How to Write an Objective Summary

Khan Academy

This instructional video provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to create an objective summary of a fiction text. It distinguishes between subjective opinions (which belong in analysis) and objective facts (which belong in summaries), emphasizing that summaries serve as the "bones" upon which literary analysis is built. The narrator breaks down the process into four actionable steps: reading the text, identifying essential plot points, removing unnecessary details or opinions, and rewriting the events in chronological order using one's own words. The video explores key themes of reading comprehension, writing skills, and the critical difference between objectivity and subjectivity. It specifically addresses the challenge of distinguishing between what is "interesting" versus what is "essential" to a plot, a common stumbling block for students. The video uses a specific example story about a sailor named Wilky and Captain Martello to demonstrate the process in real-time, showing how to filter a raw text down to a concise paragraph. For educators, this resource is highly valuable for English Language Arts classrooms, particularly when introducing plot analysis or preparing students for essay writing. It directly supports standards related to summarizing texts and determining central themes. The video's visual style—handwritten neon text on a black background—mimics a blackboard, making it familiar and engaging. It effectively models the thinking process required to strip away bias and fluff, providing a concrete strategy students can immediately apply to novels, short stories, or articles.