Learn how to write effective objective summaries for academic papers, business reports, and meeting notes

An objective summary is a brief, factual recap of a text that presents only the main points without personal opinions, interpretations, or bias. It focuses on the 'what' rather than the 'why' and uses your own words to convey the original author's key ideas.

Objective Summary Definition

Key Characteristics of Objective Summaries

What It IS

What It's NOT

Simple Example

Original Article (excerpt): The new iPhone 15 features an impressive camera system with advanced computational photography. Users can capture stunning portraits with improved depth perception. The device costs $799 and will be available in stores starting September 22nd. Apple claims this is their most innovative phone yet.

Objective Summary: Apple's iPhone 15 includes enhanced camera technology with computational photography and improved portrait capabilities. The device is priced at $799 with a release date of September 22nd.

Notice: The summary excludes Apple's subjective claim about being 'most innovative' and focuses only on verifiable facts.

How to Write an Objective Summary (6 Steps)

Step 1: Read & Understand

Read the entire text carefully, possibly multiple times. Ensure you understand the main argument and supporting points before attempting to summarize.

Step 2: Identify Main Ideas

Highlight or note the thesis statement, topic sentences, and key supporting evidence. Ignore minor details, examples, and personal anecdotes.

Step 3: Note Key Supporting Points

Identify the 2-4 most important supporting arguments or evidence that the author uses to support their main claim.

Step 4: Write in Your Own Words

Paraphrase the main ideas using your own vocabulary and sentence structure. Do not copy phrases or sentences directly from the original text.

Step 5: Keep It Neutral

Present only the facts and main arguments without adding your own opinion, interpretation, or judgment about whether the ideas are correct or valuable.

Step 6: Review and Edit

Ensure your summary includes only essential information and maintains objectivity throughout. Remove any personal commentary or subjective language.

Objective Summary Examples

Academic Example

Original: A complex research paper on climate change impacts...

Objective Summary: The study examines temperature data from 1980-2020 across 50 global weather stations. Researchers found average temperatures increased by 1.2°C during this period. The data shows accelerated warming in Arctic regions compared to temperate zones.

Business Meeting Example

Original: Lengthy meeting discussion about quarterly performance...

Objective Summary: Q3 revenue reached $2.4M, representing 15% growth over Q2. The marketing team identified customer acquisition costs increased by 8%. The product launch scheduled for November requires additional budget allocation of $50K.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding Personal Opinion

Including Minor Details

Using Original Language

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