I originally used the ReadWriteThink for middle school.   But this GIST sheet is one I use for senior research. 

Here is the "gist" of the strategy

1. Read the article or passage carefully: Students read and engage with the text, paying attention to key details.
2. Use the "5 Ws and 1 H" framework: Students complete a template with the answers to these journalism questions based on the article: Students can also note any unfamiliar words or concepts they want to explore further.
   • Who: Identify the key people involved.
   • What: Main topic and key points.
   • When: Note important dates or the time period relevant to the text.
   • Where: Identify significant locations or settings.
   • Why: Explain the purpose of the passage or why it matters.
   • How: Describe how the research was conducted or how the events unfold.
3. Put the original text away: Once they’ve completed the 5 Ws and 1 H, students put the article aside to ensure they don’t accidentally copy phrasing.
4. Write a GIST summary: Using their notes, students craft a brief summary, capturing the core meaning of the text in their own words. This strategy encourages students to comprehend and express the material authentically, reducing the likelihood of plagiarism.

This method can be applied across content areas to improve reading comprehension and summarizing skills.

For students wondering how to answer the "5 Ws and 1 H," here are some further guiding explanations:

What: What is the topic? What are the most important points?
Why: Why does this topic matter? Why should anyone care?
Who: Who are the key people involved in this topic?
Where: Where is the setting or location of the events?
When: When did the events take place? What time period is important?
How: How did the events or research happen? What methods were used?