summary-generator

Summary Generator

Transform lengthy content into concise, study-ready summaries.

Workflow

flowchart LR
    A[Source Material] --> B[Identify Key Points]
    B --> C[Choose Format]
    C --> D[Generate Summary]
    D --> E[Highlight Terms]

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Summary Formats

1. Bullet Point Summary

Best for: Quick reference, revision

# [Topic] Summary

## Main Ideas
- **Key point 1:** Brief explanation
- **Key point 2:** Brief explanation
- **Key point 3:** Brief explanation

## Important Details
- Supporting fact 1
- Supporting fact 2

## Key Terms
- **Term 1:** Definition
- **Term 2:** Definition

2. Cornell Notes Format

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                         [Topic Title]                            │
├────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                │                                                 │
│   Cue Column   │              Notes Column                       │
│   (Questions)  │          (Main content)                         │
│                │                                                 │
│  What is X?    │  • X is defined as...                          │
│                │  • Key characteristics:                         │
│                │    - Point 1                                    │
│                │    - Point 2                                    │
│                │                                                 │
│  Why does Y?   │  • Y happens because...                        │
│                │  • Related to Z through...                      │
│                │                                                 │
├────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                          Summary                                 │
│  2-3 sentence summary of the entire topic.                      │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

3. One-Page Cheat Sheet

# [Subject] Cheat Sheet

## Section 1: [Topic]
| Concept | Key Info |
|---------|----------|
| A | ... |
| B | ... |

## Section 2: [Topic]
**Formula:** [equation]
**Steps:** 1 → 2 → 3

## Quick Reference
- **If X:** Do Y
- **If Z:** Do W

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Summary Length Guidelines

Original Length	Summary Target
1 page	3-5 bullets
5 pages	1/2 page
Chapter	1 page
Textbook	5-10 pages

Rule of thumb: 20% of original length

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Key Extraction Process

1. Read once for overall understanding
2. Identify main ideas (usually 1 per paragraph/section)
3. Find supporting evidence (examples, data, explanations)
4. Note key terms and their definitions
5. Connect concepts with relationships

What to Include

• Main arguments/thesis
• Key facts and figures
• Important definitions
• Cause-effect relationships
• Examples that clarify concepts

What to Exclude

• Redundant information
• Excessive examples
• Background context (unless essential)
• Transitional phrases
• Author's tangents

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Highlighting Patterns

Use consistent formatting:

• Bold for key terms
• Italics for emphasis
• Code for formulas/technical terms
• CAPS for acronyms
• → for cause-effect

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Quality Checklist

• Captures all main ideas
• Maintains logical structure
• Uses own words (not copy-paste)
• Key terms are highlighted
• Readable without original source
• Appropriate length for purpose