Summarizing Narrative Texts Using Somebody Wanted But (or And) So Then

Providing students with a structured approach when learning to summarize or retell stories, such as the "Somebody Wanted So Then" framework, helps them organize their thoughts and focus on key elements of a narrative. This structure guides students to identify the main characters (Somebody), their motivations or desires (Wanted), the central conflict or action (So), and the resolution (Then). For stories without a clear problem, the adjusted "Somebody Wanted and So Then" structure simplifies the process while still helping students track the flow of events, as in stories like The Relatives Came. These frameworks are especially valuable for students who struggle with summarization, as they break down the task into manageable parts, ensuring that students capture the essential components of the story. By giving students a clear outline, teachers help them improve their comprehension and retelling skills, making summarizing more accessible and systematic.

---