A summary is a short, objective overview of a text in your own words. Nonfiction texts can be complex and dense. There are four simple steps: 1. Identify what the text is about by asking key questions; 2. Remove less important information; 3. Write a short introductory sentence stating the key idea; 4. Write a few sentences that synthesize the rest of the key details. It's as easy as explaining briefly what you have read to a friend.