What is a characteristic of a summary in writing?

A summary is characterized by its function of providing a clear and concise recap of the main ideas or arguments presented in a source. This brief presentation distills the essential points into a more accessible format, often found at the end of a text to reinforce the key takeaways for the reader. Unlike more detailed analyses, a summary does not delve into extensive commentary or multiple perspectives; instead, it highlights the core components, making it easier for readers to grasp the primary message of the original work.

The other choices misrepresent what a summary entails. For instance, in-depth analysis, multiple thesis statements, or a focus solely on comparisons are more aligned with complex writing tasks such as critiques or comparative analyses rather than summaries.