Begin with a paragraph giving the title of the short story you're writing about, the author and publisher and year published. You can also include a brief description of the author's previous works, which can provide a foundation for comparison.
Sum up the story. Write the summary as a synopsis, capturing only the essential plot points of the story. Write in the first person or third person, depending upon the directions set forth by your teacher. The summary of the short story should begin by introducing the main character, setting and general story line. Aim for between half a page and a full page summarizing the short story's plot.
Write at lease a half page discussing some of the literary elements of the story. Note whether the story had a theme or an overall message. Discuss the writer's style of voice and narration. Was the story written in first or third person? These paragraphs are your critical thoughts about the story.
Devote a minimum of half a page discussing your personal opinion of the short story. Start by telling readers whether or not you liked the story, then move into specifics. Answer questions a person who reads your paper might want answered. Did you enjoy the story and the characters? Were you surprised by the ending of the story? Answering these questions will help others determine a story's value and aid you to pinpoint elements you find enjoyable in short stories.