establishing the first-to-invent status. Further, failure of the United States to recognize patent ownership in other countries is in violation of the Paris Conventions on Industrial Properties, which requires all member nations to treat all patents equally. The conflict surrounding patents has prompted the World Intellectual Properties Organization (WIPO) to lobby for universality in patent laws. WIPO maintains that the first necessary step involves compelling the United States to reexamine its patent principle, taking into account the reality of a global economy. This push may indeed result in more global economic cooperation.

This first sentence is a general definition. It may be safe to assume that your audience is already familiar with patents; thus you do not have to include it in your summary. This is the main idea The classification of the two principles is important. Ignore specific details about the different principles. The terms are self-explanatory. It is important to point out that most of the world follows one system and the United States another. Include a description of the main problem which is variation in patent laws. Provide some support/explanation for the problem, but not all the details. Describe this other problem associated with different patent principles. Provide some explanation, but not all the details. Describe the action taken to solve the problem.