New York State Elementary Test Prep: ELA 4 Test (Grade2) Summary and Retell

	Just the facts, Ma'am... Just the facts!
Summarizing and retelling help the reader better understand what the author is trying to say.

Summarize	This is when you sum up the story you have read in a few sentences.
Retell	This happens when you use your OWN words to tell the story rather than using the author's words.

TRY THIS:

Read this paragraph and see if you can summarize and retell what the author has written. Good luck!

Kristyn and her mother went on vacation to Ireland. They kissed the Blarney Stone, walked through beautiful castles, and hiked up the bluffs. Everyone was very friendly. There were great Irish bands who played in the streets every night. They were wonderful! Dancers gathered all around to dance to the music. Kristyn tried to learn how to do the Irish Jig, but she wasn't very good at it. They had an incredible time in Ireland and they can't wait to go back!

Test Yourself!
Now that you are an expert, try to guess whether the following statements about the paragraph are examples of a summary or retell of the story. You may click on the arrow to check your answer...
Good Luck!

Great Job!

Now you are an expert!