Lär dig att skriva ett REFERAT!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of writing a summary, known as a "referat" in Swedish. Understanding how to create effective summaries is essential for students, professionals, or anyone who wants to improve their ability to interpret and convey information clearly. This step-by-step guide will cover what a referat is, its importance, common mistakes to avoid, and examples of summarizing different types of texts.

Step 1: Understand What a Referat Is

• A referat is a concise summary of a text, capturing its main ideas and arguments.
• Its purpose is to convey information clearly without personal interpretations or opinions.
• A good referat should be objective and reflect the original source accurately.

Step 2: Why Writing a Referat Is Important

• Enhances comprehension of the material.
• Helps in retaining information and analyzing texts.
• Useful for academic work, professional tasks, or personal study.
• Aids in preparing for discussions or exams by summarizing key points.

Step 3: Identify Key Information

• Read the original text thoroughly.
• Highlight or note down the main ideas, arguments, and any critical details.
• Look for:
  • Thesis statement (main argument)
  • Supporting points (evidence or examples)
  • Conclusion or implications drawn by the author.

Step 4: Structure Your Referat

• Start with an introductory sentence that presents the original text's title and author.
• Summarize the main ideas using your own words.
• Maintain the same order as the original text to ensure logical flow.
• Keep it concise; typically, a referat should not exceed one-third of the original text.

Step 5: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid including personal opinions or interpretations.
• Do not copy text directly without proper citation.
• Ensure you do not overlook essential points from the original text.
• Be mindful of the target audience; adjust the complexity of language accordingly.

Step 6: Examples of Writing a Referat

• Example 1: Academic Article

  • Title: "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity"
  • Main Ideas:
    • Climate change threatens various species.
    • Human activity is the primary cause.
    • Urgent conservation efforts are necessary.

• Example 2: Fictional Story

  • Title: "The Alchemist"
  • Main Ideas:
    • A young shepherd’s journey to discover his personal legend.
    • The importance of following dreams and listening to one's heart.
    • Lessons learned from encounters along the journey.

Conclusion

Writing a referat is a valuable skill that helps in summarizing and understanding complex information. By following these steps, you can create effective summaries that convey essential ideas without personal bias. Practice summarizing various texts to improve your skills, and remember to focus on clarity and coherence. For further learning, consider exploring different types of texts and experimenting with your summarization techniques.