A summary point is a general idea the writer wants you to remember. An example is one case that makes the idea concrete. This lesson shows how to separate them, so a summary contains points and not stories.
It follows interpreting a phrase in context and leads to explaining an inference using evidence inside Second-language comprehension.
What is the difference between a point and an example?
A point answers “what is the message?”. An example answers “can you show me one?”.
Examples often carry a name, place, time or amount. Points sound general: 我们应该 (we should), 对……有好处 (is good for), 重要 (important). If a sentence can be introduced with 比如, it is almost certainly an example.
A step-by-step method
- Underline signal words: 比如, 例如, 又如 for examples; 可见, 所以, 因此 for conclusions.
- Ask of each sentence: is this one case, or the whole idea?
- Group the examples under the point they illustrate.
- Write one short phrase for each point.
- Check the task focus. Keep only points that answer the question.
Worked example
This passage is invented.
我们每个人都应该节约用水。比如，刷牙的时候关上水龙头，可以省下很多水。又如，用洗菜的水来浇花，也不会浪费。如果大家都这样做，水资源就能保护得更久。
Question: 请写出这段话的两个要点。(Write the two summary points.)
Step 1, signals. 比如 and 又如 introduce two examples: closing the tap while brushing teeth, and watering plants with washing-up water.
Step 2, test each sentence. The first sentence is a general instruction. The sentences with 比如 and 又如 are single cases. The last sentence gives a general result.
Step 3, write the points. 要点一：每个人都应该节约用水。要点二：大家都节约，水资源就能保护得更久。
Step 4, place the examples. Both examples sit under point one. They are useful as proof but do not need their own line in the summary.
A mistake that looks reasonable
A common slip is writing the first example as a point.
Wrong: 要点一：刷牙的时候关上水龙头。
The sentence is accurate and easy to find, so it feels like a point. But it is only one way of saving water, and 比如 shows it is an illustration. The correction is to state the idea above it: 每个人都应该节约用水。
Self-check
These passages are invented.
1. 运动对健康很重要。例如，每天跑步三十分钟可以让心脏更强。Which sentence is the point?
Show answer
运动对健康很重要。The second sentence begins with 例如 and gives one case: running half an hour a day.
2. 可见，垃圾分类对环境有好处。Is this a point or an example?
Show answer
A point. 可见 (so, clearly) introduces a general conclusion, and 对环境有好处 states a general benefit.
3. Sort these: (a) 学习语言需要每天练习。(b) 小英每天听十分钟华语歌。(c) 所以坚持练习最重要。
Show answer
(a) and (c) are points. (b) is an example, because it names one person and one habit. Point (c) is also marked by 所以.
Where to go next
Use any news paragraph or school notice you have and label each sentence P (point) or E (example). Then study explaining an inference using evidence and practise in the mixed practice set. The summary selection and paraphrase studio checks whether you chose relevant points, and the writing revision compare view compares two drafts of a summary.
If you want a teacher to go through your own summaries with you, our team offers online one-to-one Chinese tuition.