California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

What is the definition of "Summarize"?

1. To offer a critical analysis of a topic

2. To provide a concise account, emphasizing main points

3. To explore the background and context

4. To challenge an established viewpoint

The correct answer is: To provide a concise account, emphasizing main points

Summarizing involves distilling information to its essential points, providing a clear and concise account that emphasizes the main ideas without unnecessary details. This accurate representation helps the reader grasp the core message of the original text or discussion. By focusing on the main points, a summary enables one to quickly understand the key elements of a topic without getting bogged down by specifics or peripheral information. In contrast, the other choices represent different skills or approaches. Offering a critical analysis entails evaluating and interpreting the material, which goes beyond simply summarizing it. Exploring background and context involves delving into the surrounding circumstances or historical framework of a topic, which again is a more exhaustive approach than summarization. Challenging an established viewpoint requires argumentation and personal interpretation, which is distinctly different from the straightforward act of summarizing. In summary, the ability to provide a concise account while emphasizing key points defines the act of summarizing effectively.