# Write a summary of a long document: checklist

Turn a long report, policy or paper into a short, faithful summary for a named reader, with every number and name kept exactly as the document has it.

## Before you start

- [ ] Have ready: The document
  Paste the full text of the document. Copy it out of the PDF or Word file first.
- [ ] Have ready: Who the summary is for
  Name the reader and what they need it for, for example "Board members deciding next year's budget".

## Step 1: Map the document into parts

- [ ] Split the document into its main parts and note what each part covers.
- [ ] You have: A numbered list of the document's parts, each with where it starts and what it covers.

## Step 2: Summarize each part

- [ ] Write the key points of each part, keeping numbers and names exactly as written.
- [ ] You have: Key points for every part of the document, with numbers and names copied exactly.
- [ ] Check: Every number in the answer also appears in the document.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Step 3: Merge into one summary

- [ ] Combine the part notes into one summary written for the reader.
- [ ] You have: A first full summary in three short sections, written for the reader.

## Step 4: Tighten the summary

- [ ] Cut the summary to 300 words or fewer without losing a key fact.
- [ ] You have: The final summary, 300 words or fewer.
- [ ] Check: The answer is no longer than 300 words.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.

## Final checks

- [ ] Check: Every number in the answer also appears in the document.
  A plain rule you can check by eye. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.
- [ ] Check: Check every name of a person, place, organization, program and document in the summary against the source document below. Is each one spelled and used exactly as the source has it, and does each one appear in the source?
  Checked by a second AI prompt. If not: Run the step once more, and add what was wrong to the end of the prompt. If it still does not pass, fix it by hand and make a note of it.
- [ ] Check: Would the document's author agree that the summary gives a fair picture, with nothing important left out and nothing made stronger or weaker?
  Checked by you. If not: Carry on, but write down the problem so whoever uses the result knows about it.

## You end up with

- [ ] A summary of 300 words or fewer in three parts (In short, Key points, What it means for you).
- [ ] A map of the document's parts, useful if the reader wants to look something up.

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From Logic Lab (logiclabhq.com). Free to use and adapt, with credit.