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Summarizing Worksheet: 5 Ws and How

October 14, 2026

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Help students identify key details and write objective summaries

Use this two-page worksheet to guide students through the who, what, when, where, why, and how of an article before writing a 3–5 sentence summary.

Printable Classroom Uses

Move from the six guiding questions to a clear summary

Use the worksheet during independent reading, partner discussions, or small-group analysis before students write a concise summary in their own words.

Independent reading

Record the six essential details

Have students answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions as they read an article.

Partner discussion

Check which details matter most

Ask partners to compare their notes and discuss which details are necessary to explain the article's main events or ideas.

Small-group work

Build a shared understanding of the article

Have groups discuss their answers to the six questions and agree on the important information to include in a summary.

Summary writing

Write an objective 3–5 sentence summary

Students use page 2 to explain what the article is about in their own words, keeping personal opinions out of the summary.

All Resources Graphic Organizers

Summarizing Worksheet: 5 Ws and How

Graphic organizer preview

Help students identify key details and write objective summaries

Use this two-page worksheet to guide students through the who, what, when, where, why, and how of an article before writing a 3–5 sentence summary.

Printable Classroom Uses

Move from the six guiding questions to a clear summary

Use the worksheet during independent reading, partner discussions, or small-group analysis before students write a concise summary in their own words.

Independent reading

Record the six essential details

Have students answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions as they read an article.

Partner discussion

Check which details matter most

Ask partners to compare their notes and discuss which details are necessary to explain the article's main events or ideas.

Small-group work

Build a shared understanding of the article

Have groups discuss their answers to the six questions and agree on the important information to include in a summary.

Summary writing

Write an objective 3–5 sentence summary

Students use page 2 to explain what the article is about in their own words, keeping personal opinions out of the summary.

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