2. Definition:
A precis is a clear, compact
logical summary of a passage. It preserves
only the essential or important ideas of the
original.
It is basically 1/3rd summary of the given
paragraph.
3. The word ‘precis’ means a summary & ‘precis
writing’ means summarising.
It is pronounced as ‘pressee’ & it is a French
word.
The English substitute for this word is precise.
Precis writing is one of the most useful skills you
can acquire your work both as a student and as a
professional.
4. 1) Reading
2) Find the title
3) Detailed study of the passage
4) Selections
5) Writing rough draft
5. Try to limit your precis to no more than 1/3rd
the length of the original passage.
Use clear, factual expression, do not attempt to
copy the style of the original source.
Do not introduce ideas of your own. Do not
criticize or change the writer’s ideas.
6. Read Carefully:
Read the passage twice or
thrice carefully to summarize
it. This will enable you to
understand the main theme of
the passage.
7. Indirect Speech:
A precis should be written in indirect speech.
Convert direct to indirect speech.
Tense & Person:
It should be written in the third person & past
tense. In the case of universal truth the present
tense should be used.
