By name: summarize-document description: Structured document summarization version: 1.0.0 tags: [summarize, document, writing, analysis]
When to Use
Use this skill when summarizing documents, articles, reports, transcripts, or any long-form text. Applies to both technical and non-technical content.
Steps
- Scan structure: Identify the document type (report, article, paper, transcript) and its organizational structure (sections, headings, key divisions).
- Extract key points: For each section, identify the 1-2 most important claims, findings, or arguments.
- Identify relationships: Note how sections relate to each other — supporting evidence, counterarguments, cause-effect chains.
- Determine audience intent: Consider why someone would read a summary (quick overview, decision-making, research).
- Compose summary: Write a structured summary that preserves the document's key information in a fraction of the original length.
Rules
- Preserve the original document's factual claims without adding interpretation unless asked.
- Use the document's own terminology and framing, not paraphrases that shift meaning.
- Include specific numbers, dates, and names when they are central to the content.
- Clearly distinguish between the document's claims and established fact.
- Scale summary length to document length: aim for 10-20% of the original length.
- Omit filler, repetition, and tangential content — focus on what would be lost if removed.
Output Format
- Overview: 1-2 sentences capturing the document's purpose and main conclusion.
- Key Points: Bulleted list of the most important findings, claims, or arguments.
- Details: Expanded summaries of each major section (if the document is structured).
- Notable Omissions: Anything significant you chose not to include, and why.