Precise Writing
Précis Writing
A précis is the
main theme of a passage expressed in as few words as possible. It should be
lucid, so that everyone can get the main points and general effect of the
passage. The word ‘Précis’ is derived from the French word which
means ‘exact’. It is connected with the English word ‘precise’.
A précis may be
defined as a restatement expressed in shortened form of the main idea in piece of
writing. Précis is neither a paraphrase of the original passage nor a list of
its main points. It is piece of continuous writing and so in order to be
effective it should possess qualities such as proper organization of ideas,
logical sequencing of point and the use of that variety of language which the
situation demands.
Do’s for précis writing
1. Use your own language as far as possible. The words from the original passage should not used, except where it is absolutely essential. The flow of events, ideas, arguments, etc. must be retained as it was in the original passage; change it only for the sake of achieving clarity. The précis should be complete in the sense that all important ideas are reproduced in the limited number of words.
4.
It
is very important to have good vocabulary, for this can help in writing the
passage in condensed form.
5.
Provide
maximum information within the required limit.
Don’ts for
précis writing
1.
Do
not change facts.
2.
Do
not make any comment from your side.
3.
Do not copy the original.
4.
Do
not divide your précis into paragraphs unless the original passage is very
long.
5.
Do
not give any title unless specifically required.
Qualities of a Good Précis
Completeness: A précis should cover the essential
contents of the given passage and omit unimportant details. It should not omit
any important fact or idea.
Clarity: The language and style of the précis
should always be simple and clear. It should express the meaning of the
original passage clearly and be free from all ambiguities. Without reading the
original, one should be able to get the main message through the précis.
Conciseness. A précis must be as brief as possible,
but must not miss any important idea of the original passage. It should be
coherent piece of writing presenting the argument logically.
Steps to Write a Précis
How to make a précis
|
Start |
|
Read the passage twice slowly and carefully |
|
Read the passage third time; underline key words and phrases |
|
Can you figure out the theme of the passage? |
|
No |
|
Reread |
|
List the main points in note form, leave out unimportant points |
|
Checklist against original |
|
Amend |
|
Check summary against original accurate |
No
Yes
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