How can summarizing enhance retention of reading material?

Summarizing enhances retention of reading material by reinforcing understanding through the process of distilling information and focusing on key concepts. When readers summarize, they actively engage with the text, which requires them to identify and articulate the main ideas and essential supporting details. This active engagement facilitates deeper comprehension and helps to solidify the information in their memory. By concentrating on the core content rather than extraneous details, readers create a more coherent understanding of the material, making it easier to recall later. This process of simplification and refinement in summarization is crucial for effective learning and retention.