Functional Skill: Summarizing Information (from text or speech) (B1)
This B1 skill involves the ability to understand the main points and key supporting details of a piece of information (either read or heard) and to convey this essence concisely in one's own words.
Scope:
Focuses on comprehension, identification of core ideas, and reformulation.
- Comprehension:
- Reading: Understanding the main idea of paragraphs and the overall message of straightforward texts on familiar topics (news articles, emails, simple reports, narratives - see line 32).
- Listening: Grasping the main points of clear, standard speech on familiar matters (conversations, announcements, simple presentations - see line 31).
- Identifying Key Information:
- Distinguishing between main ideas and supporting details or examples.
- Recognizing the most important facts, arguments, or events presented.
- Ignoring irrelevant or redundant information.
- Reformulation (Speaking/Writing):
- Using Own Words: Avoiding direct copying (plagiarism) or simple repetition. Paraphrasing the information using B1 level vocabulary and grammar.
- Conciseness: Presenting the core information briefly and efficiently.
- Structure: Organizing the summary logically (e.g., starting with the main point).
- Linking Words: Using appropriate conjunctions and transition words (
dus- so,daarom- therefore,kortom- in short,samengevat- summarized) to connect ideas smoothly.
Language Used for Summarizing:
- Introductory Phrases:
De tekst/spreker gaat over...(The text/speaker is about...)Het belangrijkste punt is dat...(The most important point is that...)Kortom,.../Samengevat,...(In short,... / Summarized,...)Hij/Zij zegt dat...(He/She says that... - for reporting speech)- Reporting Verbs (if summarizing speech):
zeggen(say),vertellen(tell),uitleggen(explain),vinden(think/find). - Connecting Ideas: Conjunctions (
en,maar,omdat,dus), relative pronouns (die,dat).
Skills Developed (B1):
- Extracting essential information from texts and spoken discourse.
- Condensing information effectively.
- Paraphrasing ideas using own vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Presenting a summary clearly and logically, either orally or in writing.
Learning Focus:
- Practicing reading/listening comprehension with a focus on identifying main points.
- Exercises in paraphrasing sentences and short paragraphs.
- Learning introductory phrases and linking words specifically useful for summaries.
- Writing or orally presenting short summaries of texts or audio clips on familiar topics.