Final answer:
A summary should succinctly encapsulate the main points and themes of a text using one's own words, without including personal opinions or extraneous details.
Step-by-step explanation:
A summary of a text distills its core ideas and main points in a concise manner. When preparing a summary, you should pay close attention to the original text's topic, scope, and relevant arguments or information. A good summary is written in one's own words, is much shorter than the original text, and captures the essence of the text without personal opinions or unnecessary details. Summaries should highlight key themes, claims, and evidence, omitting specific examples, anecdotes, or data points that do not significantly impact the text's overall message.