Summary

A summary of a story recounts it in a succinct way and includes only the most important information, ideas, or details. It may include supporting details to the main idea as well as the sequence of the story (e.g. beginning, middle, end or chronological order).

Primary Source: The Titanic Is Sinking

RMS Titanic was an ocean liner built in 1912. One of the largest liners of the time, it had many modern design elements and luxury features. The Titanic began its maiden voyage, or first trip, on April 10, 1912 carrying over 2,300 passengers and crew. The ship was to travel…

Nana’s Garden

It was early spring and Nana was in the backyard with her grandchildren. Amy, Michael, and Justin were playing when Nana said, “I’m going to start planting my garden. Who wants to help me?” “What are going to plant, Nana?” asked Amy. “I like big, yellow sunflowers.” “I’m going to…

Emily and the Sunrise

“C’mon, Sweetie. Time to get up.” James nudged his sleeping daughter, tangled in her floral blanket, her worn stuffed bunny still under one arm. She sighed and sat up with bleary eyes. Her hair stood out in all directions as if she’d been rubbing balloons on it. “It’s too early,…

Andrew’s New Kitten

Andrew loved cats. He liked their soft fur and pointy ears. He liked the way they walked so softly that you could barely hear them. He even liked when they licked his hand with their rough tongues. Andrew was very excited to have a kitten of his own. The kitten was…

Tachel and Shen, Brother Stars

Tachel and his brother, Shen, were stars in the heavens. They were very close and were always together. Then one day, Tachel got angry at Shen. He thought Shen took his favorite cloud and hid it on him. “Where’s my cloud?” shouted Tachel. Shen looked around then looked at Tachel.…

The Elephant in the Room

I walked into the room, And then I heard a boom! I turned around. There it was. No reason why. Just because. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes. This was a really big surprise. An elephant was standing there In my bedroom! Was that fair? Was I going to have…

My Birthday Wish

I was sitting at the dinner table with my family. Without warning, my brother smiled and turned down the kitchen lights so we all were sitting in partial darkness. Then my mom walked over, carrying a big, chocolate cake decorated with red icing and sprinkles. The cake was lit up…

What Does Bandit Want?

Most days, Alexis woke up when her alarm clock beeped. Today she felt something tap on her legs. Then she felt a cold wet spot on her cheek. She opened her eyes. “Good morning, Bandit!” Alexis said. Bandit was a fluffy black and white puppy with floppy ears and a…

Pip Meets a Criminal

In Great Expectations, the reader follows Phillip Pirrup, or Pip, from childhood to manhood. In this passage from Chapter I, both of Pip’s parents have died, and he lives with his adult sister. Pip is visiting his parents’ graves in the church cemetery when he meets an escaped convict. —————————————…

Anne’s Bringing-up Is Begun

Anne Shirley is a young orphan girl who has been sent by mistake to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. The Cuthberts are brother and sister, and they had wanted a boy orphan to help on their farm called Green Gables. Anne, however, is quite charming and fun, and the…