constrained-summarization

name	constrained-summarization
description	Generate summaries that must satisfy explicit constraints such as a word limit, required key points, and a requested presentation format. Use this skill when the task is to condense a long document into a shorter summary while staying within a stated word cap, ensuring required points are included, and checking the final draft against those constraints before returning it. Focus on word-limited summaries with required key point coverage.
metadata	{"environment":"research-information-synthesis","skill_id":"E5-LS4","short-description":"Generate summaries under specific constraints like word limits, required key points, and format requirements","version":"1.0"}

Constrained Summarization

Use this workflow when a long document needs to be summarized under clear limits. The goal is to identify the main points, apply the stated constraints, draft a summary that fits those constraints, and revise it until it passes all checks.

Scope: word-limited summaries with required key point coverage.

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• the user specifies a word limit
• certain points must appear in the summary
• the summary has to follow a requested format
• the task is to shorten a document without dropping required content

Summarization Workflow

Follow these five steps.

Step 1 — Read the Full Document and Identify Main Points

Read the source document before drafting anything.

While reading, note:

• the main conclusions
• the most important supporting points
• any points that seem central to the document's message

At this stage, build a rough list of the candidate points the summary could include.

Step 2 — Check the Constraints

Before writing, confirm the constraints that the summary must satisfy.

Common constraints:

• word limit
• required key points
• format requirements

Examples:

• under 150 words
• must mention revenue, timeline, and risks
• single paragraph or bullet summary

If the user provides required points, treat them as mandatory coverage targets.

Step 3 — Draft a Summary That Covers the Required Points

Write a first draft that includes all required points while aiming to stay within the word limit.

When space is limited:

• start with the most important point
• use concise wording
• cut background detail before cutting key content

The first draft does not need to be perfect, but it should already try to satisfy the constraints.

Step 4 — Review the Draft Against the Constraints

After drafting, check the summary against all stated requirements.

Review checklist:

• is the word count within the limit
• are all required points mentioned
• does the summary match the requested format

Example word count check:

word_count = len(text.split())

Example checklist:

Required points:
- revenue -> included
- timeline -> included
- risks -> missing

If any requirement fails, revise the draft before returning it.

Step 5 — Revise Until the Summary Fits

If the summary is too long or misses a required point, revise it.

Useful revision moves:

• remove background context
• replace long phrases with shorter wording
• merge sentences when possible
• cut non-required detail

After revising, run the same checks again:

• word count
• required key point coverage
• format compliance

Repeat until the summary passes all constraints.

Basic Implementation Pattern

def constrained_summary_check(text, required_points, max_words):
    word_count = len(text.split())
    missing = [p for p in required_points if p not in text]

    return {
        "word_count": word_count,
        "within_limit": word_count <= max_words,
        "missing_points": missing,
    }

Practical Rules

Prioritize the Most Important Points

When space is tight, the most important content should survive first.

Keep Required Points Non-Negotiable

If the user says a point must be included, revise other parts before dropping it.

Use Concise Language

Shorter, clearer phrasing creates room for more required content.

Check Constraints Explicitly

Do not assume the summary fits the word cap or covers every required point. Check it directly.

Revise More Than Once If Needed

A constrained summary often needs one draft plus one or two tightening passes.

Common Pitfalls

• drafting before confirming the real constraints
• spending too many words on background detail
• forgetting to include one of the required points
• returning a summary without checking the word count
• keeping the right content but ignoring the requested format

When NOT to Use

• the task is to write an open-ended summary with no clear constraints
• the user wants a full synthesis instead of a compressed summary
• there is no need to optimize for space or required point coverage

Quick Summary

1. Read the full document and identify the main points
2. Check the word limit, required points, and format
3. Draft a summary that covers the required content
4. Review word count, point coverage, and format
5. Revise until all constraints are satisfied