# Skill: Summarisation

This skill defines structure and quality standards for summarisation tasks.

## When to Use Each Format

| Task Type | Format |
|-----------|--------|
| Long document → overview | Executive summary + key points |
| Research findings → report | Structured sections with headers |
| Meeting notes → actions | Decision log + action items |
| Code → explanation | What it does, how it works, notable details |
| Multiple sources → synthesis | Unified narrative, contradictions flagged |

## Executive Summary Format

For any summary that will be read by a decision-maker:

```
## Summary
[2–3 sentences covering: what this is about, the main finding or conclusion, and what action (if any) is recommended]

## Key Points
- Point 1
- Point 2
- Point 3
(3–7 bullet points maximum)

## Details
[Expanded coverage of each key point for readers who want more]
```

## Length Guidelines

| Source Length | Target Summary Length |
|---------------|----------------------|
| < 500 words | 1–2 sentences |
| 500–2000 words | 1 paragraph + 3–5 bullets |
| 2000–10000 words | Executive summary format |
| > 10000 words | Full structured report |

## Quality Rules

- **Completeness**: The summary must not omit the main conclusion — even if it is uncomfortable or unexpected
- **Accuracy**: Do not introduce information not present in the source; do not rephrase in a way that changes meaning
- **Neutrality**: Summarise what the source says, not your opinion of it (unless opinion is explicitly requested)
- **Specificity**: Avoid vague summaries like "the document discusses various topics" — name the topics
- **Attribution**: When summarising multiple sources, attribute each key claim: "According to [source]..."

## Synthesis (Multiple Sources)

When combining multiple documents or research outputs:

1. Identify **consensus** — claims supported by multiple sources
2. Identify **gaps** — topics only one source covers
3. Identify **contradictions** — claims where sources disagree; flag these explicitly
4. Write a unified narrative that integrates all three

Never silently drop a source's findings because they are inconvenient — include them.