Summary vs. Analysis

Summary

• The purpose of a summary is to reduce information already known down to its essential parts.

• The information stated usually consists of the main points and key supporting points.

• Summaries can use direct quotes or paraphrasing to convey the main or key points. However, more often, a paraphrase is used.

• Summaries do not evaluate, judge, or interpret the information. They present the facts as the original writer or speaker intended.

• When writing a summary, writers should avoid adding their personal reactions, biases, opinions, and beliefs.

• Summaries are typically substantially shorter than their source texts, as they contain only the key points presented in an abbreviated form.

Analysis

• The purpose of an analysis is to interpret or find meanings or patterns in information.

• Analyzing statements will take a step beyond summary and describe the writer’s personal findings and interpretations of the source material.

• An analysis usually is presented after a statement of evidence, which can have direct quotes or summary. After the evidence is presented, the analysis of that evidence should not summarize or describe the information. Rather, an analysis will uncover something new about the evidence.

• Analysis can provide readers a more thorough understanding of the facts presented, but writers should avoid adding their personal reactions, biases, opinions, and beliefs.

• Although an analysis may be influenced by personal beliefs, an analysis tends to be based more in facts and patterns than thoughts and emotions.