Here's why past tense is preferred:
* Chronological order: It helps maintain the flow of the summary, reflecting the order in which the information was presented.
* Objectivity: Using past tense conveys that you are reporting on something that has already taken place, rather than offering your own opinion or interpretation.
* Clarity: It distinguishes the summary from the present moment, preventing confusion between the lecture's content and your own understanding of it.
Example:
* Original lecture: "Today we will discuss the history of the Roman Empire."
* Summary: "The lecture discussed the history of the Roman Empire."
Note: You may occasionally use the present tense in a summary if:
* You are referring to a general principle or concept that is still relevant.
* You are quoting directly from the lecture.
* You are highlighting an ongoing process or development that began in the lecture.
However, these are exceptions to the general rule of using the past tense for summaries.