how to write a synopsis essay

Looking to publish? Meet your dream editor, designer and marketer on Reedsy.

Find the perfect editor for your next book

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Blog • Understanding Publishing

Posted on Sep 12, 2018

How to Write an Incredible Synopsis in 4 Simple Steps

Your novel is fully written, edited, and polished to perfection — you’re ready to pitch it to agents! But you’re missing a critical piece of persuasion: the synopsis. Even after putting together your entire book, you may have no idea how to write one, or even how to approach it.

Luckily, we’ve got answers for you. Read on for our best tips on writing a synopsis that’s clear, concise, captivating… and may even lead to an all-out agent battle over your novel!

What is a synopsis?

A synopsis is a summary of a book that familiarizes the reader with the plot and how it unfolds. Although these kinds of summaries also appear on the pages of school book reports and Wikipedia, this guide will focus on constructing one that you can send out to agents (and eventually publishers).

Your novel synopsis should achieve two things: firstly, it should convey the contents of your book, and secondly, it should be intriguing!

While you don’t need to pull out all the marketing stops at this stage, you should have a brief hook at the beginning and a sense of urgency underlying the text that will keep your reader going. It should make potential agents want to devour your whole manuscript — even though they’ll already know what happens.

While writing your synopsis, make sure that it includes:

A complete narrative arc
Your own voice and unique elements of your story
The ending or resolution ( unlike in a blurb )

As for the ideal length for this piece, it varies from project to project. Some authors recommend keeping it to 500 words, while others might write thousands. However, the standard range is about one to two single-spaced pages (or two to five double-spaced pages). And if you're interested in knowing how to format the whole of your manuscript for submission, we recommend downloading this manuscript format template.

FREE RESOURCE

Manuscript Format Template

Get your manuscript ready for submission to agents and publishers.

You may also want to have an additional “brief” summary prepared for agents who specifically request a single page or less. Remember: as hard as it will be to distill all your hard work into that minimal space, it’s crucial to keep your synopsis digestible and agent-friendly.

How to write a novel synopsis in 4 steps

1. Get the basics down first

When it comes to writing a synopsis, substance is the name of the game. No matter how nicely you dress it up, an agent will disregard any piece that doesn’t demonstrate a fully fleshed out plot and strong narrative arc. So it stands to reason that as you begin writing, you should focus on the fundamentals.

Start with major plot points

Naturally, you want agents to be aware of your story's major plot points . So the best way to start summarizing your story is to create a list of those plot points, including:

The inciting incident — what sparks the central conflict of your story?
The events of the rising action — what happens in the interlude between the inciting incident and the climax, and how does this build tension?
The height of the action, or climax , of your story — this one is the most important, as it should be the most exciting part of your book!
The resolution or ending — again, unlike a blurb, a synopsis doesn’t need to dangle the carrot of an unknown ending to the reader; you can and should reveal your story’s ending here, as this brings the plot and narrative arc to a close.

Listing these points effectively maps out the action and arc of your story, which will enable the reader to easily follow it from beginning to end.

Include character motivations

The key here is not to get too deep into characterization, since you don’t have much room to elaborate. Instead, simply emphasize character motivations at the beginning and end of your synopsis — first as justification for the inciting incident, then again to bring home the resolution. For example:

Beginning: “Sally has spent the past twenty years wondering who her birth parents are [motivation]. When a mysterious man offers her the chance to find them, she spontaneously buys a ticket to Florence to begin her journey [inciting action].”

Ending: “She returns to the US with the man who was her father all along [resolution], safe in the knowledge that she’ll never have to wonder about him again [restated motivation].”

Also note how the text here is written in third person, present tense, as it should be regardless of the tense or POV of your actual book. Writing a synopsis in first or second person doesn’t really work because it’s not meant to be narrated — just summarized. Basically, the present tense works to engage the reader while the third person allows the story to be told smoothly.

Query Submissions Tracker

Stay organized on your journey to find the right agent or publisher.

2. Highlight what’s unique

Now it’s time to spice up your synopsis by highlighting the elements that make it unique. Agents need to know what’s so special about your book in particular — and moreover, is it special enough to get readers to pick it up? Below are some features you might employ to grab an agent’s attention and assure them of your book’s appeal.

Your writing voice is an essential tool here: it conveys your novel’s tone and is one of the most important factors in making your work stand out. However, it’s also one of the most difficult elements to evoke in such a small amount of space.

The best way to capture voice in a synopsis is through extremely deliberate word choice and sentence structure. So if you were Jane Austen, you’d use clever words to magnify your wit: “When Darcy proposes to her apropos of nothing, Elizabeth has the quite understandable reaction of rejecting him.” You may not be able to use all the elaborate prose of your novel, but your synopsis should still reflect its overall feeling.

Plot twists

Even though they’re one of the oldest tricks in the book, readers will never tire of juicy plot twists. If your novel contains one or more of these twists, especially at the climax, make sure your synopsis accentuates it. But don’t hint too much at the twist, as this will make it seem more dramatic when it comes; a couple of words in the intro will suffice as foreshadowing.

For instance, if you were writing a summary of Gone Girl , you might open with “Nick Dunne wakes up one morning to find that his wife, Amy, has apparently disappeared. ” This implies that she may not be as “gone” as we think she is, setting the stage for the later reveal.

Point of view

Another aspect that might set your book apart is a distinctive point of view . Since you’ll be giving your synopsis in third person, you can limit this inclusion to an introductory sentence: “This book is narrated from the point of view of a mouse.”

Although this strategy works best for books with a highly unusual point of view (such as The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, in which the story is told by Death), it can also be very helpful to remember for seemingly bog-standard narrators. If one of your characters narrates in first person, make sure to address their individual narrative quirks as well as any biases or limitations; highlighting an unreliable narrator can really add to your novel’s intrigue!

3. Edit for clarity and excess

Don’t shroud your synopsis in mystery; this is very frustrating to agents who just want to know what happens in your book! With that in mind, after you’ve written the bulk of your summary, it’s time to edit for clarity. You also may have to delete some text, so you can get it right in that couple-page sweet spot.

Editing for clarity

The paramount rule of synopses is a real doozy: tell, don’t show. It’s the opposite of that classic adage that writers have heard their whole lives, and it’s exactly what you need to write a successful synopsis.

As you return to what you’ve written, scan for sentences that are vague or unclear, especially toward the beginning. Many writers fall into the trap of trying to hook agents by opening with a sentence akin to the first murky line of a literary novel. Again, though you do want your intro to be intriguing, it has to cut to the chase pretty quickly.

When it comes to opening a synopsis, you need to think like Tolkien, not Tolstoy. “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” Crisp, clear, and to the point: one of the very few times you should tell, rather than show .

Editing excess words

If your synopsis is longer than a couple of pages at this point, you need make some serious cutbacks. Read through what you have, scrutinizing every sentence and word, even if you think you’ve chosen them carefully. Reduce any run-on sentences or subordinate clauses that unnecessarily lengthen your piece.

Finally, eliminate irrelevant details — anything that doesn’t lead to the next plot point or directly contribute to your voice or other distinctive elements. It’s unlikely you’ll have included any of these in the first place, but just in case they’ve slipped through, cut them. Save the frills for your book; remember, your synopsis is all about substance .

4. Make sure it flows

By the time it’s finished, your synopsis should read like a summary from an excellent book review — or at the very least SparkNotes or Shmoop. This means not only clearly and concisely hitting every important point, but also reading in a smooth manner, placing just the right amount of emphasis on the critical moments and unique aspects we’ve discussed.

Get test readers

A great way to ensure that your synopsis is paced precisely and flows well is to give it to test readers, either someone you know or a professional editor . You’ve spent way too much time with these words to be objective about them, so pay attention to what other people suggest: possible word substitutions, transitions, and which details to emphasize versus delete.

Use professional synopses as models

You don’t want to look at examples of other synopses too soon, otherwise yours will come out sounding formulaic and stale. That said, professional synopses can be a very valuable tool for refining toward the end of the process! Compare and contrast them to the synopsis you’ve written, and adapt any techniques or turns of phrase you feel would enhance it.

Here’s an example of a strong (albeit brief) synopsis of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens , courtesy of the Oxford Companion to English Literature:

Phillip Pirrip, more commonly known as “Pip,” has been brought up by his tyrannical sister, wife of the gentle Joe Gargery. He is introduced to the house of Miss Havisham who, half-crazed by the desertion of her lover on her bridal night, has brought up the girl Estella to use her beauty as a means of torturing men. Pip falls in love with Estella and aspires to become a gentleman.

Money and expectations of more wealth come to him from a mysterious source, which he believes to be Miss Havisham. He goes to London, and in his new mode of life meanly abandons the devoted Joe Gargery, a humble connection of whom he is now ashamed.

Misfortunes come upon him. His benefactor proves to be an escaped convict, Abel Magwich, whom he as a boy had helped. Pip’s great expectations fade away and he is penniless. Estella meanwhile marries his sulky enemy Bentley Drummle, by whom she is cruelly ill treated.

In the end, taught by adversity, Pip returns to Joe Gargery and honest labor. He and Estella, who has also learnt her lesson, are finally reunited.

This synopsis works well because it includes:

The inciting incident (Pip moving in with Miss Havisham), the rising action (him being in London), the climax (returning to Joe Gargery), and the resolution (reuniting with Estella)
Character motivations (Miss Havisham wants to punish all men because her fiancé betrayed her; Pip wants to become a gentleman so Estella will fall in love with him)
A plot twist (Pip’s benefactor being a criminal — whom he knows from his childhood!)
Distinctive voice (formal yet engaging, doesn’t detract from the plot) and smoothly written style (events are chronological and progress quickly)

Your synopsis is one of the biggest deciding factors in whether an agent wants to see more from you or not. No matter how chipper your query letter , the bottom line is that this summary tells agents (and later publishers) what they really need to know: what your book is about, what makes it unique, and most importantly, if they can sell it.

FREE COURSE

How to Write a Query Letter

Learn to grab agents’ attention with 10 five-minute lessons.

That’s why it’s vital that you make your synopsis airtight. Fortunately, if you’ve followed these steps, yours will be chock full of plot details with a touch of your own special writing sauce: a synopsis that any agent (hopefully) won’t be able to resist.

Many thanks to Reedsy editors (and former agents) Sam Brody and Rachel Stout for consulting on this piece!

Do you have any tips for writing an irresistible synopsis? Leave them in the comments below!

2 responses

Elizabeth Westra says:

12/09/2018 – 22:10

This looks interesting, and I will read every word, but this would be different for a picture book. You only get one page to query for many children's books.

Dorothy Potter Snyder says:

14/10/2018 – 20:11

I am curious if anyone has ideas on how translators can write a synopsis for agents / publishers of works in translation? Might there be something about why this author is important in his/her country of origin and literary tradition? Which authors more known to English language readers might relate to this author (they've never heard of before)?

Comments are currently closed.

Continue reading

How to Publish a Book For Free: The 7 Best Sites

If you want to publish your book without spending a single dime, check out this handy list of 7 free self-publishing services.

5 Ways to Save on Your Self-Publishing Budget

If you want to self-publish a book without breaking the bank, here are 5 tips to ensure you still get the best result possible.

30 Great Book Dedication Examples to Inspire Your Own

A list of 30 of the best book dedications in the business, that'll have you crying, laughing, and crying laughing.

Expository Writing: The Craft of Sharing Information

Expository writing is a fundamental part of how we learn and make sense of the world. Learn all about it in this post.

Additional Reviews: Query Critique December 2024

Additional critiques from Reedsy's December 2024 query letter session.

How to Make Money by Writing Books: 8 Tips for Success

If you want to be an author who makes a living from books, here are eight tips to help you make money as a writer.

Join a community of over 1 million authors

Reedsy is more than just a blog. Become a member today to discover how we can help you publish a beautiful book.

Bring your publishing dreams to life

The world's best freelance editors, designers, and marketers are on Reedsy. Sign up for free and meet them TODAY.

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

Enter your email or get started with a social account:

How To Write A Synopsis

How to Write a Synopsis – A Simple Format & Guide

What is a Synopsis?

A synopsis is a concise and systematic summary of a larger piece of work, typically a book, movie, play, or academic paper.

In literature, a book synopsis is a short summary that talks about the main parts of a story, like main characters, and central conflict.

For movies, a synopsis is a brief summary that tells the main story, introduces the characters, and sometimes gives away exciting parts of the plot.

In academia, a research paper synopsis is a short description that talks about what the study is trying to do, how it's done, what was found, and what it all means.Pu

Purpose of Writing a Synopsis

The purpose of writing a synopsis is to provide a concise and informative overview of a larger work, be it a book, movie, or research paper.

In simpler terms, when creating a synopsis, it's important to focus on a few key things:

Making sure the information is easy to understand
Getting people interested, helping in decision-making
Presenting it professionally
Meeting specific submission guidelines.

Think of a synopsis as a helpful tool that tells a little bit about the big work and follows the rules for where it's being sent.

Parts of a Synopsis - MyPerfectWords.com

How to Write a Synopsis?

Writing a synopsis is not a difficult task if you follow the correct procedure. A good synopsis requires proper planning and preparation.

The following are the steps involved in writing synopses effectively:

Understand the Basics

Before starting your synopsis, thoroughly understand the work you're summarizing.

Identify the main characters, character motivations, the central conflict, and the key themes. This foundational understanding is crucial for creating an accurate and engaging summary.

Start with a Strong Opening

The opening of your synopsis should grab attention and set the tone for the story. It should introduce the main elements without giving away too much.

Introduce the Main Characters

Briefly introduce the main characters, emphasizing their roles and relationships within the story. Focus on the key traits that drive their actions.

Outline the Central Plot

Summarize the main plot, emphasizing the key events that drive the story forward. Include the central goal or conflict that propels the characters.

Highlight the Central Conflict

Identify and emphasize the central conflict or challenges the characters face. Clearly articulate the obstacles that stand in their way.

Include Major Turning Points

Highlight significant turning points or major plot twists that add complexity and intrigue to the story. These moments should showcase the characters' development and contribute to the overall narrative.

Showcase the Resolution

Provide a glimpse of how the story concludes without giving away all the details. Indicate how the central conflict is resolved and what changes for the characters.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Format a Synopsis?

Formatting is a crucial aspect of creating a professional and visually appealing synopsis for agents and editors. Here are some formatting guidelines to consider:

Keep your synopsis concise, typically around 500 to 700 words. Focus on key plot points and essential details without unnecessary elaboration.

Font and Size:

Use a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial.
Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for optimal readability.

Margins and Spacing:

Set standard one-inch margins on all sides of the document.
Use standard single-space or double-spacing to enhance readability.
Use clear and straightforward language. Avoid overly complex sentences or excessive details. Aim for a style that reflects the tone of your work.

Presentation:

Format your synopsis with a readable font and standard font size. Use a professional layout with clear headings and sections to enhance readability

Character Names:

Introduce characters by their full names in bold and capslock when first mentioned. This helps clarity without repeating full names.

Character Thumbnails:

Include brief character thumbnails, providing key traits or motivations. This helps the reader quickly understand the characters' roles in the story.

Extra Points:

Focus on major plot points and avoid including every detail. Be selective and emphasize on the most impactful elements.

Paragraph Structure:

Organize your synopsis into clear paragraphs for each section, such as the introduction, main body, and conclusion.

Third Person Presentation:

Write the synopsis in the third person, even if your story is primarily in the first person. This maintains a professional and objective tone.
Write your synopsis in the present tense, regardless of the tense used in your actual work. This creates immediacy and engagement.

Document Type:

Save your synopsis in a widely accepted document format, such as .doc or .pdf.

File Naming:

Provide a clear and concise file name that includes the title of your work. For example: "Title_Synopsis.docx"

By adhering to these formatting guidelines, you can present a polished and professional synopsis that showcases your attention to detail.

How To Write A Synopsis Examples

Writing a synopsis means summarizing a big piece of work in a short and interesting way. It could be a story, a movie, or even a research paper.

Let's look at some important ideas and examples to help you get better at writing a good synopsis.

How To Write A Synopsis Sample:

How to Write a Synopsis for a Film

TV Show Synopsis - Example

Synopsis Example for Novel

Synopsis For a Book

Synopsis For a Short Story

Synopsis For a Story

Synopsis For a Short Film

Here are some more examples related to synopsis writing for research and academia!

Thesis Synopsis - Example

Synopsis For Research

Synopsis For a Project

A Synopsis For Phd

Synopsis of an Article

Tips for Writing the Perfect Synopsis

Here are some essential tips to help you refine your synopsis-writing process and create a compelling summary that captivates your audience:

Focus on the Main Plot: Avoid including every detail; instead, highlight the key events that drive the story forward.
Capture the Tone of the Work: Reflect the mood and style of the original work in your synopsis.
Emphasize Conflict and Stakes : Clearly articulate the central conflict and what's at stake for the characters.
Avoid Spoilers: Provide enough information to generate interest without giving away critical plot twists or the ending.
Keep It Concise: A synopsis is a snapshot, not the entire story. Aim for clarity and conciseness to maintain the reader.

All in all, now you have a detailed guide on how to write a synopsis. Take help from the tips and examples to craft an engaging synopsis on your own!

But if you are still confused or don’t have time to complete your synopsis, MyPerfectWords.com is always just a click away!

Our legit essay writing service offers high-quality services. We have experienced essay writers who can easily write your synopsis without any errors.

They understand your requirements and tailor them according to your needs.

So, why wait? Hire a paper writer now and get your synopsis on time!

Frequently Asked Question

What is the difference between a synopsis and a blurb.

The synopsis is comprehensive and aimed at agents, publishers, or those seeking a detailed understanding. While the blurb is concise and crafted for readers to decide if they want to engage with the book.

How Do You Start Writing A Synopsis?

To start writing a synopsis, begin by identifying the main elements of your work, including the central plot, key characters, and major themes.

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Features for Creative Writers
Features for Work
Features for Higher Education
Features for Teachers
Features for Non-Native Speakers
Learn Blog Grammar Guide Community Events FAQ
Grammar Guide

How to Write a Summary (Examples Included)

Ashley Shaw

Have you ever recommended a book to someone and given them a quick overview? Then you’ve created a summary before!

Summarizing is a common part of everyday communication. It feels easy when you’re recounting what happened on your favorite show, but what do you do when the information gets a little more complex?

Written summaries come with their own set of challenges. You might ask yourself:

What details are unnecessary?
How do you put this in your own words without changing the meaning?
How close can you get to the original without plagiarizing it?
How long should it be?

The answers to these questions depend on the type of summary you are doing and why you are doing it.

A summary in an academic setting is different to a professional summary—and both of those are very different to summarizing a funny story you want to tell your friends.

One thing they all have in common is that you need to relay information in the clearest way possible to help your reader understand. We’ll look at some different forms of summary, and give you some tips on each.

Let’s get started!

What Is a Summary?

How do you write a summary, how do you write an academic summary, what are the four types of academic summaries, how do i write a professional summary, writing or telling a summary in personal situations, summarizing summaries.

A summary is a shorter version of a larger work. Summaries are used at some level in almost every writing task, from formal documents to personal messages.

When you write a summary, you have an audience that doesn’t know every single thing you know.

When you want them to understand your argument, topic, or stance, you may need to explain some things to catch them up.

Instead of having them read the article or hear every single detail of the story or event, you instead give them a brief overview of what they need to know.

Academic, professional, and personal summaries each require you to consider different things, but there are some key rules they all have in common.

Let’s go over a few general guides to writing a summary first.

A summary should be shorter than the original

1. A summary should always be shorter than the original work, usually considerably.

Even if your summary is the length of a full paper, you are likely summarizing a book or other significantly longer work.

2. A summary should tell the reader the highlights of what they need to know without giving them unnecessary details.

3. It should also include enough details to give a clear and honest picture.

For example, if you summarize an article that says “ The Office is the greatest television show of all time,” but don’t mention that they are specifically referring to sitcoms, then you changed the meaning of the article. That’s a problem! Similarly, if you write a summary of your job history and say you volunteered at a hospital for the last three years, but you don’t add that you only went twice in that time, it becomes a little dishonest.

4. Summaries shouldn’t contain personal opinion.

While in the longer work you are creating you might use opinion, within the summary itself, you should avoid all personal opinion. A summary is different than a review. In this moment, you aren’t saying what you think of the work you are summarizing, you are just giving your audience enough information to know what the work says or did.

Now that we have a good idea of what summaries are in general, let’s talk about some specific types of summary you will likely have to do at some point in your writing life.

An academic summary is one you will create for a class or in other academic writing. The exact elements you will need to include depend on the assignment itself.

However, when you’re asked for an academic summary, this usually this means one of five things, all of which are pretty similar:

You need to do a presentation in which you talk about an article, book, or report.
You write a summary paper in which the entire paper is a summary of a specific work.
You summarize a class discussion, lesson, or reading in the form of personal notes or a discussion board post.
You do something like an annotated bibliography where you write short summaries of multiple works in preparation of a longer assignment.
You write quick summaries within the body of another assignment . For example, in an argumentative essay, you will likely need to have short summaries of the sources you use to explain their argument before getting into how the source helps you prove your point.

Regardless of what type of summary you are doing, though, there are a few steps you should always follow:

Skim the work you are summarizing before you read it. Notice what stands out to you.
Next, read it in depth . Do the same things stand out?
Put the full text away and write in a few sentences what the main idea or point was.
Go back and compare to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
Expand on this to write and then edit your summary.

Each type of academic summary requires slightly different things. Let’s get down to details.

How Do I Write a Summary Paper?

Sometimes teachers assign something called a summary paper . In this, the entire thing is a summary of one article, book, story, or report.

To understand how to write this paper, let’s talk a little bit about the purpose of such an assignment.

A summary paper is usually given to help a teacher see how well a student understands a reading assignment, but also to help the student digest the reading. Sometimes, it can be difficult to understand things we read right away.

However, a good way to process the information is to put it in our own words. That is the point of a summary paper.

A summary paper is:

A way to explain in our own words what happened in a paper, book, etc.
A time to think about what was important in the paper, etc.
A time to think about the meaning and purpose behind the paper, etc.

Here are some things that a summary paper is not:

A review. Your thoughts and opinions on the thing you are summarizing don’t need to be here unless otherwise specified.
A comparison. A comparison paper has a lot of summary in it, but it is different than a summary paper. In this, you are just saying what happened, but you aren’t saying places it could have been done differently.
A paraphrase (though you might have a little paraphrasing in there). In the section on using summary in longer papers, I talk more about the difference between summaries, paraphrases, and quotes.

Because a summary paper is usually longer than other forms of summary, you will be able to chose more detail. However, it still needs to focus on the important events. Summary papers are usually shorter papers.

Let’s say you are writing a 3–4 page summary. You are likely summarizing a full book or an article or short story, which will be much longer than 3–4 pages.

Imagine that you are the author of the work, and your editor comes to you and says they love what you wrote, but they need it to be 3–4 pages instead.

How would you tell that story (argument, idea, etc.) in that length without losing the heart or intent behind it? That is what belongs in a summary paper.

How Do I Write Useful Academic Notes?

Sometimes, you need to write a summary for yourself in the form of notes or for your classmates in the form of a discussion post.

You might not think you need a specific approach for this. After all, only you are going to see it.

However, summarizing for yourself can sometimes be the most difficult type of summary. If you try to write down everything your teacher says, your hand will cramp and you’ll likely miss a lot.

Yet, transcribing doesn’t work because studies show that writing things down (not typing them) actually helps you remember them better.

So how do you find the balance between summarizing the lessons without leaving out important points?

There are some tips for this:

If your professor writes it on the board, it is probably important.
What points do your textbooks include when summarizing information? Use these as a guide.
Write the highlight of every X amount of time, with X being the time you can go without missing anything or getting tired. This could be one point per minute, or three per five minutes, etc.

How Do I Create an Annotated Biography?

An annotated bibliography requires a very specific style of writing. Often, you will write these before a longer research paper . They will ask you to find a certain amount of articles and write a short annotation for each of them.

While an annotation is more than just a summary, it usually starts with a summary of the work. This will be about 2–3 sentences long. Because you don’t have a lot of room, you really have to think about what the most important thing the work says is.

This will basically ask you to explain the point of the article in these couple of sentences, so you should focus on the main point when expressing it.

Here is an example of a summary section within an annotation about this post:

“In this post, the author explains how to write a summary in different types of settings. She walks through academic, professional, and personal summaries. Ultimately, she claims that summaries should be short explanations that get the audience caught up on the topic without leaving out details that would change the meaning.”

Can I Write a Summary Within an Essay?

Perhaps the most common type of summary you will ever do is a short summary within a longer paper.

For example, if you have to write an argumentative essay, you will likely need to use sources to help support your argument.

However, there is a good chance that your readers won’t have read those same sources.

So, you need to give them enough detail to understand your topic without spending too much time explaining and not enough making your argument.

While this depends on exactly how you are using summary in your paper, often, a good amount of summary is the same amount you would put in an annotation.

Just a few sentences will allow the reader to get an idea of the work before moving on to specific parts of it that might help your argument.

What’s the Difference Between Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Using Quotes?

One important thing to recognize when using summaries in academic settings is that summaries are different than paraphrases or quotes.

A summary is broader and more general. A paraphrase, on the other hand, puts specific parts into your own words. A quote uses the exact words of the original. All of them, however, need to be cited.

Let’s look at an example:

Take these words by Thomas J. Watson:

”Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t as all. You can be discouraged by failure—or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember, that’s where you will find success.”

Let’s say I was told to write a summary, a paraphrase, and a quote about this statement. This is what it might look like:

Summary: Thomas J. Watson said that the key to success is actually to fail more often. (This is broad and doesn’t go into details about what he says, but it still gives him credit.)

Paraphrase: Thomas J. Watson, on asking if people would like his formula for success, said that the secret was to fail twice as much. He claimed that when you decide to learn from your mistakes instead of being disappointed by them, and when you start making a lot of them, you will actually find more success. (This includes most of the details, but it is in my own words, while still crediting the source.)

Quote: Thomas J. Watson said, ”Would you like me to give you a formula for success? It’s quite simple, really. Double your rate of failure. You are thinking of failure as the enemy of success. But it isn’t at all. You can be discouraged by failure—or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can. Because, remember, that’s where you will find success.” (This is the exact words of the original with quotation marks and credit given.)

A summary versus a paraphrase versus a quote

Avoiding Plagiarism

One of the hardest parts about summarizing someone else’s writing is avoiding plagiarism .

That’s why I have a few rules/tips for you when summarizing anything:

1. Always cite.

If you are talking about someone else’s work in any means, cite your source. If you are summarizing the entire work, all you probably need to do (depending on style guidelines) is say the author’s name. However, if you are summarizing a specific chapter or section, you should state that specifically. Finally, you should make sure to include it in your Work Cited or Reference page.

2. Change the wording.

Sometimes when people are summarizing or paraphrasing a work, they get too close to the original, and actually use the exact words. Unless you use quotation marks, this is plagiarism. However, a good way to avoid this is to hide the article while you are summarizing it. If you don’t have it in front of you, you are less likely to accidentally use the exact words. (However, after you are done, double check that you didn’t miss anything important or give wrong details.)

3. Use a plagiarism checker.

Of course, when you are writing any summary, especially academic summaries, it can be easy to cross the line into plagiarism. If this is a place where you struggle, then ProWritingAid can help.

Just use our Plagiarism Report . It’ll highlight any unoriginal text in your document so you can make sure you are citing everything correctly and summarizing in your own words.

Find out more about ProWritingAid plagiarism bundles.

Along with academic summaries, you might sometimes need to write professional summaries. Often, this means writing a summary about yourself that shows why you are qualified for a position or organization.

In this section, let’s talk about two types of professional summaries: a LinkedIn summary and a summary section within a resume.

How Do I Write My LinkedIn Bio?

LinkedIn is all about professional networking. It offers you a chance to share a brief glimpse of your professional qualifications in a paragraph or two.

This can then be sent to professional connections, or even found by them without you having to reach out. This can help you get a job or build your network.

Your summary is one of the first things a future employer might see about you, and how you write yours can make you stand out from the competition.

Here are some tips on writing a LinkedIn summary :

Before you write it, think about what you want it to do . If you are looking for a job, what kind of job? What have you done in your past that would stand out to someone hiring for that position? That is what you will want to focus on in your summary.
Be professional . Unlike many social media platforms, LinkedIn has a reputation for being more formal. Your summary should reflect that to some extent.
Use keywords . Your summary is searchable, so using keywords that a recruiter might be searching for can help them find you.
Focus on the start . LinkedIn shows the first 300 characters automatically, and then offers the viewer a chance to read more. Make that start so good that everyone wants to keep reading.
Focus on accomplishments . Think of your life like a series of albums, and this is your speciality “Greatest Hits” album. What “songs” are you putting on it?

How Do I Summarize My Experience on a Resume?

Writing a professional summary for a resume is different than any other type of summary that you may have to do.

Recruiters go through a lot of resumes every day. They don’t have time to spend ages reading yours, which means you have to wow them quickly.

To do that, you might include a section at the top of your resume that acts almost as an elevator pitch: That one thing you might say to a recruiter to get them to want to talk to you if you only had a 30-second elevator ride.

Treat your resume summary as an elevator pitch

If you don’t have a lot of experience, though, you might want to skip this section entirely and focus on playing up the experience you do have.

Outside of academic and personal summaries, you use summary a lot in your day-to-day life.

Whether it is telling a good piece of trivia you just learned or a funny story that happened to you, or even setting the stage in creative writing, you summarize all the time.

How you use summary can be an important consideration in whether people want to read your work (or listen to you talk).

Here are some things to think about when telling a story:

Pick interesting details . Too many and your point will be lost. Not enough, and you didn’t paint the scene or give them a complete idea about what happened.
Play into the emotions . When telling a story, you want more information than the bare minimum. You want your reader to get the emotion of the story. That requires a little bit more work to accomplish.
Focus. A summary of one story can lead to another can lead to another. Think about storytellers that you know that go off on a tangent. They never seem to finish one story without telling 100 others!

To wrap up (and to demonstrate everything I just talked about), let’s summarize this post into its most essential parts:

A summary is a great way to quickly give your audience the information they need to understand the topic you are discussing without having to know every detail.

How you write a summary is different depending on what type of summary you are doing:

An academic summary usually gets to the heart of an article, book, or journal, and it should highlight the main points in your own words. How long it should be depends on the type of assignment it is.
A professional summary highlights you and your professional, academic, and volunteer history. It shows people in your professional network who you are and why they should hire you, work with you, use your talents, etc.

Being able to tell a good story is another form of summary. You want to tell engaging anecdotes and facts without boring your listeners. This is a skill that is developed over time.

Take your writing to the next level:

20 Editing Tips from Professional Writers

Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas., this guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers..

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Ashley Shaw is a former editor and marketer/current PhD student and teacher. When she isn't studying con artists for her dissertation, she's thinking of new ways to help college students better understand and love the writing process. You can follow her on Twitter, or, if you prefer animal accounts, follow her rabbits, Audrey Hopbun and Fredra StaHare, on Instagram.

Get started with ProWritingAid

Drop us a line or let's stay in touch via :

Literary Terms
Definition & Examples
When & How to Write a Synopsis

I. What is a Synopsis?

A synopsis is a brief summary that gives audiences an idea of what a composition is about. It provides an overview of the storyline or main points and other defining factors of the work, which may include style, genre, persons or characters of note, setting, and so on. We write synopses for all kinds of things—any type of fiction or nonfiction book, academic papers, journal and newspaper articles, films, TV shows, and video games, just to name a few!

The amount of detail and information revealed in a synopsis depends on its purpose. For instance, authors often need to provide a lengthy synopsis when proposing a book, article, or work to potential publishers or editors —in that case, a synopsis will include a full plot overview (which includes revealing the ending), signs of character progression, detailed explanation of theme and tone, and so on. This article will mainly focus on the short synopses you see every day on websites and other media outlets.

II. Example of a Synopsis

Here’s an example of a short synopsis of the story of Jack and Jill:

Jack and Jill is the story of a boy and a girl who went up a hill together. They went to fetch a pail of water, but unfortunately, their plan is disrupted when Jack falls and hits his head, and rolls back down the hill. Then, Jill falls too, and comes tumbling down after Jack.

As you can see, the synopsis outlines what happens in the story. It introduces the main characters and the main plot points without being overly detailed or wordy.

III. Importance of Synopses

Synopses are extremely valuable and necessary pieces of writing for authors, film makers, TV producers, academic writers, and many others.

On one level, it’s what actually helps a book get published or a film or TV series get made—a successful, well-written synopsis can convince the person in charge of publication or production to bring a work to life
On the other hand, synopses grab the attention of potential audiences and can convince them to read, watch, or listen
Also, they help researchers find what they are looking for and decide if a piece is relevant to their field

Without them, audiences and readers would never know what something was about before reading or viewing it! Thus, the importance of synopses is twofold: it both helps works get made and then helps them reach the right audiences.

IV. Examples of Synopses in Literature

Example 1: synopsis of a novel.

When we want to choose a novel, it’s a common practice to read a synopsis of what it’s about. A short synopsis will give us just enough details to draw readers in and hopefully convince them to read the book! Here’s a brief synopsis from Cliff’s Notes of The Hunger Games :

In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, the Capitol forces each of Panem’s 12 districts to choose two teenagers to participate in the Hunger Games, a gruesome, televised fight to the death. In the 12th district, Katniss Everdeen steps in for her little sister and enters the Games, where she is torn between her feelings for her hunting partner, Gale Hawthorne, and the district’s other tribute, Peeta Mellark, even as she fights to stay alive. The Hunger Games will change Katniss’ life forever, but her acts of humanity and defiance might just change the Games, too.

Example 2: Synopsis of an Academic Paper

Sometimes, teachers, professors, publications, or editors want a synopsis of an academic paper, lecture, or article, which is more formally called an abstract (See Related Terms ). Like with a work of fiction, it gives a summary of the main points of the papers or article and provides a snapshot of what issues will be discussed. Synopses of these types of work are particularly important for scholars and anyone doing research, because when searching, they need to be able to know what an article is about and whether it is relevant to their work.

During his career, J.R.R. Tolkien gave a lecture on the classic Beowulf , which became one of the most respected and most-consulted academic sources on the poem to date. Here is a synopsis:

Before Tolkien, general scholarly opinion held…that while the poem might after all be unified, it was nevertheless unfortunate that the poet had chosen to tell stories about a hero, ogres, and a dragon, instead of detailing the wars in the North to which he often provocatively alludes. Tolkien’s lecture strongly and sometimes ironically defends the poet’s decision and the poem itself. The poet had every right to choose fantasy rather than history as his subject; in doing so he universalized his theme; his many allusions to events not recounted gave his work depth; most of all, the poem offered a kind of negotiation between the poet’s own firmly Christian world and the world of his pagan ancestors, on whom he looked back with admiration and pity.

This synopsis shares the main focus of Tolkien’s famous lecture and outlines its purpose for those who may be interested in it and can benefit from his research.

V. Examples of Synopses in Popular Culture

Example 1: synopsis of a tv series.

Giving the audience a written preview of a subject or storyline is a standard practice for TV producers. Before the series Gotham premiered, Warner Brothers released a detailed synopsis of exactly what the show would be about, which was particularly important because the audience would want to know how it would be placed amongst other Batman storylines. Here is a selection from its official synopsis:

Gotham is the origin story of the great DC Comics Super- Villains and vigilantes, revealing an entirely new chapter that has never been told. From executive producer/writer Bruno Heller (The Mentalist, Rome), this one-hour drama follows one cop’s rise through a dangerously corrupt city teetering on the edge of evil and chronicles the genesis of one of the most popular super heroes of our time. Brave, earnest and eager to prove himself, the newly minted detective Gordon (Ben McKenzie) is partnered with the brash, but shrewd police legend Harvey Bullock (Donal Logue), as the two stumble upon the city’s highest-profile case ever: the murder of local billionaires Thomas and Martha Wayne.

This is only one piece of the synopsis provided by Warner Brothers, but it’s a good sample of the bigger picture. It introduces the main theme and major characters, giving us a taste of what the series has in store.

Example 2: Synopsis of a Film

The job of a film synopsis is to build excitement and anticipation in the audience. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is a long-awaited addition to J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe and the release of this synopsis and trailer was big news in the world of popular culture. Here’s the synopsis:

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

When a new film is announced, producers usually release a written synopsis like this, as well as an official trailer. Truly, a movie trailer is just a visual form of a synopses. But, a trailer builds even more anticipation in the audience than a written summary, because it gives a true peek at what will unfold on screen.

VI. Related Terms

An abstract is a brief summary of a scholarly work. It does the same things as a synopsis, but goes by a different term—“synopsis” is the preferred term for creative writing, films, and television, “while abstract” is the preferred term for formal or academic works. Overall, they have the same purpose.

An outline is shorter, less defined plan of what you’re going to include in a piece of writing. It’s usually written in the brainstorming phase, and just “outlines” general things that the work will include, and may change as you get farther in your work. An outline comes before a work is written, and a synopsis is written after a work is complete.

VII. Conclusion

In conclusion, synopses are useful summaries that are written for the benefit of a potential reader or audience. It gives an overview and a “sneak peek” at a work, which lets them choose things that are interesting or useful to them personally and/or professionally.

List of Terms

Alliteration
Amplification
Anachronism
Anthropomorphism
Antonomasia
APA Citation
Aposiopesis
Autobiography
Bildungsroman
Characterization
Circumlocution
Cliffhanger
Comic Relief
Connotation
Deus ex machina
Deuteragonist
Doppelganger
Double Entendre
Dramatic irony
Equivocation
Extended Metaphor
Figures of Speech
Flash-forward
Foreshadowing
Intertextuality
Juxtaposition
Literary Device
Malapropism
Onomatopoeia
Parallelism
Pathetic Fallacy
Personification
Point of View
Polysyndeton
Protagonist
Red Herring
Rhetorical Device
Rhetorical Question
Science Fiction
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Synesthesia
Turning Point
Understatement
Urban Legend
Verisimilitude
Essay Guide
Cite This Website

How To Write A Paper Synopsis

Author Sandra W.

How Do I Write An Essay Synopsis?

Writing a synopsis for an essay or any other piece of writing is simply about determining the most significant parts of a piece of writing and using this information to give a brief summary. In your synopsis, you want to identify the most important facts, as well as little details, which will give your reader a clear sense of the essay. The length of your synopsis depends entirely on the topic of your synopsis. It may range from a one-paragraph overview to a few pages in length.

A synopsis states your main line of argument, and depending on the discipline ( compare the Political Science and History examples below ), alludes to the important reasons for adopting that line of argument and your major conclusion/s.

Writing guide of a synopsis: Point by point

Introduce the main characters and their motivations .

Identify what characters drive the story, even if in the essay it is strictly in the mind of the narrator.
Write in active voice avoiding passive and dull language.
Then demonstrate how the characters drive the essay.

Illustrate the setting to give visuals for the reader

Determine the time and place the essay takes place.
These types of cues will give readers a better sense of the feel of the essay, as well as permit them to create a picture in their heads.

Establish the main themes of the essay .

What is the message of author? Are there recurring dialogue, images, or situations that act as symbolism in the essay for the overarching meaning behind the essay? If so, identify this information and work it into your synopsis.

Structure the plot.

Even if the essay is completely about one narrator has thought about athing, chances are there is a framework for the essay.
Structuring this in your pre-writing and including it in your essay explains the overall action in the essay.

Understand your audience to make your synopsis as effective as possible.

If you are writing this synopsis with a purpose of encouraging readers to the original essay, make sure you not to give away the ending or too many details. Instead, pique their interest and leave them wanting more.
If you are writing to demonstrate your understanding, include all the information which illustrates you have properly understood the essay.

How To Write Synopsis With Examples

A synopsis is a brief and general view of a storyline and other defining factors of a literary work. Also known as a summary or an outline, its a condensed statement of a large piece of work to the point and in an effective manner. It tells us about the plot , style , genre , characters , tone , theme , the story from the beginning, climax , and anti-climax . It gives a reliable preview of writing skills. It is mostly written in active voice and third person. The impression of emotions and feelings is also included in it. In short, it is less, and yet we can understand the critical parts of a story or a poem . It can be of any type – fictional and non-fictional setting . When writing a synopsis, we shouldn’t be over-detailed and wordy. It helps in grabbing the attention and convincing the readers. A synopsis should be long enough to pack in everything good about the story or any writing piece.

Synopsis of Cinderella

Cinderella, a kind and thoughtful girl, lives with her stepsisters; Clorinda and Tisbe. Her cruel stepmother makes her work all day long. Three of them are jealous of her beauty , so enslaved her and kept her in rags. One day they get the invitation from the king. He wants to throw a ball to find a bride for his some, the prince. Cinderella’s stepmother refuses to take her with them. There, the Fairy godmother helps her in getting a beautiful dress, slippers, and carriage. She tells her to come back before the stroke of 12, midnight. If she didn’t return, the spell would be broken. When Cinderella arrives at the ball, the prince falls in love with her instantly. No doubt Cinderella, enchants the prince but must face the anger of her stepmother when the spell wears off. She runs before the clock strikes but leaves her slipper in the rush. Later the prince finds her with the help of this glass slipper and confesses his love. They are reunited and embark on their lives together.

Synopsis of “The Bear”

The play takes place in the drawing-room of Elena Ivanovna Popova’s estate on the seven month anniversary of her husband’s death. She was leading a mournful life after his death. Her servant Luka tried to convince her for second marriage but all in vain. Smirnov comes to collect his debt to Popova, which her husband had borrowed. At first, Popova refuses to meet him but later sees Smirnov and tells him that she has no money, and she will pay back in a few days. This really annoys Smirnov, and he acts rudely and calls all women selfish and faithless. Popova also calls him a bear, and this is how the fight begins. Luka calls gardener and servant to stop them from fighting. Later their fight ends with love and brings them close. This play is a direct criticism of the hypocrisy of Russian society.

Synopsis of poem ‘After Apple Picking’

After Apple Picking is a poem by Robert Frost , which is set in a rural New England. The poem talks about the speaker and how he’s finishing his work of apple picking. He is now on his way to everyday sleep. Then he starts dreaming of massive apple harvesting. He is getting sick of this apple picking. In the end, he let the reader confused about his idea of sleep.

Synopsis of poem ‘ Little Miss Muffet ’

Poor little girl Miss Muffet wants to eat her curd and whey in peace. Meantime a spider comes, and she desperately dashes away. So she runs away, leaving the food behind.

Synopsis of short story ‘The Little Willow’

The Little Willow is a story of silent love that is set in the heart of London during the Second World War. Lisby and Simon both love each other, but they don’t express their love to each other. Now the army officer Simon comes to the courthouse to say goodbye to Lisby. She gives him a little willow tree as a token of his love. Her other sisters Charlotte and Brenda are different; outwardly beautiful but thoughtless; they both are engaged to other army officers. Later Simon is killed in the war. The war ends, and the lovers of her sisters return safely. A guest tells her that he was with Simon at the time of death. He tells her that Simon loved that girl who gave him the willow tree. Lisby discloses her love to that man. She feels very satisfying in knowing that. When her sisters tell her that there is no letter for her, she says that she has received her letter. This story is very profound at the same time, very compulsive.

Synopsis of the essay ‘Bachelor’s Dilemma ’:

The essay “Bachelor’s Dilemma” by Herbert Gold throws light on the problems faced by a bachelor in American society. The real dilemma lies in the confusion that a bachelor faces about his position in the civilized society. He is like an acrobat in a circus of life who is always staggering between love and marriage. A wife has tender feelings for him, whereas the husband takes him as a rival. A young girl looks at him as a possible catch. The other bachelors take him as an enemy who snatches away their love and bore him with his complaints. A confirmed bachelor is, in fact leading an abnormal life and so come across many difficulties.

Synopsis of Bird Box

This is a synopsis of the film, Bird Box. Amid a nightmarish new reality where an unseen evil force removes the global population. So, the mother , Malorie, and her two children embark on a life-threatening quest to find a safe place on earth. The real enemy is their eyesight—and as the defenseless blindfolded protector summons up the courage to follow a faint hope, hidden deep in a refuge down through the river. To be blind is the only thing that can save them. Their unsighted voyage led them to many difficulties. It and also creates a strong relationship with her children. No matter how dark times are, there is always a beam of light at the end of the tunnel.

Synopsis of Harry Potter

The story begins at the eleventh birthday of Harry when he comes to know that his parents were wizards. He receives a letter from Hagrid for the acceptance and invitation to study at Hogwarts. He leaves his uncle Vernon, aunt Petunia, and his cousin Dudley. He makes new friends Hermione and Ron. He learns many techniques at Hogwarts, taught by his professors and the headmaster, Dumbledore. His friends help him through the most challenging years in Hogwart. He comes to know about the reality of his parent’s death. The wizard practicing dark magic: Voldemort. His scar and mirror alarm him of Voldemort. Every experience Harry, Hermione, and Ron find themselves in dangerous situations. However, it brings them closer to Harry as his fight with Voldemort begins.

Examples of How to Write a Complaint Letter
Examples of How to Write a Petition or an Appeal
Importance of Analogy and How to Write with Examples
How to Write a Resume
How to Write Get Well Soon Wishes
How to Write a Cover Letter
Ideas For What To Write On Thank You Cards
How to Write a Letter of Resignation
How to Write A Book Report
How to Write a Letter of Interest
Ideas for What to Write on a Sympathy Card
Ideas for What to Write on a Wedding Card
Ideas to Write Greetings on a Father’s Day card
Ideas to Write Greetings on a Mother’s Day Card
How To Write An Effective Press Release
Ideas For What To Write Wishes On Christmas Cards
Ideas to Write Wishes on Valentine’s Day Card
Ideas to Write Notes on Condolence Card
How to Write Wishes on Retirement Greeting Card
Ideas to Write Wishes on a Bridal Shower Card
Examples of Symbolism in Art
10 Fun Examples of Personification in Poetry
10 Examples of Irony in Shakespeare
Examples of Imagery in Poetry
Examples of Repetition in Poetry
Examples of Refrain in Poetry
Examples of Rhythm in Poetry
Examples of Symbolism in Poetry
Examples of Symbolism In Christianity
Examples of Symbolism in the Bible
Examples of Biblical Allusion
Examples of Allusions in Songs
Examples of Historical Allusion
10 Best Internal Rhymes Examples
10 Best Euphemism Examples in Literature
15 Understatement Examples in Literature
10 Best Characterization Examples in Literature
15 Best Understatement Examples in Movies
10 Best Euphemism Examples in Movies
10 Antagonist Archetypes with Examples
10 Hero Archetypes with Examples
10 Archetype Examples in Movies
20 Best Cliché Examples in Literature
200 Short and Sweet Metaphor Examples
A Huge List of Onomatopoeia Examples
Huge List of Idiom Examples
15 Irony Examples in Disney Movies
15 Visionary Simile Examples in The Bible
11 Examples of Irony in Children’s Literature
Examples of Themes in Popular Songs
Examples Of Figurative Language In Poetry
Examples of Figurative Language in Rap Songs
Examples of Symbolism in Song Lyrics
Great Metaphor Examples for Kids
Great Allegorical Poem Examples
15 Examples of Haiku Poems for Kids
7 Classic Story Archetypes with Examples
6 Types of Conflicts in Literature With Examples
20 Major Types of Archetypes with Examples
Four Main Types of Sonnets with Examples
12 Thought Provoking Examples of Irony in History
Examples Of Figurative Language In Popular Songs
10 Best Free-Verse Poem Examples For Kids
Examples Of Figurative Language In Children’s Poetry and Rhymes

Introduction

Goals and Goal Setting

Goals Common to All RST Writers

Other Goals to Consider

Defining My Own Goals

Advice about Assignments

Getting Started: Listing Topics to Write about in the Tutorial

Narrative One: Personal Piece on a Significant Experience

Narrative Two: Academic Piece on a Significant Experience

Summary/Response One

Summary/Response Two

Tutorial Evaluation Postscript

On Using the Resources for Writers

Generating and Developing Ideas

Finding/Expressing Main Ideas

Showing v. Telling Sentences

Focusing Topic Sentences

Thesis Statements

Reading Strategies

Assessing Your Reading Strategies

Summarizing

Writing Effective Summary and Response Essays

Discourse Analysis Worksheet

Trade Magazines

Selecting Readings

A summary is a concise paraphrase of all the main ideas in an essay. It cites the author and the title (usually in the first sentence); it contains the essay's thesis and supporting ideas; it may use direct quotation of forceful or concise statements of the author's ideas; it will NOT usually cite the author's examples or supporting details unless they are central to the main idea. Most summaries present the major points in the order that the author made them and continually refer back to the article being summarized (i.e. "Damon argues that ..." or "Goodman also points out that ... "). The summary should take up no more than one-third the length of the work being summarized.

The Response:

A response is a critique or evaluation of the author's essay. Unlike the summary, it is composed of YOUR opinions in relation to the article being summarized. It examines ideas that you agree or disagree with and identifies the essay's strengths and weaknesses in reasoning and logic, in quality of supporting examples, and in organization and style. A good response is persuasive; therefore, it should cite facts, examples, and personal experience that either refutes or supports the article you're responding to, depending on your stance.

Two Typical Organizational Formats for Summary/Response Essays:

1. Present the summary in a block of paragraphs, followed by the response in a block:

Intro/thesis Summary (two to three paragraphs) Agreement (or disagreement) Disagreement (or agreement) Conclusion

Note: Some essays will incorporate both agreement and disagreement in a response, but this is not mandatory.

2. Introduce the essay with a short paragraph that includes your thesis. Then, each body paragraph summarizes one point and responds to it, and a conclusion wraps the essay up.

Intro/thesis Summary point one; agree/disagree Summary point two; agree/disagree Summary point three; agree/disagree Conclusion

What Is a Synopsis and How Do You Write One?

What to Put In and What to Leave Out

An Introduction to Punctuation
Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
B.A., English, State University of New York

In the 19th century, a synopsis was a classroom exercise used for teaching traditional grammar but today, the accepted definition of a synopsis is a general overview of an article, essay, story, book, or other written work. In the field of publishing, a synopsis may serve as a proposal for an article or book. In feature writing and other forms of nonfiction, a synopsis may also refer to a concise summary of a polemic argument or event. You might also find a synopsis included in a review or report.

Fast Facts: Synopsis

Pronunciation: si-NOP-sis

Etymology From the Greek, "general view"

Plural : synopses

Adjective : synoptic

Synopsis vs. Outline

Some people use the terms outline and synopsis synonymously and they really are very similar. When it comes to fiction, however, the distinction is more clearcut. While each may contain similar information, a synopsis is an overview that summarizes the main plot points of the work, whereas an outline functions as a structural tool that breaks the plot down into its component parts.

If you think of it in terms of a novel, the synopsis would be similar to the book jacket copy that tells you who the characters are and what happens to them. It usually also gives readers a feeling for the tone, genre, and theme of the work. An outline would be more akin to a page of chapter listings (provided the author has titled the chapters rather than just numbering them) which functions as a map that leads the reader from the beginning of a literary journey to its final destination or denouement.

In addition to crucial information, a synopsis often includes a thematic statement. Again, thinking in terms of fiction, it would identify the genre and even subgenre, for example, a romance Western, a murder mystery, or a dystopic fantasy and would also reveal something of the tone of the work—whether dark or humorous, erotic or terrifying.

What to Include and What to Leave Out

Since a synopsis is a condensation of the original material, a writer must be sure to include the most important details so that the reader will be able to fully comprehend what the work is about. Sometimes, it's hard to know what to put in and what to leave out. Writing a summary requires critical thinking . You're going to have to analyze the original material and decide what the most important information is.

A synopsis isn't about style or details, it's about supplying enough information for your audience to easily understand and categorize the work. A few brief examples might be permissible, but numerous examples, dialogues, or extensive quotations have no place in a synopsis. Do, however, keep your synopsis true to the plot and timeline of the original story.

Synopses for Non-Fiction Stories

The purpose of a synopsis for a work of nonfiction is to serve as a condensed version of an event, a controversy, a point of view, or background report. Your job as a writer is to include enough basic information so that a reader can easily identify what the story is about and understand its tone. While detailed information is important when telling the larger story, only the information crucial to comprehending the "who, what, when, where, and why" of an event, proposal, or argument is necessary for the synopsis.

Again, as with fiction, the tone and the eventual outcome of your story will also likely come into play in your summary. Choose your phrasing judiciously. Your goal is to use as a few words as possible to achieve maximum impact without leaving out so much information that your reader ends up confused.

Fernando, Jovita N., Habana, Pacita I., and Cinco, Alicia L. "New Perspectives in English One." Rex, 2006
Kennedy, X.J., Kennedy, Dorothy M., and Muth, Marcia F. "The Bedford Guide for College Writers." Ninth Edition. Bedford/St. Martin's, 2011
Brooks, Terri. " Words' Worth: A Handbook on Writing and Selling Nonfiction ." St. Martin's Press, 1989
How to Write a Great Book Report
An Introduction to Literary Nonfiction
What Is Literary Journalism?
How to Summarize a Plot
How to Write an Abstract
Conciseness for Better Composition
What Is a Novel? Definition and Characteristics
Genres in Literature
Third-Person Point of View
Interior Monologues
Definition and Examples of Narratives in Writing
Defining Nonfiction Writing
How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
Book Report: Definition, Guidelines, and Advice
The Essay: History and Definition

How to Write an Essay Synopsis

Liza hollis.

Writing a synopsis for an essay or any other piece of literature is simply about determining the most important parts of a piece of work and using this information to provide a brief summary. In your synopsis you want to highlight the most important facts, as well as the little details that will give your reader a better sense of the essay. The length of your synopsis will depend entirely on what you are writing the synopsis for. It can range from a one paragraph overview to a few pages in length.

Explore this article

Writing your Essay Synopsis
Introduce the main characters
Describe the setting
Identify the major themes
Diagram the plot structure
Know your audience

things needed

Computer or Paper with pen/pencil
Essay you are reviewing

1 Writing your Essay Synopsis

2 introduce the main characters.

Introduce the main characters and their motivations. You want to write in active voice, avoiding dull and passive language. Identify what characters drive the story, even if in the essay it is strictly in the mind of the narrator. Then explain how the characters move the essay.

3 Describe the setting

Describe the setting to give visuals for the reader. Establish the place and time the essay takes place. These kind of cues will give readers a better sense of the feel of the essay, as well as allow them to create a picture in their heads.

4 Identify the major themes

Identify the major themes of the essay. What is the author of the essay trying to convey? Are there recurring images, dialogue, or situations that act as symbolism in the essay for the overarching meaning behind the essay? If so, identify this information and work it into your synopsis.

5 Diagram the plot structure

Diagram the plot structure. Even if the essay is completely about one narrator’s thought about one thing, chances are there is some structure to the essay. Diagramming this in your pre-writing and including it in your essay will explain the overall action in the essay.

6 Know your audience

Know your audience to make your synopsis as effective as possible. If you are writing this synopsis to encourage readers to read the original essay, be sure not to give away the ending or too many details. Rather, pique their interest and leave them wanting more. If you are writing to show understanding, include all the information that demonstrates you have properly comprehended the essay.

About the Author

Liza Hollis has been writing for print and online publications since 2003. Her work has appeared on various digital properties, including USAToday.com. Hollis earned a degree in English Literature from the University of Florida.

How to Write a Concept Essay for College English

How to Write an Introduction for a Character Analysis

How to Write Visual Rhetoric Essays

What Is a Hook Paragraph in an Essay?

5 Ways to Develop a Paragraph

How to Write an Introduction for a Literary Analysis...

Types of Introductions in Essays

How to Answer Open-Ended Essay Questions

How to Make the Setting of a Book Report

How to Write an Essay Abstract

How to Write a Rough Draft

Characteristics of Narrative Essays

How to Write an Evaluation Essay on TV Shows

What is a Personal Narrative?

What Makes Up a Well-Written Essay in High School?

What Is a Subjective Essay?

How to Create an Outline for a Reflection Paper

How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay About a Story

How to Write an Essay About a Piece of Literature

Major Parts of a Term Paper

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

Accessibility
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Copyright Policy
Manage Preferences

Skip to primary navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer

Elite Editing

You write it. We right it.™

How to Write a Synopsis

If you’re a writer, you definitely need to know how to write a synopsis for a book. Why? Because when you query an agent or publisher, you’ll need to include a synopsis with your submission.

But writers aren’t the only people who need to know how to write a synopsis. From students to scientists, all kinds of people will find themselves having to write one at some point. Thankfully, the process isn’t complicated. By following a few basic steps and guidelines, you’ll know how to write a synopsis in no time.

What a Synopsis Is

Forget about how to write a synopsis. First, you need to know what a synopsis is! Put simply, a synopsis is a detailed summary of all the important aspects of a book, project, or study. There are different types of synopses, but a book synopsis briefly explains the key points from the plot as well as things like setting, characters, tone, and any important themes.

What a Synopsis Isn’t

Knowing how to write a synopsis for a book means knowing not just what a synopsis is, but what a synopsis isn’t. Below, we’ll discuss some other types of summaries that differ from synopses.

Synopsis vs. outline

It’s important to know the difference between a synopsis and an outline. An outline is like a “skeleton” for your book that you can create to help you write by then fleshing out your outline with details. A synopsis, on the other hand, is a complete summary of your book that you use to give agents and editors an in-depth, complete account of all the key details from beginning to end.

Synopsis vs. abstract

An abstract is a short and general book summary and doesn’t include every detail. The goal of an abstract is to give a brief and general summary of the book. A synopsis goes into every detail, with a deeper dive into specifics.

A good synopsis vs. abstract rule of thumb is to consider whether you need a very general summary or a specific and detailed one. If you need a detailed one, then you need to know how to write a synopsis.

Synopsis vs. pitch

When considering the question of synopsis vs. pitch, remember that a pitch is the shortest type of summary, and a synopsis is one of the longest. A pitch is designed to make your book sound appealing in just a few sentences, so it’s designed for maximum impact—sort of like a marketing tagline or log line. Pitches are quick and impactful, whereas synopses give all the important details.

Sometimes a synopsis is a dry, straight summary that is written for informational purposes rather than emotional impact. Other times, it is written to be entertaining and showcase the writer’s creative voice. This will depend on the target audience of your synopsis.

Types of Synopsis

There are several different types of synopses, depending on what you are writing about.

Project synopsis

A project synopsis is often used in science and engineering fields and summarizes a project’s goals, processes, and conclusions. It often starts with a statement summarizing the problem that the project aims to solve. It delves into methods used and other details that are important to the project, such as relevant details about the project’s participants.

Research synopsis

Of the three main types of synopses, research and project synopses are most often used by research and scientific institutions. Like a project synopsis, a research synopsis summarizes the problem or question the research is attempting to solve and then describes how the research was conducted.

Research synopses also give details on the researchers themselves, such as any relevant academic degrees they hold.

Literary synopsis

A literary synopsis is a synopsis of a work of fiction. It summarizes all the critical elements of a book so that an agent or publisher understands, to a high level of detail, what a book is about without having read it.

How to Write a Synopsis for Your Finished Manuscript in Five Easy Steps

Make a list of your book’s key elements. These include the most critical story and plot points, conflict, characters, settings, themes, and tone. For the plot, go through each chapter, and write down one to three of the most important plot developments from each. Then flesh out each item on your list with any other important details.
Write a good opening sentence. This should summarize your character, setting, and the immediate conflict, ensuring you make it clear what’s at stake. Then link together your detailed list from step 1 to form a first draft of your synopsis.
Read through the synopsis. Then add any details you may have forgotten. Also, look for details you included that are not critical—and cut them.
Read through it again. Ensure that the plot and character arcs are clearly defined.
Give it a final edit and proofread. A one-page synopsis is often ideal, but publishers may request a synopsis of three to five pages or specify some other length.

That’s it! Now you know how to write a synopsis.

One-Page Synopsis

A one-page synopsis has to be even leaner than a three- or four-page synopsis, so it’s important that it contain only the most important details. If you find that your synopsis is too long, find ways to be more succinct, cutting out any information that isn’t absolutely critical to understanding the book. For example, did you describe characters that aren’t essential to the most important plot plots? Did you include details that do nothing to move the actual story along? Cut them out to strengthen—and shorten—your synopsis.

Once you know how to write a synopsis for a book, research project, or study, the process is the same every time. So whether you’re a budding novelist or a student working on an English-class project, use the information in this post to build a formula for writing different types of synopses.

Other Resources You Might Like

The words "content strategy" written on a notebook with a lightbulb next to it

Crafting Timeless Content

A person drawing with chalk. The drawing is a simple human outline running beside a yellow arrow with the word action in it

Mastering the Art of Persuasive White Papers

A large group of people, some with cameras, facing two people seated at a table

Writing Effective Press Releases in a Digital Age

Get elite updates straight to your inbox..

Content Writing
Marketing and Sales Enablement
Program Management
AI Implementation

Who We Help

Thought Leaders
Cybersecurity
Health Care
Full-Time Careers
Freelance Opportunities
Press and Awards
Success Stories
About Elite

In the News

Elite Creative Makes the Inc. 5000 for the Third Year in a Row

How to Write a Synopsis

#scribendiinc

Follow these tips to help create a catchy synopsis

If you're wondering how to get published , assembling a query package is the first step. Your query package should include a synopsis, which is the lynchpin. However, the task of writing a synopsis can be quite overwhelming. It should be an ultra-condensed version of your book, written in such a way as to leave the person reading it wanting more. An effectively written synopsis will not only help sell your book, it may also result in someone paying more for it! When trying to define what a synopsis is, an easy comparison to make is to a film trailer. A trailer is designed to entice a potential audience to spend their hard-earned money to see the film. The trailer must be tempting and exciting, so that once someone has seen it, they need to see more. This same premise should be adopted when creating a synopsis. A publisher should read yours and instantly want more.

Put in the Time to See Results

Considering that writing a book of any value takes significant time and resources, misrepresenting it with a poorly written synopsis is never justifiable. It is important that proper time and care are invested in constructing your synopsis.

Organization Matters

Organization is paramount. If you were to submit a helter-skelter synopsis with no definable plot line and loosely connected themes, the chances of selling your book would be slim to none. Take some time to draw out your plot line, accentuating the key elements you think are important to the integrity of the story. Try to leave out anything that could be construed as unnecessary or pointless, as this will only bore and frustrate the publishing agent. Keeping in mind that a synopsis should be relatively short, creating an organized outline will allow you to focus on the essential information and filter out that which is superfluous.

As you write your synopsis, think of it as a mini version of your book. Remember, this is what will ultimately sell your work. You have to make it "pop" so that when a publishing agent is finished reading it, they are thrilled with the prospect of buying your work and selling it. A boring or error-ridden synopsis will drastically diminish your chances of publication.

Keep it Clear

When you're writing, remember that clarity is your friend. If a publishing agent finishes reading your synopsis and isn't entirely clear about what they've just read, your book is going nowhere but into the rejection pile. This rejection is tough for a writer who has generated a book with deep plot twists and a surprise ending. Remember, though, that it doesn't have to explain everything. It should make the reader want to continue on to uncover the mysteries for themselves. You can explain things a bit, but don't worry about going into extreme detail, as this will only weigh down your word count and give away too much. Give the reader only a taste, but make sure that taste is so good they have to come back for more.

Formatting Tips

As far as formatting goes, there aren't really any set guidelines as to what you have to do, but there are definitely things that are good to do. Do not make your synopsis too long. A busy publisher will hate this, and will likely not even read it. It's generally a good idea to try and keep it to around five or six pages. Do double space your synopsis; this makes it easier for the publishing agent to read. Always write it in the present tense. Never give away the ending or any of your key plot twists, but always introduce them and leave an element of wonder. The "outline" part of your query package will take care of this part. Imagine if the trailer for M. Night Shyamalan's Sixth Sense told the audience that Bruce Willis was dead at the end? The movie would have been a complete flop.

Writing a synopsis is quite often an author's least favorite thing to do, but remember that this is your major marketing tool. Taking the time to write a well-crafted, enticing, and thorough one will pay off in spades. Review our example of a synopsis to get a better understanding of how to write one. You've likely spent months, or maybe even years writing your book, so don't misrepresent it with a poorly constructed synopsis! If the task is too daunting for you, consider sending your book to Scribendi's Query Package Service . We will craft a Grade-A Query Package for you, complete with a synopsis.

Image source: LibelSanRo/Pixabay.com

Perfect the Details. Get Professional Editing and Proofreading.

Hire a professional editor , or get a free sample.

Have You Read?

"The Complete Beginner's Guide to Academic Writing"

How to Get Published

How to Write a Query Letter

Traditional Publishing versus Self-Publishing: What's the Difference?

Upload your file(s) so we can calculate your word count, or enter your word count manually.

We will also recommend a service based on the file(s) you upload.

English is not my first language. I need English editing and proofreading so that I sound like a native speaker.

I need to have my journal article, dissertation, or term paper edited and proofread, or I need help with an admissions essay or proposal.

I have a novel, manuscript, play, or ebook. I need editing, copy editing, proofreading, a critique of my work, or a query package.

I need editing and proofreading for my white papers, reports, manuals, press releases, marketing materials, and other business documents.

I need to have my essay, project, assignment, or term paper edited and proofread.

I want to sound professional and to get hired. I have a resume, letter, email, or personal document that I need to have edited and proofread.

Prices include your personal % discount.

Prices include % sales tax ( ).

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

Synthesis essays are common assignments in both high school and university, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy or that everyone knows how to write them. In this guide, we discuss everything you need to know in order to write one yourself. We talk about synthesis essay structure and offer some general tips, plus we clarify any confusion between a synthesis essay versus an argumentative essay.

Cite your sources with confidence Grammarly helps you avoid plagiarism Write with Grammarly

What is a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay is a type of essay that combines points, data, and evidence from multiple sources and turns them into one idea that the writing revolves around. In other words, the writer synthesizes their own idea using other sources’ research and points. Usually, synthesis essays are a type of analytical essay , but they have crossover with other types of essays as well, such as argumentative essays .

The central idea in a synthesis essay is represented by the thesis statement , a sentence that succinctly explains the main point of the essay. In a synthesis essay, this “new” idea usually consolidates the main points and/or findings of other sources.

Synthesis essay structure

Creating a solid synthesis essay structure is one of the hardest parts of writing a synthesis essay. Unlike most other essay outlines , an outline for a synthesis essay has to include points from multiple sources, and such combinations don’t always have a logical or chronological sequence. To help you out, here are three strategies for creating a synthesis essay structure and sample outlines that you can use as templates.

Synthesis essay structure 1: By topic

The first kind of synthesis essay structure involves discussing each topic individually, mentioning each source’s perspective on it, and then moving on to the next topic. This approach lets you compare or join together points made by different sources about the same specific topic.

Structuring your synthesis essay by topic works best for more complicated ideas with different aspects that should be explored individually.

Example outline:

I. Introduction A. Thesis statement

II. Topic 1 A. Source A discussing Topic 1 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source A about Topic 1 2. Another point or piece of evidence/data from Source A about Topic 1 3. [Etc.]

B. Source B discussing Topic 1 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source B about Topic 1 2. [Etc.]

III. Topic 2 A. Source A discussing Topic 2 B. [Etc.]

IV. Topic 3 A. [Etc.]

[You can keep going like this with as many topics as you need.]

V. Conclusion A. Revisit thesis statement

Synthesis essay structure 2: By source

Alternatively, you can organize your synthesis essay structure by source: You discuss the main points of one source together and then move on to another source. This approach lets you compartmentalize the main points according to where they come from but ultimately bring together the main points from different sources.

Structuring your synthesis essay by source works best when you want to emphasize the sources themselves over the points they make. For example, if you were using this type of structure for an argumentative essay, you might want to fully discuss the source you’re refuting before making your counterargument.

II. Source 1 A. Source 1 discussing Topic A 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source 1 about Topic A 2. Another point or piece of evidence/data from Source 1 about Topic A 3. [Etc.]

B. Source 1 discussing Topic B 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source 1 about Topic B 2. [Etc.]

III. Source 2 A. Source 2 discussing Topic A B. Source 2 discussing Topic B C. [Etc.]

IV. Source 3 A. [Etc.]

[You can keep going like this for all your sources.]

V. Conclusion 1. Revisit thesis statement

Synthesis essay structure 3: Combine

The synthesis essay structures above are by no means set in stone. You’re free to adapt or modify them however you need and can even combine them.

For example, what if there’s a special source that stands out from the others? You could begin your synthesis essay by discussing each topic individually so that your reader understands the issue. Then you could switch it up and include a section just for that one special source, explaining that source’s stance on the previously discussed topics.

3 tips for writing a synthesis essay

1 come up with a strong thesis statement.

As mentioned above, a thesis statement is a single sentence that briefly explains the main point of your essay. In a synthesis essay, the thesis statement should effectively bring together the ideas and points from multiple other sources.

Part of writing a strong thesis statement comes from choosing your essay topic . Pick a topic that is broad enough to have sufficient research and enough other sources discussing it but specific enough that you can cover everything.

As for writing the actual thesis statement, a helpful method is to phrase your topic as a question and then answer it. The answer could be a good start to your thesis statement sentence. For example, let’s say your topic is how Denmark came to be first in clean energy. You could phrase the question and answer as:

Q: “Why is Denmark the leading country in renewable energy?”

A: “Denmark is first in clean energy thanks in part to energy conservation from district heating, combined heat-and-power stations, and its use of small, locally based power plants instead of larger ones.”

That answer could double as your thesis statement and mentions some of the other types of sources you use in your essay.

2 Read all the sources carefully

A synthesis essay is only as good as its sources. The nature of a synthesis essay is to build on its sources, so you need to choose the best ones and understand each of them thoroughly.

Make sure you comb through your sources so you don’t miss a good point or piece of evidence you could use in your essay. It helps to come up with your thesis statement early on so you can look for points related to it when you’re reading.

3 Write a gripping introduction

One of the keys to any good essay, synthesis or not, is a strong opening. This is partially determined by your thesis statement, but the other sentences in your introduction also make a big impact.

For starters, you can learn how to write a hook . In writing, a hook is something that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to keep reading. Hooks can essentially be anything interesting. Some common strategies for writing hooks include using personal anecdotes to create an emotional connection or providing exciting facts/statistics that the reader might not know.

Additionally, the introduction should also explain the scope of your topic and set the scene for people who aren’t familiar with it. The goal of the introduction is to prepare the reader for what follows so that afterward you can transition straight into making your points.

Synthesis essay vs. argumentative essay

Synthesis essays are often compared to argumentative essays, which attempt to refute, debunk, or criticize existing ideas or other research. The truth is that the two are not mutually exclusive. Although synthesis essays tend to be analytical or expository, they can also be argumentative.

A synthesis essay is any essay that combines ideas from multiple sources to create a new unified idea. If that new idea is a rebuttal to a preexisting idea and the entire essay is written as a critique, then the essay would be both synthesis and argumentative.

Synthesis essay FAQs

A synthesis essay is a type of essay that combines points, data, and evidence from multiple sources and turns them into one unified idea. In other words, the writer synthesizes their own idea using other sources’ research and ideas.

What is a good synthesis essay structure?

Traditionally, the common approaches to creating a synthesis essay structure are organizing by topic or organizing by source. The former means you discuss each source’s perspective on a topic before moving to the next topic; the latter means you discuss one source’s stance on each topic and then move to another source. You can also create a hybrid structure of the two for particular subjects.

What is the difference between a synthesis essay and an argumentative essay?

Synthesis essays are often contrasted with argumentative essays, but the truth is that the two are not mutually exclusive. For example, an argumentative essay can use the format of a synthesis essay—combining points from multiple sources to form a new unified idea—in order to refute a preexisting idea.

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
This Or That Game New
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Education and Communications
College University and Postgraduate
Academic Writing
Research Papers

How to Write a Research Synopsis: Template, Examples, & More

Last Updated: February 12, 2024 Fact Checked

Research Synopsis Template

Organizing & Formatting
Writing Your Synopsis
Reviewing & Editing

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 227,957 times.

A research synopsis describes the plan for your research project and is typically submitted to professors or department heads so they can approve your project. Most synopses are between 3,000 and 4,000 words and provide your research objectives and methods. While the specific types of information you need to include in your synopsis may vary depending on your department guidelines, most synopses include the same basic sections. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to write a synopsis for research.

Things You Should Know

Begin your research synopsis by introducing the question your research will answer and its importance to your field.
List 2 or 3 specific objectives you hope to achieve and how they will advance your field.
Discuss your methodology to demonstrate why the study design you chose is appropriate for your research question.

Organizing Your Research Synopsis

Step 1 Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor.

Find out what citation format you’re supposed to use, as well as whether you’re expected to use parenthetical references or footnotes in the body of your synopsis.
If you have questions about anything in your guidelines, ask your instructor or advisor to ensure you follow them correctly.

Step 2 Set up the headings for your sections.

Title: the title of your study
Abstract: a summary of your research synopsis
Introduction: identifies and describes your research question
Literature Review: a review of existing relevant research
Objectives: goals you hope to accomplish through your study
Hypotheses: results you expect to find through your research
Methodology and methods: explains the methods you’ll use to complete your study
References: a list of any references used in citations

Tip: Your synopsis might have additional sections, depending on your discipline and the type of research you're conducting. Talk to your instructor or advisor about which sections are required for your department.

Keep in mind that you might not end up using all the sources you initially found. After you've finished your synopsis, go back and delete the ones you didn't use.

Writing Your Research Synopsis

Step 1 Format your title page following your instructor’s guidelines.

Your title should be a brief and specific reflection of the main objectives of your study. In general, it should be under 50 words and should avoid unneeded phrases like “an investigation into.”
On the other hand, avoid a title that’s too short, as well. For example, a title like “A Study of Urban Heating” is too short and doesn’t provide any insight into the specifics of your research.

Step 2 Identify your research problem with the introduction.

The introduction allows you to explain to your reader exactly why the question you’re trying to answer is vital and how your knowledge and experience make you the best researcher to tackle it.
Support most of the statements in your introduction with other studies in the area that support the importance of your question. For example, you might cite a previous study that mentions your problem as an area where further research needs to be done.
The length of your introduction will vary depending on the overall length of your synopsis as well as the ultimate length of your eventual paper after you’ve finished your research. Generally, it will cover the first page or two of your synopsis.

Step 3 In your literature review, describe the work done by other researchers.

For example, try finding relevant literature through educational journals or bulletins from organizations like WHO and CDC.
Typically, a thorough literature review discusses 8 to 10 previous studies related to your research problem.
As with the introduction, the length of your literature review will vary depending on the overall length of your synopsis. Generally, it will be about the same length as your introduction.
Try to use the most current research available and avoid sources over 5 years old.

Step 4 Set forth the goals or objectives for your research project.

For example, an objective for research on urban heating could be “to compare urban heat modification caused by vegetation of mixed species considering the 5 most common urban trees in an area.”
Generally, the overall objective doesn’t relate to solving a specific problem or answering a specific question. Rather, it describes how your particular project will advance your field.
For specific objectives, think in terms of action verbs like “quantify” or “compare.” Here, you’re hoping to gain a better understanding of associations between particular variables.

Step 5 List your hypotheses for your research project.

Specify the sources you used and the reasons you have arrived at your hypotheses. Typically, these will come from prior studies that have shown similar relationships.
For example, suppose a prior study showed that children who were home-schooled were less likely to be in fraternities or sororities in college. You might use that study to back up a hypothesis that home-schooled children are more independent and less likely to need strong friendship support networks.

Step 6 Discuss the methodology and methods you’ll use in your research.

Expect your methodology to be at least as long as either your introduction or your literature review, if not longer. Include enough detail that your reader can fully understand how you’re going to carry out your study.
This section of your synopsis may include information about how you plan to collect and analyze your data, the overall design of your study, and your sampling methods, if necessary. Include information about the study setting, like the facilities and equipment that are available to you to carry out your study.
For example, your research work may take place in a hospital, and you may use cluster sampling to gather data.

Use between 100 and 200 words to give your readers a basic understanding of your research project.
Include a clear statement of the problem, the main goals or objectives of your study, the theories or conceptual framework your research relies upon, and the methods you’ll use to reach your goals or objectives.

Tip: Jot down a few notes as you draft your other sections that you can compile for your abstract to keep your writing more efficient.

Reviewing and Editing Your Research Synopsis

Step 1 Take a break before you start editing.

If you don’t have that kind of time because you’re up against a deadline, at least take a few hours away from your synopsis before you go back to edit it. Do something entirely unrelated to your research, like taking a walk or going to a movie.

Eliminate sentences that don’t add any new information. Even the longest synopsis is a brief document—make sure every word needs to be there and counts for something.
Get rid of jargon and terms of art in your field that could be better explained in plain language. Even though your likely readers are people who are well-versed in your field, providing plain language descriptions shows you know what you’re talking about. Using jargon can seem like you’re trying to sound like you know more than you actually do.

Tip: Free apps, such as Grammarly and Hemingway App, can help you identify grammatical errors as well as areas where your writing could be clearer. However, you shouldn't rely solely on apps since they can miss things.

Step 3 Check the format of your references.

Reference list formatting is very particular. Read your references out loud, with the punctuation and spacing, to pick up on errors you wouldn’t have noticed if you’d just read over them.
Compare your format to the one in the stylebook you’re using and make sure all of your entries are correct.

Step 4 Proofread your synopsis carefully.

Read your synopsis backward by starting on the last word and reading each word separately from the last to the first. This helps isolate spelling errors. Reading backward sentence by sentence helps you isolate grammatical errors without being distracted by the content.
Print your synopsis and circle every punctuation mark with a red pen. Then, go through them and focus on whether they’re correct.
Read your synopsis out loud, including the punctuation, as though you were dictating the synopsis.

Step 5 Share your paper with classmates and friends for review.

Have at least one person who isn’t familiar with your area of study look over your synopsis. If they can understand your project, you know your writing is clear. If any parts confuse them, then that’s an area where you can improve the clarity of your writing.

Step 6 Do a second round of editing and proofreading.

Expert Q&A

If you make significant changes to your synopsis after your first or second round of editing, you may need to proofread it again to make sure you didn’t introduce any new errors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

↑ https://admin.umt.edu.pk/Media/Site/iib1/FileManager/FORMAT%20OF%20SYNOPSIS%2012-10-2018.pdf
↑ https://www.scientificstyleandformat.org/Tools/SSF-Citation-Quick-Guide.html
↑ https://numspak.edu.pk/upload/media/Guidelines%20for%20Synopsis%20Writing1531455748.pdf
↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279917593_Research_synopsis_guidelines
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

About This Article

Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Jul 25, 2022

Did this article help you?

Wave Bubble

Aug 31, 2021

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

How to Write a Summary of a Book: Steps, Examples, FAQs

Summarizing a book might sound like a dull chore, but it doesn't have to be! Anyone can do it well with the right approach. Whether you're dissecting a novel for a report or just want to capture the heart of a story you love, you're in the right spot.

Our guide offers practical tips and examples to help you nail it. It doesn't matter if it's a novel, non-fiction, or any other type of book - these methods will make summarizing easier and guarantee you capture the essence of the book spot-on! And if you're still secretly wishing 'if only someone would ‘ write my papers ' - consider it done with our expert assistance!

Let's Understand What Is a Book Summary

A book summary is a condensed version of a book that highlights the main points and key ideas. By writing one, you're giving someone a sneak peek of the book without revealing all the details. Much like a snapshot or a brief overview, it captures the essence of the book. Instead of diving deep into every little detail, a summary focuses on the big picture.

It's a way to get the gist of a book without having to read the whole thing. Summaries are useful for many reasons. They can help you decide if a book is worth reading, refresh your memory about a book you've already read, or provide a quick reference for important information. Overall, a book summary is like a mini version of the book that gives you the main highlights in a nutshell.

Finished a Book but Feeling Uninspired to Summarize?

Pass the torch to our skilled writers and they'll whip up a top-notch summary for you!

Why Write a Book Summary in the First Place

Now, let's explore why writing a book is worth your while. Firstly, it's a great way to distill the key points and main ideas of a book into a concise format. This makes the information more accessible and easier to understand, especially for readers who may not have the time to read the entire book.

Plus, learning how to write a summary of a book can help you develop your critical thinking and analytical skills. By identifying the most important aspects of the book and summarizing them effectively, you're essentially engaging in a process of analysis and interpretation.

What's more, summarizing a book can be a valuable learning tool. It allows you to reflect on and internalize the content of the book, helping you to retain information and deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

And finally, writing a book summary is a way to share what you've learned. You can use your summary to talk about the book with others, whether it's in class, at a book club, or just chatting with friends. It's a way to spread knowledge and start conversations.

Meanwhile, you always have an alternative option to buy essay online and save yourself some time. If that sounds like a better plan, feel free to reach out to us whenever you need to!

Book Summary Vs. Book Review

Now, let our book review writing service experts clear up the difference between a book summary and a book review. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes. A book summary gives you the gist of what a book is about, focusing on the main points and key ideas. For example, if you were summarizing 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, you'd focus on the key themes like the American Dream, love, and wealth, giving a brief overview of the plot without going into too much detail about each event.

Now, let's say you're writing a review of the same book; instead of just outlining the plot, you'd share your thoughts on the characters, the writing style, and how the story affected you. For instance, you might discuss how Fitzgerald's elegant prose transported you to the glamorous world of the 1920s or how the tragic love story left you pondering the emptiness of materialism.

So, while a summary gives you the gist of the book's content, a review dives deeper into your personal impressions and reflections on the book. Both are useful in their own way, helping readers decide which books to pick up and offering insights into what makes a book memorable. And if you're not quite sure how to write a book review , make sure to check out our guide with more details.

How Long Should a Book Summary Be?

Now, let's tackle the question: How long should a book summary be? Well, the answer isn't set in stone—it depends on various factors such as the length and complexity of the book, as well as the purpose of the summary. As a general rule of thumb, a book summary should be concise and to the point, capturing the main points and key ideas without delving into every little detail.

For shorter books or novels, a summary of around 250 to 500 words may suffice to cover the essential elements effectively. On the other hand, for longer or more complex works like textbooks or academic papers, a summary may need to be longer, ranging from 500 to 1,000 words or more, to encompass all the important concepts and arguments.

Ultimately, the goal of a book summary is to provide a clear and succinct overview of the book's content, making it accessible to readers who want to grasp the main ideas quickly.

How to Write a Summary of a Book in 6 Steps

Writing a book summary might not seem as tough now that you have all the info we've shared. But with these 6 easy steps, we'll make it even simpler for you to get to the heart of any book. Whether it's an exciting story or an enlightening non-fiction piece, our custom essay writing service experts will walk you through crafting a summary that's clear, concise, and spotlights the key ideas.

Start with an Introduction (Title, Author, and Context)

The first step in writing a book summary is to introduce the book by providing its title, author, and a bit of context to set the scene.

For example, let's consider summarizing the book 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. We would start by introducing the book like this:

'Introducing 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger, a classic novel that takes readers on a journey through the mind of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Set in post-World War II America, the story follows Holden's adventures in New York City as he grapples with the complexities of adolescence and the loss of innocence.'

In this introduction, we provide the title of the book ('The Catcher in the Rye'), the author's name (J.D. Salinger), and a brief overview of the context in which the story takes place (post-World War II America). This sets the stage for our summary and gives readers a sense of what the book is about before diving into the details.

Identify the Main Characters and Setting

Once you've introduced the book, the next step is to identify the main characters and setting. This helps readers understand who and where the story revolves around.

For instance, if we continue with our example of summarizing 'The Catcher in the Rye,' we would identify the main character and setting like this:

'Our main character is Holden Caulfield, a rebellious teenager who narrates the story in first-person. He's a complex character, struggling with feelings of alienation and disillusionment. As for the setting, much of the story takes place in New York City during the 1950s, where Holden wanders the streets and encounters various people and situations.'

In this step of your book summary, we focus on introducing the protagonist (Holden Caulfield) and briefly describing his character traits. We also mention the setting (New York City during the 1950s) to provide context for the events that unfold in the story. This helps readers understand the backdrop against which the events of the book take place, setting the stage for the summary to come. And, if you're looking for another example to learn from, you can also take a peek at Pride and Prejudice summary .

Outline the Central Plot or Main Idea

After introducing the characters and setting, it's time to outline the central plot or main idea of the book. This step helps readers grasp the overall storyline and understand the key events that drive the narrative forward. If it's a philosophical work like The Divine Comedy summary , you could discuss the main concepts the author explores and the questions they raise.

Continuing with our example, we would outline the central plot like this:

'The central plot of 'The Catcher in the Rye' revolves around Holden Caulfield's journey of self-discovery and rebellion. After getting expelled from his prep school, Holden decides to leave early and spends a few days wandering around New York City. Throughout his escapades, Holden grapples with themes of identity, alienation, and the loss of innocence. Along the way, he encounters various characters and experiences that shape his perspective on life.'

In this step of summarizing a book, we provide a brief overview of the main storyline, highlighting the protagonist's journey and the themes explored in the book. This gives readers a sense of the overarching plot.

Summarize Key Events or Themes

Here, highlight the most significant events or recurring themes in the book. Events could include major plot twists, character developments, or key moments of conflict. Themes, on the other hand, are recurring ideas or messages that the author explores throughout the narrative. This step of how to write a summary of a book helps readers understand the most significant moments and ideas that drive the story forward or convey its message.

Using our example, we would summarize key events or themes like this:

'Throughout 'The Catcher in the Rye,' Holden Caulfield encounters a series of memorable events and grapples with various themes. From his interactions with his family and peers to his encounters with strangers in New York City, each experience contributes to his ongoing search for authenticity and connection. Themes of innocence, alienation, and the loss of childhood innocence permeate the narrative as Holden navigates the complexities of adolescence and the adult world.'

Condense Supporting Details

After summarizing the key events or themes, the next step is to condense supporting details. This involves focusing on the most essential aspects of the story while omitting minor details or subplots that are not crucial to understanding the main narrative.

Continuing with our example, let's include subplots, character relationships, or descriptive elements that enrich the reading experience.

‘Throughout his journey in New York City, Holden Caulfield encounters a variety of characters, including his sister Phoebe, his former teacher Mr. Antolini, and a young prostitute named Sunny. These interactions provide insight into Holden's character and his struggles with loneliness, disillusionment, and the desire for authenticity. Despite his rebellious nature, Holden ultimately longs for connection and understanding in a world he perceives as phony.'

You can also check out our Othello summary to see how we focus on summarizing key supporting details that contribute to the overall narrative and character development.

Conclude with a Recap

In the final step, briefly recap the main points you've covered in your summary. Then, offer your own reflections or insights about the book. Did you enjoy it? What aspects did you find most compelling? This section allows you to share your personal reaction to the book and provide a conclusion to your summary.

'In conclusion, 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a timeless coming-of-age novel that explores themes of identity, alienation, and the search for authenticity. Through the journey of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of adolescence and the challenges of navigating the adult world. While Holden's rebellious nature may initially alienate some readers, his underlying desire for connection and understanding resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. Overall, 'The Catcher in the Rye' remains a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.'

You'll also catch a glimpse of how we tie together the threads of the summary and offer some insights on the book's significance in our Hobbes Leviathan summary .

Book Summary Example

Bringing everything together, we've created a polished book summary example for you to help you structure your own work when you're feeling uncertain.

Closing Remarks

In wrapping up, tackling how to write a book summary isn't a walk in the park—it demands your time, energy, and hard work. Yet, if you stick with it and keep at it regularly, you're setting yourself up for success. So, keep pushing through and watch as your skills and knowledge grow. Trust us; the payoff down the road will be well worth the effort you put in!

IMAGES

How To Write A One-Page Synopsis
How to Start a Summary Paragraph: 10 Steps (with Pictures)
FREE 5+ Sample Chapter Summary Templates in PDF
Learn How To Write a Synopsis for an Assignment
the writing process for an argument is shown in this document, which
how-to-write-a-synopsis

VIDEO

How to write a synopsis protocol
Essay Writing Synopsis #mains #answerwriting
How to write PhD synopsis
Synopsis Writing Tips for Memoir
Professor explains the importance of synopsis & why writers must know how to write one #screenplay
How to write Synopsis for masters students @radhikatripathi5396 #youtube #englishliterature #phd

COMMENTS

How to Write an Incredible Synopsis in 4 Simple Steps
How to write a novel synopsis in 4 steps. 1. Get the basics down first. When it comes to writing a synopsis, substance is the name of the game. No matter how nicely you dress it up, an agent will disregard any piece that doesn't demonstrate a fully fleshed out plot and strong narrative arc. So it stands to reason that as you begin writing ...
Writing a Synopsis
Writing a Synopsis. A synopsis is a brief summary which gives readers an overview of the main points. In an academic context, this is usually a summary of a text (a journal article, book, report etc) but in some instances you might be writing a synopsis of a talk, film or other form of presentation. A synopsis is a neutral summary, objectively ...
How to Write a Summary
Table of contents. When to write a summary. Step 1: Read the text. Step 2: Break the text down into sections. Step 3: Identify the key points in each section. Step 4: Write the summary. Step 5: Check the summary against the article. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about summarizing.
How to Write a Synopsis
Keep your synopsis concise, typically around 500 to 700 words. Focus on key plot points and essential details without unnecessary elaboration. Font and Size: Use a standard, easily readable font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Use a font size between 10 and 12 points for optimal readability. Margins and Spacing:
4 Tips for Writing a Good Summary
1 Read or watch the source material. The first step is fairly obvious: Read or watch whatever it is you're writing a summary about. If you're doing a book report or similar paper, there's always a temptation to skip this step and just rely on other people's summaries. We don't recommend it, though.
How to Write a Synopsis (with Pictures)
2. Make a list of your main characters. This may include the protagonist, a love interest, a villain, or a sidekick. Only the most important characters should be mentioned in a synopsis. Take a minute to write out who your main characters are. [3] Make sure each of your characters is dynamic, rather than flat.
Writing a Summary
A summary should include all of the main points or ideas in the work but avoid smaller details or ideas. You don't want to provide every aspect of the plot or smaller points in your summary. Your summary should be written using your own words. Present the main ideas objectively, avoiding your own opinion and thoughts about the work.
How to Write a Summary: The Complete Guide
Even if your summary is the length of a full paper, you are likely summarizing a book or other significantly longer work. 2. A summary should tell the reader the highlights of what they need to know without giving them unnecessary details. 3. It should also include enough details to give a clear and honest picture.
Synopsis: Definition and Examples
A synopsis is a brief summary that gives audiences an idea of what a composition is about. It provides an overview of the storyline or main points and other defining factors of the work, which may include style, genre, persons or characters of note, setting, and so on. We write synopses for all kinds of things—any type of fiction or ...
PDF Writing a Synopsis
Writing a Synopsis . What is a synopsis? A synopsis is a brief summary which gives readers an overview of the main points. In an academic context, this is usually a summary of a text (a journal article, book, report etc) but in some instances you might be writing a synopsis of a talk, film or other form of presentation. A
How to Summarize an Essay: Proven Strategies and Tips
To effectively summarize an essay, follow these steps: 1 Read the essay: Fully read the essay to understand its main argument and structure. As you do this, identify the essay's thesis statement and main arguments, which will be featured in your summary. 2 Identify main points: Pinpoint the key points and arguments within the essay.
How Do I Write An Essay Synopsis?
Writing guide of a synopsis: Point by point. Introduce the main characters and their motivations. Identify what characters drive the story, even if in the essay it is strictly in the mind of the narrator. Write in active voice avoiding passive and dull language. Then demonstrate how the characters drive the essay.
How To Write Synopsis With Examples
When writing a synopsis, we shouldn't be over-detailed and wordy. It helps in grabbing the attention and convincing the readers. A synopsis should be long enough to pack in everything good about the story or any writing piece. Synopsis of Cinderella. Cinderella, a kind and thoughtful girl, lives with her stepsisters; Clorinda and Tisbe.
Writing Effective Summary and Response Essays
Writing Effective Summary and Response Essays. The Summary: A summary is a concise paraphrase of all the main ideas in an essay. It cites the author and the title (usually in the first sentence); it contains the essay's thesis and supporting ideas; it may use direct quotation of forceful or concise statements of the author's ideas; it will NOT usually cite the author's examples or supporting ...
What Is a Synopsis and How Do You Write One?
In the 19th century, a synopsis was a classroom exercise used for teaching traditional grammar but today, the accepted definition of a synopsis is a general overview of an article, essay, story, book, or other written work. In the field of publishing, a synopsis may serve as a proposal for an article or book. In feature writing and other forms ...
Synopsis Examples and Writing Tips
A synopsis example can make it easier to understand how to summarize a larger piece of work. Luckily, you can find several tailored examples with our list.
Learn How to Write a Synopsis Like a Pro
Have elements that set your story apart from other things they have seen. Story Advancement. A synopsis should include the characters' feelings and emotions. Use these elements to advance your plot and story. Write Clearly. Focus on clarity in your writing and avoid wordiness. Remember, less is more.
How to Write an Essay Synopsis
Writing a synopsis for an essay or any other piece of literature is simply about determining the most important parts of a piece of work and using this information to provide a brief summary. In your synopsis you want to highlight the most important facts, as well as the little details that will give your reader a ...
How to Write a Synopsis
How to Write a Synopsis for Your Finished Manuscript in Five Easy Steps. Make a list of your book's key elements. These include the most critical story and plot points, conflict, characters, settings, themes, and tone. For the plot, go through each chapter, and write down one to three of the most important plot developments from each.
How to Write a Synopsis
Do double space your synopsis; this makes it easier for the publishing agent to read. Always write it in the present tense. Never give away the ending or any of your key plot twists, but always introduce them and leave an element of wonder. The "outline" part of your query package will take care of this part.
How to Write an Essay Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
How to Write a Synthesis Essay, WIth Examples
Structuring your synthesis essay by topic works best for more complicated ideas with different aspects that should be explored individually. Example outline: I. Introduction A. Thesis statement. II. Topic 1 A. Source A discussing Topic 1 1. A point or piece of evidence/data from Source A about Topic 1 2.
How to Write a Synopsis for Research: A Step-By-Step Guide
1. Format your title page following your instructor's guidelines. In general, the title page of a research synopsis includes the title of the research project, your name, the degree and discipline for which you're writing the synopsis, and the names of your supervisor, department, institution, and university.
How to Write a Summary of a Book with an Example
Book Summary Vs. Book Review. Now, let our book review writing service experts clear up the difference between a book summary and a book review. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes. A book summary gives you the gist of what a book is about, focusing on the main points and key ideas.

How to Write an Incredible Synopsis in 4 Simple Steps

What is a synopsis?

How to write a novel synopsis in 4 steps

1. Get the basics down first

Start with major plot points

Include character motivations

2. Highlight what’s unique

Plot twists

Point of view

3. Edit for clarity and excess

Editing for clarity

Editing excess words

4. Make sure it flows

Get test readers

Use professional synopses as models

2 responses

Continue reading

How to Publish a Book For Free: The 7 Best Sites

5 Ways to Save on Your Self-Publishing Budget

30 Great Book Dedication Examples to Inspire Your Own

Expository Writing: The Craft of Sharing Information

Additional Reviews: Query Critique December 2024

How to Make Money by Writing Books: 8 Tips for Success

Bring your publishing dreams to life

1 million authors trust the professionals on Reedsy. Come meet them.

How to Write a Synopsis – A Simple Format & Guide

What is a Synopsis?

Purpose of Writing a Synopsis

How to Write a Synopsis?

Understand the Basics

Start with a Strong Opening

Introduce the Main Characters

Outline the Central Plot

Highlight the Central Conflict

Include Major Turning Points

Showcase the Resolution

How to Format a Synopsis?

How To Write A Synopsis Examples

Tips for Writing the Perfect Synopsis

Frequently Asked Question

How Do You Start Writing A Synopsis?

Keep reading

How to Write a Summary (Examples Included)

Ashley Shaw

What Is a Summary?

How Do I Write a Summary Paper?

How Do I Write Useful Academic Notes?

How Do I Create an Annotated Biography?

Can I Write a Summary Within an Essay?

What’s the Difference Between Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Using Quotes?

Avoiding Plagiarism

How Do I Write My LinkedIn Bio?

How Do I Summarize My Experience on a Resume?

Take your writing to the next level:

20 Editing Tips from Professional Writers

Be confident about grammar

Get started with ProWritingAid

I. What is a Synopsis?

II. Example of a Synopsis

III. Importance of Synopses

IV. Examples of Synopses in Literature

Example 2: Synopsis of an Academic Paper

V. Examples of Synopses in Popular Culture

Example 2: Synopsis of a Film

VI. Related Terms

VII. Conclusion

List of Terms

How To Write A Paper Synopsis

Recent Posts

How To Write Synopsis With Examples

Related posts:

Post navigation

Writing Effective Summary and Response Essays

What Is a Synopsis and How Do You Write One?

Fast Facts: Synopsis

Synopsis vs. Outline

What to Include and What to Leave Out

Synopses for Non-Fiction Stories

How to Write an Essay Synopsis

Explore this article