SSC Summaries writing with effective linkers

Summary

In the SSC (Secondary School Certificate) examinations in Bangladesh, summary writing is a key component of the English syllabus. This task assesses a student's ability to condense a passage or a text into its main ideas while maintaining clarity and coherence. Here’s a guide to effectively write summaries for SSC:

Key Points for SSC Summary Writing:

1. Understand the Text:

   • Read the passage carefully to grasp its main idea and supporting points.
   • Identify the purpose of the text.

2. Extract Key Points:

   • Highlight the central idea and major supporting details.
   • Avoid including examples, repetitions, or unnecessary explanations.

3. Write Concisely:

   • Express the main points in fewer words while maintaining the original meaning.
   • Use simple, clear language.

4. Avoid Copying Sentences:

   • Use your own words to rewrite the content (paraphrase).
   • Avoid lifting sentences directly from the passage unless they are essential.

5. Maintain Logical Flow:

   • Ensure the summary flows logically and maintains coherence.
   • Connect sentences with appropriate linking words.

6. Length:

   • Keep the summary brief, usually one-third of the original text (unless instructed otherwise).

7. Proofread:

• Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors before finalizing.

Example of SSC Summary Writing:

Original Text: "Reading books is one of the best habits a person can develop. It enriches the mind and enhances knowledge. Books provide a window to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. They inspire creativity and critical thinking. However, in the digital era, many people prefer digital content over books. Despite this, the value of books remains irreplaceable."

Summary: Reading books is a beneficial habit that enriches the mind, enhances knowledge, and offers insights into various cultures. Although digital content is popular, books remain invaluable for creativity and critical thinking.

Linkers for Summaries

Using linkers (also called connectors or transition words) is essential for maintaining coherence and a logical flow in your SSC summary. Here are some common linkers suitable for summary writing in the SSC exam of Bangladesh:

1. To Show Sequence or Addition:

   • Then, next, after that, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore.

2. To Show Cause and Effect:

   • Therefore, thus, so, as a result, consequently, hence.

3. To Contrast Ideas:

   • However, but, on the other hand, although, even though, whereas, nevertheless.

4. To Show Purpose or Reason:

   • Because, since, as, in order to, so that.

5. To Emphasize or Clarify:

   • Indeed, in fact, particularly, especially.

6. To Conclude:

• In conclusion, to sum up, in summary, overall, finally, all in all.

                    Examples of Linkers in a Summary

Here’s how you can use linkers effectively:

Original Text:
"Good health is essential for a happy life. Eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep are crucial for staying healthy. However, many people neglect their health due to busy schedules. As a result, they suffer from various diseases, which could be avoided with simple lifestyle changes."

Summary Using Linkers:
Good health is necessary for happiness. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep contribute to good health. However, many ignore these due to busy schedules. As a result, lifestyle changes are necessary to avoid diseases.

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By incorporating these linkers into your summary, you can ensure your writing is smooth, logical, and well-structured.