EnglishNEB 2076 (old course)
a) What is a summary? Write any four differences between a summary and a precis. [2] b) Write a summary of the story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry. [3]
5Answer
a) What is a summary? Four differences between a summary and a precis
What is a summary?
A summary is a brief retelling of the main points of a text, article, story, or speech in one’s own words. It condenses the original content while retaining the key ideas, events, and arguments in a logical sequence. A summary is usually longer than a precis and includes more details, though still shorter than the original text.
Four differences between a summary and a precis
| Aspect | Summary | Precis |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Longer than a precis; retains more details but still shorter than the original. | Much shorter; condenses the text into its essential points only. |
| Purpose | Provides a general overview of the main ideas and events. | Focuses on the central theme, main idea, and key arguments only. |
| Inclusion of Details | Includes supporting details and secondary points to explain the main idea. | Excludes unnecessary details; only includes crucial information. |
| Structure | Follows the original order of events or arguments. | May reorganize ideas for clarity, focusing on the most important aspects. |
b) Summary of the story “The Last Leaf” by O. Henry
“The Last Leaf” is a touching story by O. Henry about friendship, sacrifice, and hope during a time of illness and despair. The story revolves around two young artists, Johnsy and Behrman, and an old painter named Mr. Pneuman, who live in a Greenwich Village apartment.
Johnsy, a young and talented artist, falls severely ill with pneumonia. Her friend Sue, a practical nurse, takes care of her. Johnsy becomes obsessed with the idea that she will die when the last ivy leaf on the vine outside their window falls. As the leaves drop one by one, her condition worsens, and she loses hope.
Behrman, an old painter known for his grumpy nature, secretly observes Johnsy’s despair. One night, he paints a fake leaf on the wall to replace the last real one that has fallen. When Johnsy sees the leaf the next morning, she regains her will to live, believing the leaf has saved her. The doctor confirms her recovery, and she lives happily.
However, the story takes a tragic turn when Behrman falls ill and dies from pneumonia, having painted the leaf in the cold night. The story ends with Sue realizing the sacrifice and selflessness of Behrman’s act, highlighting the power of hope and human kindness.
The summary captures the main plot, characters, and themes while keeping the narrative concise. The key elements—Johnsy’s illness, the ivy leaf, Behrman’s sacrifice, and the tragic ending—are included without unnecessary details.
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