Chapter: Writing Summaries
📚 Vocabulary
English Grammar and Composition Classes Nine and Ten
⭐ Most Important Exam Words
summary — সারাংশsummarize — সারসংক্ষেপ করাcentral idea — মূল ধারণাmain theme — মূলভাবessence — মর্মgist — সারকথাrelevant — প্রাসঙ্গিকirrelevant — অপ্রাসঙ্গিকparaphrase — নিজের ভাষায় প্রকাশ করাcondense — সংক্ষেপ করাconcise — সংক্ষিপ্ত ও স্পষ্টcoherent — সুসংগতcohesive — সংবদ্ধobjective — নিরপেক্ষbrevity — সংক্ষিপ্ততাverbosity — বাক্যবাহুল্যperseverance — অধ্যবসায়honesty — সততাresponsibility — দায়িত্বconservation — সংরক্ষণ
📃 Word Formation Rules
► Add -ize to some nouns or adjectives to form verbs: summary → summarize, apology → apologize.
► Add -tion or -sion to verbs to form nouns: conserve → conservation, interpret → interpretation.
► Add -ment to verbs to form nouns: develop → development, abridge → abridgement.
► Add -ness to adjectives to form nouns: concise → conciseness, relevant → relevance.
► Add -ity to adjectives to form abstract nouns: clear → clarity, brief → brevity.
► Add -al to nouns or verbs to form adjectives: centre → central, object → objective.
► Use the prefix ir- to form the opposite of some adjectives beginning with r: relevant → irrelevant, responsible → irresponsible.
► Use the prefix in- or im- to form opposites: accurate → inaccurate, partial → impartial.
► Use the prefix para- to indicate an alternative or explanatory form: phrase → paraphrase.
► Use -ing forms as adjectives or nouns: support → supporting, summarize → summarizing.
1. Core Summary Vocabulary (8 words)
summary[/ˈsʌməri/]nouneasy
Meaning: সারাংশ
Alt: সংক্ষিপ্ত বিবরণ
Example: Write a summary of the passage in your own words.
Syn: outline, abridgementAnt: expansion, elaboration
💡 Exam tip: A summary should present only the main ideas briefly.
summarize[/ˈsʌməraɪz/]verbeasy
Meaning: সারসংক্ষেপ করা
Alt: সংক্ষেপে প্রকাশ করা
Example: Summarize the passage within one-third of its original length.
Syn: abridge, condenseAnt: expand, elaborate
💡 Exam tip: Use summarize as a verb and summary as a noun.
abridge[/əˈbrɪdʒ/]verbmedium
Meaning: সংক্ষিপ্ত করা
Alt: কেটে ছোট করা
Example: The long story was abridged for young readers.
Syn: shorten, condenseAnt: lengthen, extend
💡 Exam tip: Abridged writing keeps the essential meaning but removes details.
condense[/kənˈdens/]verbmedium
Meaning: সংক্ষেপ করা
Alt: ঘনীভূত করা
Example: Condense the information without changing its main idea.
Syn: compress, shortenAnt: dilate, expand
💡 Exam tip: Do not omit the central message while condensing a passage.
passage[/ˈpæsɪdʒ/]nouneasy
Meaning: অনুচ্ছেদ বা পাঠ্যাংশ
Alt: উদ্ধৃত অংশ
Example: Read the passage carefully before writing its summary.
Syn: extract, sectionAnt: whole, entirety
💡 Exam tip: Identify the subject and central idea of the passage first.
essence[/ˈesəns/]nounhard
Meaning: মর্ম
Alt: মূলভাব
Example: The summary must express the essence of the passage.
Syn: core, substanceAnt: surface, insignificance
💡 Exam tip: The essence is more important than examples and descriptions.
gist[/dʒɪst/]nounmedium
Meaning: মূল বক্তব্য
Alt: সারকথা
Example: The gist of the passage is the value of honesty.
Syn: main idea, substanceAnt: detail, triviality
💡 Exam tip: Use gist to refer to the general meaning, not every detail.
abridgement[/əˈbrɪdʒmənt/]nounhard
Meaning: সংক্ষিপ্ত সংস্করণ
Alt: সংক্ষেপণ
Example: This book is an abridgement of a famous novel.
Syn: summary, condensationAnt: extension, full version
💡 Exam tip: An abridgement is shorter than the original text.
2. Main Ideas and Supporting Details (8 words)
central[/ˈsentrəl/]adjeasy
Meaning: কেন্দ্রীয়
Alt: প্রধান
Example: The central idea concerns the importance of discipline.
Syn: main, chiefAnt: minor, peripheral
💡 Exam tip: The central idea should appear clearly in the summary.
idea[/aɪˈdɪə/]nouneasy
Meaning: ধারণা
Alt: মতামত
Example: The writer presents an important idea about education.
Syn: notion, thoughtAnt: ignorance, disbelief
💡 Exam tip: Combine related ideas instead of copying separate sentences.
theme[/θiːm/]nounmedium
Meaning: মূলভাব
Alt: প্রধান বিষয়
Example: The theme of the passage is environmental protection.
Syn: subject, topicAnt: digression, irrelevance
💡 Exam tip: The theme answers the question: What is the passage mainly about?
detail[/ˈdiːteɪl/]nouneasy
Meaning: বিস্তারিত তথ্য
Alt: খুঁটিনাটি
Example: Most minor details should be omitted from a summary.
Syn: particular, pointAnt: generality, overview
💡 Exam tip: Remove unnecessary dates, names, examples, and descriptions.
relevant[/ˈreləvənt/]adjmedium
Meaning: প্রাসঙ্গিক
Alt: সংশ্লিষ্ট
Example: Include only relevant information in the summary.
Syn: pertinent, relatedAnt: irrelevant, unrelated
💡 Exam tip: Relevant points directly support the main idea.
irrelevant[/ɪˈreləvənt/]adjmedium
Meaning: অপ্রাসঙ্গিক
Alt: অসংশ্লিষ্ট
Example: Irrelevant examples make a summary unnecessarily long.
Syn: unrelated, immaterialAnt: relevant, pertinent
💡 Exam tip: Avoid irrelevant information even if it appears interesting.
supporting[/səˈpɔːrtɪŋ/]adjmedium
Meaning: সহায়ক
Alt: সমর্থনকারী
Example: Supporting points explain the central idea.
Syn: additional, confirmingAnt: opposing, contradictory
💡 Exam tip: Select only the most important supporting points.
emphasis[/ˈemfəsɪs/]nounhard
Meaning: গুরুত্বারোপ
Alt: জোর
Example: The writer places emphasis on the value of time.
Syn: stress, importanceAnt: neglect, disregard
💡 Exam tip: Preserve the writer's emphasis when reducing the passage.
3. Paraphrasing and Reporting (8 words)
paraphrase[/ˈpærəfreɪz/]verbhard
Meaning: নিজের ভাষায় প্রকাশ করা
Alt: ভাবানুবাদ করা
Example: Paraphrase the passage instead of copying it word for word.
Syn: restate, rewordAnt: quote, copy
💡 Exam tip: Change the wording while keeping the original meaning.
restate[/ˌriːˈsteɪt/]verbmedium
Meaning: পুনরায় বলা
Alt: অন্যভাবে প্রকাশ করা
Example: Restate the main points in simple language.
Syn: rephrase, repeatAnt: suppress, omit
💡 Exam tip: Restatement helps avoid direct copying from the passage.
rephrase[/ˌriːˈfreɪz/]verbmedium
Meaning: অন্যভাবে বলা
Alt: বাক্যরূপ পরিবর্তন করা
Example: Rephrase the sentence without changing its meaning.
Syn: paraphrase, rewordAnt: quote, duplicate
💡 Exam tip: Use simpler expressions when you rephrase difficult sentences.
quote[/kwəʊt/]verbeasy
Meaning: উদ্ধৃত করা
Alt: হুবহু বলা
Example: Do not quote long sentences in a summary.
Syn: cite, repeatAnt: paraphrase, omit
💡 Exam tip: Avoid excessive quotation because a summary must be written in your own words.
report[/rɪˈpɔːrt/]verbeasy
Meaning: বর্ণনা করা
Alt: জানানো
Example: The passage reports the effects of dishonesty.
Syn: describe, stateAnt: conceal, suppress
💡 Exam tip: Use reporting verbs to present the writer's ideas objectively.
mention[/ˈmenʃən/]verbeasy
Meaning: উল্লেখ করা
Alt: বলে যাওয়া
Example: The writer mentions several benefits of reading.
Syn: refer to, noteAnt: omit, ignore
💡 Exam tip: Mention only important points, not every fact in the passage.
interpret[/ɪnˈtɜːrprɪt/]verbhard
Meaning: ব্যাখ্যা করা
Alt: অর্থ নির্ণয় করা
Example: Interpret the writer's message before summarizing the passage.
Syn: explain, understandAnt: misinterpret, confuse
💡 Exam tip: Interpretation must be based on the passage, not personal opinion.
convey[/kənˈveɪ/]verbmedium
Meaning: প্রকাশ করা
Alt: পৌঁছে দেওয়া
Example: A good summary conveys the writer's message clearly.
Syn: communicate, expressAnt: hide, withhold
💡 Exam tip: Ensure that your summary conveys the original meaning accurately.
4. Organization and Linking Words (8 words)
sequence[/ˈsiːkwəns/]nounmedium
Meaning: ক্রম
Alt: ধারাবাহিকতা
Example: Follow the sequence of ideas in the original passage.
Syn: order, successionAnt: disorder, randomness
💡 Exam tip: Maintain the logical sequence unless a shorter arrangement is clearer.
coherent[/kəʊˈhɪərənt/]adjhard
Meaning: সুসংগত
Alt: যুক্তিসংগত
Example: The paragraphs form a coherent summary.
Syn: logical, consistentAnt: incoherent, illogical
💡 Exam tip: A coherent summary has ideas that connect naturally.
cohesive[/kəʊˈhiːsɪv/]adjhard
Meaning: সংবদ্ধ
Alt: সুনিবদ্ধ
Example: Use linking words to make the summary cohesive.
Syn: unified, connectedAnt: disjointed, separate
💡 Exam tip: Cohesion comes from pronouns, conjunctions, and transitional words.
therefore[/ˈðeəfɔːr/]advmedium
Meaning: অতএব
Alt: সুতরাং
Example: The habit wastes time; therefore, it should be avoided.
Syn: thus, consequentlyAnt: nevertheless, however
💡 Exam tip: Use therefore to show a result or conclusion.
however[/haʊˈevər/]adveasy
Meaning: তবে
Alt: কিন্তু
Example: The task is difficult; however, it is not impossible.
Syn: nevertheless, stillAnt: therefore, similarly
💡 Exam tip: Use however to connect contrasting ideas.
moreover[/mɔːrˈəʊvər/]advmedium
Meaning: তদুপরি
Alt: এছাড়াও
Example: Reading increases knowledge; moreover, it develops imagination.
Syn: furthermore, besidesAnt: conversely, instead
💡 Exam tip: Use moreover to add an important related point.
consequently[/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/]advhard
Meaning: ফলস্বরূপ
Alt: পরিণতিতে
Example: He ignored the advice and consequently faced trouble.
Syn: therefore, as a resultAnt: beforehand, nevertheless
💡 Exam tip: Use consequently when the second idea is the result of the first.
finally[/ˈfaɪnəli/]adveasy
Meaning: অবশেষে
Alt: শেষে
Example: Finally, the writer advises everyone to act honestly.
Syn: lastly, eventuallyAnt: initially, firstly
💡 Exam tip: Use finally for the last point or concluding idea.
5. Accuracy, Style, and Evaluation (8 words)
concise[/kənˈsaɪs/]adjhard
Meaning: সংক্ষিপ্ত ও স্পষ্ট
Alt: অল্প কথায় প্রকাশিত
Example: The answer should be concise but complete.
Syn: brief, succinctAnt: wordy, lengthy
💡 Exam tip: Concise writing uses few words without losing important meaning.
precise[/prɪˈsaɪs/]adjmedium
Meaning: নির্ভুল
Alt: সুনির্দিষ্ট
Example: Use precise words to express the main message.
Syn: exact, accurateAnt: vague, inexact
💡 Exam tip: Choose exact words and avoid confusing expressions.
accurate[/ˈækjərət/]adjeasy
Meaning: সঠিক
Alt: নির্ভুল
Example: An accurate summary does not distort the original meaning.
Syn: correct, exactAnt: incorrect, inaccurate
💡 Exam tip: Check whether your summary faithfully reflects the passage.
objective[/əbˈdʒektɪv/]adjmedium
Meaning: নিরপেক্ষ
Alt: বস্তুনিষ্ঠ
Example: A summary should give an objective account of the text.
Syn: impartial, unbiasedAnt: subjective, biased
💡 Exam tip: Do not add your personal opinion to a summary.
formal[/ˈfɔːrməl/]adjeasy
Meaning: আনুষ্ঠানিক
Alt: প্রচলিত নিয়মসম্মত
Example: Use a formal style in examination writing.
Syn: official, properAnt: informal, casual
💡 Exam tip: Avoid slang and conversational expressions in a summary.
clarity[/ˈklærəti/]nounmedium
Meaning: স্পষ্টতা
Alt: পরিষ্কারভাবে বোঝানোর গুণ
Example: Clarity is essential for a high-quality summary.
Syn: lucidity, plainnessAnt: ambiguity, obscurity
💡 Exam tip: Prefer short, clear sentences over complicated ones.
brevity[/ˈbrevəti/]nounhard
Meaning: সংক্ষিপ্ততা
Alt: অল্প কথায় প্রকাশ
Example: Brevity is one of the main qualities of a summary.
Syn: conciseness, shortnessAnt: verbosity, lengthiness
💡 Exam tip: Keep the summary short while retaining the central message.
verbosity[/vɜːrˈbɒsəti/]nounhard
Meaning: বাক্যবাহুল্য
Alt: অতিরিক্ত কথাবলার প্রবণতা
Example: Verbosity reduces the effectiveness of a summary.
Syn: wordiness, prolixityAnt: brevity, conciseness
💡 Exam tip: Avoid repetition and unnecessary explanations to prevent verbosity.
6. Common Ideas in Exam Passages (8 words)
perseverance[/ˌpɜːrsɪˈvɪərəns/]nounhard
Meaning: অধ্যবসায়
Alt: অবিচল প্রচেষ্টা
Example: Perseverance enables a person to overcome difficulties.
Syn: persistence, determinationAnt: idleness, inconstancy
💡 Exam tip: This word often appears in passages about success and effort.
honesty[/ˈɒnəsti/]nouneasy
Meaning: সততা
Alt: সত্যবাদিতা
Example: Honesty is essential for building trust.
Syn: truthfulness, integrityAnt: dishonesty, deceit
💡 Exam tip: Identify honesty as a moral theme when truthfulness is emphasized.
responsibility[/rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/]nounmedium
Meaning: দায়িত্ব
Alt: কর্তব্যবোধ
Example: Every citizen has a responsibility to protect the environment.
Syn: duty, accountabilityAnt: irresponsibility, negligence
💡 Exam tip: Use responsibility in passages about duties toward society or family.
patriotism[/ˈpeɪtriətɪzəm/]nounmedium
Meaning: দেশপ্রেম
Alt: দেশের প্রতি ভালোবাসা
Example: Patriotism inspires people to serve their country.
Syn: nationalism, love of countryAnt: disloyalty, treason
💡 Exam tip: Summarize patriotic passages by focusing on love, sacrifice, and service.
knowledge[/ˈnɒlɪdʒ/]nouneasy
Meaning: জ্ঞান
Alt: জানাশোনা
Example: Books broaden our knowledge of the world.
Syn: learning, understandingAnt: ignorance, unawareness
💡 Exam tip: Knowledge-related passages often connect reading with personal development.
development[/dɪˈveləpmənt/]nouneasy
Meaning: উন্নয়ন
Alt: বিকাশ
Example: Education contributes to the development of a nation.
Syn: progress, growthAnt: decline, stagnation
💡 Exam tip: Look for the causes and results of development in the passage.
conservation[/ˌkɒnsərˈveɪʃən/]nounhard
Meaning: সংরক্ষণ
Alt: রক্ষা ও সুরক্ষা
Example: Forest conservation is necessary for ecological balance.
Syn: preservation, protectionAnt: destruction, waste
💡 Exam tip: In environmental summaries, mention the problem, causes, and solution.
welfare[/ˈwelfeər/]nounmedium
Meaning: কল্যাণ
Alt: মঙ্গল
Example: The project was designed for the welfare of poor people.
Syn: well-being, benefitAnt: harm, misery
💡 Exam tip: Welfare commonly refers to the well-being of people or society.
💡 Exam Tips
• Read the passage two or three times and identify its subject, central idea, and supporting points.
• Write the summary in your own words; do not copy complete sentences from the original passage.
• Keep the summary brief, usually about one-third of the original passage unless another instruction is given.
• Omit examples, repetitions, quotations, illustrations, minor details, and personal opinions.
• Preserve the original meaning, tone, and logical order of the passage.
• Use a suitable title if the question asks for one; make it short and representative.
• Prefer simple, precise, and formal language suitable for examination writing.
• Use third-person narration unless the original passage requires another form.
• Combine related points by using conjunctions and linking words such as therefore, however, moreover, and finally.
• Check subject-verb agreement, tense, spelling, punctuation, and word limit before submitting.
• Do not add information that is absent from the original passage.
• A strong summary should be concise, coherent, cohesive, accurate, and objective.