1. Write a few sentences - in your own words - stating the main message of the story. 2. Write a few sentences about the setting of the story 3. Write a few sentences about the main characters 4. Write a few sentences about the conflict of the story 5. Write several sentences to summarize the sequence of events using transitions effectively: First,... Then, ... Next, Finally, ... 6. Write a few sentences about how the conflict was resolved. 7. Write a few sentences restating the message or gist of the story that began the summary, but this time doing it in a slightly different way with the aim of bringing closure to the summary.