The summary is a short version of a text where the same words can be used to concretely present the most important points of the topic. The synthesis is the short presentation of a longer text that has been analyzed and interpreted by the author.
The main ideas are expressed directly and concretely in the summary. In the synthesis, the author allows himself a deeper analysis and interpretation of the topic to produce a more personal composition on the concepts of the authors on which he relies.
For this reason, the synthesis requires a deeper intellectual process where the information must be reworked, while the summary can be limited to highlighting the main ideas.
| Abstract | Synthesis | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Brief statement on the main ideas of a topic. | Brief interpretation where the most important ideas of a topic are related. |
| Author | Generally, this is a person external to the author of the subject on which it is based. | It is usually the same person who wrote the topic from which it arises. |
| Style | The style in which the subject on which it is based was presented must be maintained. | The author of the synthesis may reflect his or her own style in the presentation and organization of ideas as long as it does not alter the essence of the topic. |
| How it is produced | By suppressing all non-essential concepts. | Studying, analyzing and interpreting the subject being addressed. |
| Length | May be approximately 25% of the original text size or less, provided that all main ideas are presented. | The author is free to choose its length, taking into account that it should always be shorter than the text on which it is based. |
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What is a summary
It is a short version which includes the most fundamental information on a topic that is usually longer and more complex. It can be presented orally or in writing.
In the summary, the following are usually used main ideas of the original text, even the words can be the same, in order not to lose the essence and the meaning that the author wanted to convey.
Often what is done in the summary is to delete some terms that are not essential to understand the main ideas.
In the abstract the author is not allowed to add personal opinions, deductions or conclusions reached that are not expressly formulated in the topic that has been summarized.
The length of its content should be approximately 25% or less in relation to the original text.
It is often presented as an introduction or presentation to convey the essence of the topic to the recipient.
Characteristics of the abstract
- Accurateshould be precise in the exposition of ideas, presenting in a clear and concrete manner what the topic in question is about.
- Complete: it has to cover all the most fundamental ideas of the subject.
- Logic: all its parts must be organized, showing the relationship between each idea.
What is a synthesis
A synthesis is a composition where present and relate the main ideas that are scattered in a text or in something heard previously. Here, the author may include personal opinions about the original composition.
In order to be able to write a synthesis, one must have made a analysis and interpretation of the elements of the topic and present it in their own words, always without modifying the main idea that the authors want to convey.
The author of the synthesis has a greater freedom compared to the author of the summary when writing and developing his/her own ideas. In the summary, concepts can be expanded and organized according to the criteria and style of the person writing the summary.
The synthesis can serve as an introduction to a more in-depth analysis, such as an undergraduate paper, or it can be at the end as a compendium of everything that has been read. Literary syntheses can also be seen at the beginning of a work, where the author exposes his appreciations on the text or summarizes the content.
The synthesis is usually written and published by the author of the text from which it arises, since it seeks to present the general ideas of his work. Although it can also be written by outsiders.
Characteristics of the synthesis
- Originality: the author must use his own words and style at the time of writing.
- FreedomFreedom: the author can choose the order in which he/she will present the ideas, the length of the text, as well as the way in which he/she wishes to approach the subject.
- ResearchIn order to be able to write a complete synthesis, it is necessary to carry out research on the concepts addressed in order to reach conclusions and introduce new ideas.
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