What do these mean??????

[din01]

At college I was told to do this for homework after reading an article.

1) Summarise main points and important details using abbreviation.

2) Distinguish between main points and important details by means of layout


what does that mean

[Ouisch]

At college I was told to do this for homework after reading an article.

Please remember that your teachers/professors are there to answer your questions. It's part of their job. Never hesitate to ask when you don't understand something.

1) Summarise main points and important details using abbreviation.

They probably mean to paraphrase the main point(s) of the article by describing it in your own words, and to do so concisely - that is, in a short paragraph or two.

2) Distinguish between main points and important details by means of layout

This sounds like your teacher wants you to outline the article.