AutoSummarize is a tool that
will
highlight key sentences or
extract key parts of a document.
Word will analyze a document or story and select the percentage that
you have specified. It will either highlight the selected sentences or
put together a separate summary. It is not successful with every type
of document, but can be very helpful with expository writing.
The auto-summary can be helpful in providing:
- Pre-reading for meaning by students that struggle with
comprehension due to decoding problems or learning disabilities.
- Post-reading as a way of consolidating learning or to allow
students to check their understanding of the material.
For example, a 2nd grade teacher uses Auto-Summarizing
on material she has
copied and pasted from the web. Children are doing research on
Life Cycles and while the website provides excellent information, the
text is too long and "dense." The auto-summary gives students access to
key important content.
AutoSummarize
lets you see your document at different levels of
detail. Research by the National
Reading Panel found that
summarization is an effective strategy
that helps readers improve memory and identification of main ideas.
How to Access AutoSummarize:
- Open the document in Word. Go to the "Tools" menu and select
"AutoSummarize."
- Select "Type of Summary"
- Highlight key points within the document
- Create a new document and put the summary there
- Insert an executive summary or abstract at the top of
the document
- Hide everything but the summary without leaving the
original document
- Select the Length of summary (percent of original).
- Click "OK"
How have you used AutoSummarize?
Tell us how you've used this tool.
techtips@wested.org
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