What is the difference between an analysis and a summary?
Many assignments you write at Bow Valley College will ask for an analysis of a text, but what is an analysis and how is it different than a summary. A summary is taking the text and restating it in a brief and concise way. An analysis is reading the text to reach your own conclusions on the topic and seeing how the topic changes based on your ideas. Here is the “what, why, and how” of a summary and an analysis,
What are the traits of a summary?
What are the traits of an analysis?
Identifies the main point.
Identifies the ideas of others.
Answers the questions, who? Why? Where?
They are objective, NO arguments are given.
They are subjective and make an argument.
Usually examines a specific area of study or point.
You interpret the evidence.
Discusses why each point is important.
Discusses how points are connected.
Might discuss causes and effects or the strengths and weaknesses of the text.
Answers the questions, how? Why?
Why write a summary?
Why write an analysis?
Introduce important information.
Provide background information before you analyze the text.
Supports your thesis.
Gives a deeper explanation of the author or text content.
Gives explanation on why the source is important.
Demonstrates your knowledge on the subject.
How to write a summary?
How to write an analysis?
Try to include details on “who,” “what,” and “where.”
Give concise information on source that include the authors main point, their arguments, and state what is included.
When reading though the text, highlight the main points and paraphrase it with their arguments.
Try to include information on the “why” and “how” of the source.
Choose one specific topic that you want to analyze.
Write detailed notes on that topic, ask why and how style questions, e.g. “How does this topic affect other topics? How do I understand it? Why is it important?”
Based on your questions and answers, look at the conclusion/answers. These will be your analysis.
