This document defines précis writing as summarizing a written text in a shortened form by restating the main points in as few words as possible. It outlines that a précis should grasp the central theme, pick out the main points while omitting details, and give the points a logical sequence and coherence. The language used should be in the writer's own words to avoid direct expressions from the text, written in full sentences and indirect speech as a third person without personal opinions or quotations. The length of a précis should be about one-third the number of words in the original text, which can be achieved by avoiding illustrations, figures of speech, emphatic sentences and substituting single words for groups of words.

1. Précis Writing
Abstract Outline Synopsis

2. Definition
Summary of a written text.
Compressing an idea .
Restating in few words as
possible
Shortened form of the main
points of a text.

3. Aspects
Meaning
LanguageLength

4. Meaning
Read the passage carefully.
Grasp the central theme
Give a suitable title.
Pickoutthemainpoints,omitdetails.
Givelogicalsequenceandcoherence.

5. Language
Use your own words. Avoid expressions
used in the text.
Write in full sentences & avoid telegraphic
language.
Use indirect speech. Write as third (3rd)
Person.
Avoid personal opinions.
Avoid quotations.

6. Length
Aims at compression so
length should be one-third of
the number of words.

7. How to reduce length
Avoid all illustrations/examples.
Avoid figures of speech.
Avoid emphatic sentences.
Use a single word for a group of
words.
Use the method of substitution.

8. Now try one .........