What is Precis Writing? – Examples Format Rules Tips

In this lesson, we will learn about precis writing in detail. We will learn with the help of definition,examples, and its format. Furthermore, the overall concept and procedure will be understood through rules and tips.

What is Precis Writing?

Precis writing is the practice of summarizing a text or passage in a concise and accurate manner. A precis should capture the main points and arguments of the original text, while also maintaining its key ideas and structure. It is a way to condense a larger text into a shorter, more concise form.

To write a precis, you should first carefully read and understand the original text. Then, identify the main points and arguments made by the author, and concisely summarize them in your own words. It is important to maintain the original meaning and intent of the text while also using your own language and style.

Want to learn Proofreading, Click Here

Precis writing is a useful skill for a number of purposes, including for academic assignments, for business or professional communication, and for personal development. It can help you better understand complex texts and ideas, and it can also help you communicate those ideas more effectively to others.

Precis Writing Examples

A precis is a summary of a text that retains the main points and key information, while omitting unnecessary details. Here are a few examples of precis writing:

1. Original text: “The cat sat on the mat. The mat was green and made of wool. The cat was grey and had long fur. The cat seemed to be enjoying the warmth of the mat. After a while, the cat got up and walked away.”

Precis: “The grey cat sat on a green wool mat and eventually left.”

2. Original text: “In the study, researchers found that the new medication was effective in reducing symptoms of the disease. The medication was well-tolerated by the participants, with only a few mild side effects reported. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the long-term effects of the medication.”

Precis: “New medication effectively reduces disease symptoms with few side effects, but more research is needed.”

3. Original text: “John Smith is an accomplished musician who has been playing the piano for over twenty years. He began taking lessons at the age of five and has since gone on to perform at numerous prestigious venues around the world. In addition to his talent on the piano, John is also an experienced teacher and has taught students of all ages and skill levels. He is currently the director of the music program at a local school.”

Precis: “John Smith is a talented pianist and music teacher with over twenty years of experience.”

I hope these examples give you an idea of what a precis looks like and how it summarizes a text while retaining its key points. Let me know if you have any other questions!

Precis Writing Rules

Here are some general rules for writing a precis:

1. Begin by carefully reading and understanding the original text. Make sure you have a clear understanding of the main points and arguments.
2. Identify the main ideas and key points in the original text. These are the most important ideas that should be included in your precis.
3. Omit unnecessary or less important details and information. The goal of a precis is to summarize the main ideas and key points, not to include every detail from the original text.
4. Use your own words to summarize the text. It is important to use your own language and not copy directly from the original text.
5. Keep the length of your precis brief. A precis should typically be no more than one-third to one-half the length of the original text.
6. Use the present tense and active voice when writing your precis. This helps to make it more concise and easier to understand.
7. Include a brief introduction that provides context for the original text. This can include information about the author, the purpose of the text, and the main ideas that will be covered.
8. Conclude your precis with a summary of the main points and any final thoughts or observations about the original text.

By following these rules, you can write an effective precis that accurately and concisely summarizes the main ideas and key points of the original text.

Precis Writing Skills

This can be helpful when you need to quickly understand the main points of a long document, or when you need to present the information to someone else in a clear and concise way.

To write a precis, you should follow these steps:

1. Read the original document carefully and make sure you understand it completely.
2. Identify the main points of the document and the main arguments or ideas being presented.
3. Write a summary of the main points in your own words, using as few words as possible while still conveying the meaning accurately.
4. Organize the summary in a logical order, following the structure of the original document as closely as possible.
5. Use transitional phrases to connect the ideas in your summary and make it flow smoothly.
6. Edit and revise your precis to ensure that it is clear and concise.

Precis Writing Tips

Some tips for writing a good precis include:

• Use active voice rather than passive voice to make your summary more concise and direct.
• Avoid using unnecessary words or details, and focus on the main points of the original document.
• Use your own words as much as possible, rather than copying phrases or sentences from the original document.
• Pay attention to the tone and style of the original document, and try to replicate it in your summary.
• Make sure your summary accurately reflects the content and argument of the original document.

Precis Writing Format

Here is a format that you can follow when writing a precis:

Determine the key details that are necessary to convey the main idea and supporting points. This may include information about the author’s background, the context in which the text was written, and any relevant examples or illustrations that are used to support the argument.

Write a clear and concise summary of the text, focusing on the main idea and supporting points. Be sure to use your own words and avoid copying directly from the original text.

Edit your summary to ensure that it is concise and easy to understand. Aim for a summary that is approximately one-third to one-half the length of the original text.

Include a citation for the original text in your precis, using the appropriate citation style (such as MLA or APA).

Here is an example of a precis:

Original text: “In his article ‘The Benefits of Exercise,’ John Doe argues that regular exercise can have numerous positive effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. Doe cites several studies that demonstrate the benefits of exercise, including improved cardiovascular health, increased energy levels, and reduced stress and anxiety. Doe also discusses the importance of finding an exercise routine that is enjoyable and sustainable in the long term. In conclusion, Doe argues that the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh any potential drawbacks and encourages individuals to make exercise a priority in their lives.”

Precis: John Doe’s “The Benefits of Exercise” highlights the numerous physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise, citing several studies to support his argument. He emphasizes the importance of finding an enjoyable and sustainable exercise routine and concludes that the benefits of regular exercise far outweigh any potential drawbacks

Want to learn EssayWriting? Click Here

Types of Precis Writing

There are several types of precis, including:

1. Analytical precis: An analytical precis is a summary that focuses on the structure, argument, and main points of the original text. It is written in the present tense and includes the main ideas and supporting details of the original text.
2. Descriptive precis: A descriptive precis is a summary that focuses on the content and style of the original text. It does not include the main ideas or argument of the text, but rather provides an overview of the text’s content and style.
3. Synthetic precis: A synthetic precis is a summary that combines the main ideas and arguments from multiple texts into a single summary. It is often used to compare and contrast different viewpoints or to present an overview of a specific topic.
4. Informative precis: An informative precis is a summary that provides an overview of the main ideas and key information contained in the original text. It is typically written in a straightforward and concise manner, and includes only the most important information.
5. Critical precis: A critical precis is a summary that includes an evaluation of the original text. It may include a summary of the main ideas and arguments, as well as a critique of the text’s strengths and weaknesses.

Precis Writing Samples with Answers

Here are some examples of precis writing with answers:

Sample 1:

Original text:”The United States is a federal republic comprising 50 states and a capital district. The country is situated in North America and is bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. It is the world’s third-largest country by total area and has a diverse climate, ranging from arid desert to humid subtropical. The United States has a rich history, with indigenous cultures dating back thousands of years and European colonization beginning in the 16th century. It is a global superpower, with a strong economy and military, and it plays a leading role in international affairs.”

Precis:The United States is a federal republic located in North America, comprising 50 states and a capital district. It has a diverse climate and a rich history, with indigenous cultures dating back thousands of years and European colonization beginning in the 16th century. The country is a global superpower with a strong economy and military and plays a leading role in international affairs.

Sample 2:

Original text:”Climate change is the long-term alteration in temperature and weather patterns on Earth. It is caused by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, in the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. The main cause of climate change is human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The effects of climate change include rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and changes in the distribution and abundance of plants and animals. It is important that we take action to reduce our carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.”

Precis:Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns caused by increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Human activity, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is the main cause of climate change. The effects include rising sea levels, more frequent natural disasters, and changes in the distribution and abundance of plants and animals. It is important to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Precis Writing Topics

Precis Writing topics

Here are some ideas for topics for precis writing:

1. An article discussing the impact of climate change on sea levels
2. A research paper on the effectiveness of different teaching methods in the classroom
3. A news article about a recent political event or election
4. A review of a new book or movie
5. An analysis of a company’s financial performance
6. A profile of an influential figure in history or contemporary society
7. A report on a natural disaster or humanitarian crisis
8. A study on the advantages and disadvantages or impact of social media on mental health
9. An editorial discussing a controversial topic or issue
10. A summary of a legal case or decision.

Keep in mind that when writing a precis, it’s important to concisely summarize the main points of the original text and provide an overview of the author’s argument or main points. It’s also important to use your own words as much as possible and to avoid copying large sections of the original text.

Conclusion

The conclusion of a precis should summarize the main points of the original text and provide a final evaluation or perspective on the ideas presented. It should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the main arguments and ideas of the original text, and should provide a sense of closure to the precis.

Overall, precis writing is a useful skill that can help you to condense and synthesize information from a variety of sources, and to present complex ideas in a concise and understandable manner. It is particularly useful for students and professionals who need to quickly and accurately summarize long or complex texts for research, study, or professional communication. You can get more relevant conclusions from here.

Frequently Asked Questions