How to Write a Summary for the Norskprøven Exam

The Norskprøven exam, a cornerstone for demonstrating Norwegian language proficiency, requires candidates to showcase not only their comprehension but also their ability to articulate understanding concisely. One of the principal challenges within this examination is the summary task, which demands a nuanced approach to distilling information. This guide aims to demystify the process of writing an effective summary for the Norskprøven, offering a methodical framework for success.

Understanding the Summary Task in Norskprøven

The Norskprøven summary task is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to identify and reproduce the core message of a given text in their own words. It is not merely about extracting sentences but about demonstrating a deep understanding of the original material and presenting it in a coherent, abbreviated form. This task is crucial because it reflects practical language use – the ability to convey information efficiently and accurately, a skill highly valued in academic and professional settings. Pass the Norskprøven with confidence—register at NLS Norwegian Language School now.

Identifying the Purpose of the Summary

Before embarking on the writing process, it is essential to internalize the primary purpose of a summary. A summary is a condensed version of a text that retains all the essential information of the original but omits superfluous details, examples, and repetitions. Imagine the original text as a dense forest; your summary should be a clear, well-trodden path through it, leading directly to the heart of the matter without detouring into every thicket.

Key Characteristics of a Strong Norskprøven Summary

A successful Norskprøven summary exhibits several key characteristics:

Accuracy: It must faithfully represent the ideas and information present in the original text, without misinterpretation or distortion.
Conciseness: It should be significantly shorter than the original, typically ranging from one-third to one-quarter of the original length, though specific word limits may be provided.
Objectivity: It should present only the ideas of the original author, without the summary writer’s opinions, interpretations, or added information.
Completeness: Despite its brevity, it must contain all the main points and significant supporting details necessary to convey the original message fully.
Cohesion and Coherence: The summary should flow logically and be easy to read, with smooth transitions between ideas, even if the original text was fragmented.
Originality: It must be written in the candidate’s own words. Direct lifting of sentences from the original text is generally penalized, as it signifies a lack of processing and understanding.

Pre-Writing Strategies: Deconstructing the Original Text

Effective summary writing begins long before a single word is penned. A structured approach to reading and analysing the source text is paramount to success. This phase involves active engagement with the material to extract its essence.

Active Reading and Annotation

Treat the provided text not as a passive recipient of information but as an active participant in a dialogue. Engage with the text by reading it at least twice.

First Reading (General Comprehension): Focus on understanding the overall topic, the author’s general stance, and the macroscopic structure of the text. Do not pause to look up unfamiliar words, but rather try to infer their meaning from context. This initial pass is about grasping the global picture, like sketching the outline of a landscape.
Second Reading (Detailed Analysis): This reading is where the real work begins. Use a highlighter or pen to mark key sentences, topic sentences of paragraphs, and any information that appears central to the article’s main argument. Pay close attention to introductory and concluding paragraphs, as these often contain thesis statements and summative remarks. Identify any recurring themes or concepts.

Identifying the Main Idea and Supporting Details

Every text, regardless of its complexity, has a central message or thesis. Your primary goal is to unearth this core idea.

The Thesis Statement: Ask yourself: “What is the author’s main point?” “What is the most important message the author wants to convey?” This central idea is often found in the introduction or conclusion, or it might be implied throughout the text. Formulate this main idea into a concise sentence in your own words.
Key Supporting Arguments: Once the main idea is identified, pinpoint the arguments or pieces of evidence the author uses to support it. These are the pillars holding up the main idea. Differentiate between primary supporting points and illustrative examples or anecdotes, the latter of which should generally be excluded from a summary.

Outlining and Structuring

A brief outline can serve as your blueprint, ensuring all critical components are included and logically organized.

Paragraph-by-Paragraph Breakdown: Go through each paragraph of the original text and write a one-sentence summary for each. This forces you to distil the essence of individual sections.
Clustering Related Ideas: Often, several paragraphs might contribute to a single larger idea. Group these together in your outline. This helps in synthesizing information and avoiding a mere paragraph-by-paragraph recounting of the original.
Sequencing: Arrange your distilled ideas in a logical order, typically following the original text’s structure unless a more coherent arrangement emerges from your synthesis. This outline becomes the skeletal framework of your summary.

Drafting the Summary: From Outline to Coherent Text

With a clear understanding of the text and a comprehensive outline, the drafting phase focuses on transforming your notes into a coherent and concise summary. This is where your linguistic skills in Norwegian truly come into play.

Crafting the Opening Sentence

The opening sentence is arguably the most critical part of your summary. It should immediately introduce the author, the title of the original text, and the main thesis or topic.

Example Structure: “I artikkelen ‘[Tittel på artikkelen]’ drøfter [Forfatter] [hovedtemaet/hovedbudskapet].” (In the article ‘[Title of the article]’, [Author] discusses [the main topic/main message].)
Specificity and Clarity: Ensure the main topic is articulated clearly and is specific enough to give the reader an immediate understanding of what the summary will cover. Avoid vague generalities.

Developing the Body Paragraphs

The body of your summary should systematically present the main supporting arguments outlined in the pre-writing phase.

Synthesize and Condense: Do not simply list points. Instead, synthesize related ideas and present them concisely. Think of each paragraph in your summary as representing a larger section of the original text, explaining how a particular argument is developed or supported.
Use Transition Words: Employ Norwegian transition words and phrases (e.g., videre, derfor, i tillegg, på den annen side, til slutt) to ensure a smooth flow between ideas and arguments. These act as the mortar binding the bricks of your summary together.
Avoid Direct Quotations: As previously mentioned, a summary should be in your own words. Paraphrase all information. If an exact phrase is absolutely essential and cannot be rephrased without losing its specific meaning, it should be enclosed in quotation marks, but this should be a rare exception.
Maintain Objectivity: Continuously remind yourself that you are reporting the author’s ideas, not your own. Phrases such as “Forfatteren hevder at…” (The author claims that…) or “Ifølge teksten…” (According to the text…) can help maintain this objective stance.

Concluding the Summary

A strong conclusion for your summary should succinctly wrap up the main points without introducing new information.

Reiterate the Main Point: Briefly re-state the overarching message of the original text, perhaps highlighting its significance or broader implications, if implied by the author.
Avoid Redundancy: Ensure the conclusion doesn’t simply repeat what has already been stated verbatim. It should offer a sense of closure, confirming that all key aspects of the original text have been addressed.

Refining and Reviewing: The Polishing Phase

Once a draft is complete, the work is not yet finished. The refining and reviewing phase is crucial for ensuring accuracy, conciseness, and linguistic correctness. This is your opportunity to step back and critically evaluate your work.

Checking for Accuracy and Completeness

Re-read your summary alongside the original text. This comparison is vital to ensure that you have accurately represented the author’s ideas and that no crucial information has been inadvertently omitted.

Compare Against Original: Do the main points in your summary align perfectly with the main points of the original? Have you accidentally introduced any new thoughts or opinions?
Look for Gaps: Is there any major argument or significant supporting detail that is present in the original but absent from your summary? A good summary is like a miniature version of the original, not a partial sketch.

Ensuring Conciseness and Clarity

Brevity is the soul of wit, and the essence of a good summary. Every word must earn its place.

Eliminate Redundancy: Go through your summary sentence by sentence. Can any phrases or ideas be expressed more compactly? Are there repeated words or ideas that can be combined or removed?
Strengthen Vocabulary and Sentence Structure: Strive for precise vocabulary. Vary your sentence structures to avoid monotony and enhance readability. Sometimes, a complex idea can be expressed more simply with a well-chosen verb or a rephrased clause.
Read Aloud: Reading your summary aloud can often reveal awkward phrasing, convoluted sentences, or clunky transitions that might be missed during silent reading.

Linguistic Review: Grammar, Spelling, and Style

A well-crafted summary can be undermined by grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or poor sentence construction.

Grammar and Syntax: Pay close attention to Norwegian grammar rules, including verb conjugations, noun genders, and sentence structure. Correct use of prepositions and conjunctions is particularly important for coherence.
Spelling and Punctuation: Proofread meticulously for any spelling errors or incorrect punctuation. Even minor errors can detract from the overall impression of your linguistic competence.
Word Choice (Ordvalg): Ensure your vocabulary is appropriate for a formal academic context. Avoid colloquialisms or overly simplistic language. However, do not over-complicate sentences with unnecessarily complex terms; clarity is paramount.
Tone: Maintain an objective and formal tone throughout the summary, reflecting the academic nature of the Norskprøven exam.

Special Considerations for the Norskprøven Test Preparation Course

In a world where language skills are increasingly valued, the NLS Norwegian Language School stands out with its specialized Norwegian Test Preparation course. Designed for those aspiring to master the Norwegian language, this course is a beacon for learners aiming to conquer the Norskprøven, a pivotal test for proving language proficiency in Norway.

This program is tailored for students at various stages of language mastery, aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards. The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo understands that while theoretical knowledge of summary writing is crucial, practical application and targeted feedback are indispensable for Norskprøven candidates. The school’s Norwegian Test Preparation course specifically integrates components designed to hone summary writing skills. Through structured exercises, students are provided with numerous opportunities to practice summarizing a diverse range of texts, mimicking the conditions and demands of the actual Norskprøven exam. This hands-on approach ensures that learners not only grasp the principles outlined in this article but also develop the speed and confidence required under exam pressure. Our Norskprøven course includes mock tests to help students prepare and pass. These mock tests are critical for applying the summary writing strategies learned, and for receiving constructive feedback on aspects such as conciseness, accuracy, objectivity, and grammatical correctness in the specific context of the Norskprøven requirements. By simulating the exam environment, the NLS course equips students not just with knowledge, but with practical proficiency in crafting summaries that meet the rigorous standards of the Norskprøven.