Précis Writing

A précis (pronounced pray-see) is a concise, clear, and well-structured summary of a longer passage.

It captures the main ideas and essential points of the original text while eliminating unnecessary examples, repetitions, and minor details. Think of it like shrinking a story without losing its soul.

A précis must be:

• Short but complete
• Neutral in tone
• Clear in flow and language

Definition:
A précis is a brief and coherent summary that preserves the meaning and essence of the original passage in a compact form.

Characteristics of a Good Précis

Feature	Explanation
Concise	The précis should ideally be one-third the length of the original passage. It should not drag or include unnecessary details.
Coherent	The ideas must flow logically and smoothly, just like in the original passage. No abrupt jumps or disconnected sentences.
Objective	The précis writer should maintain a neutral tone, without inserting personal opinions, criticisms, or emotions.
Complete	Despite being shorter, the précis must cover all the essential points, not just a random selection.
Well-structured	The précis should have a clear beginning, middle, and end — like a mini-essay in itself.

Steps for Writing a Good Précis

Writing a précis involves thoughtful reading, understanding, and careful summarizing. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Read the Passage Carefully

• Read the original passage at least twice.
• Understand the main idea and the tone (is it informative, argumentative, descriptive?).

Step 2: Identify the Theme

• Ask yourself: What is the central message or argument?
• Everything you write should center around this core theme.

Step 3: Eliminate Redundant Details

• Remove:
• Examples
• Illustrations
• Adjectives/adverbs that merely embellish
• Minor facts that don't affect the main idea

Step 4: Use Your Own Words

• Paraphrase — do NOT copy large chunks from the original.
• Retain technical terms or key terms if absolutely necessary.

Step 5: Maintain the Tone

• Stay formal, neutral, and academic.
• Do not add personal remarks or emotional reactions.

Step 6: Check for Errors

• After writing, carefully proofread your précis.
• Check for:
• Grammar mistakes
• Spelling errors
• Logical flow and clarity

The Précis Writing Formula

Follow this simple structure for a clean, professional précis:

1. Title (Optional but highly recommended)
• Choose a short title that reflects the theme.
2. Introduction Sentence
• State the central idea in one strong opening sentence.
3. Body
• Present the key points in the same sequence as the original passage.
• Maintain logical flow.
4. Conclusion Sentence
• End with a final thought, result, or implication if the original passage had one.

Golden Rules of Précis Writing

• Stay within the word limit (generally about one-third of the original).
• Do not give your personal interpretation.
• Do not change the meaning of the original.
• Do not use direct quotations unless absolutely necessary.
• Make it clear, complete, and compact.

Sample Exercises

Example 1 (Basic)

Original Passage:
"Success in life depends not only on hard work but also on the ability to seize opportunities when they come. Hard work without vision may lead to frustration, while careful observation, quick thinking, and wise decision-making can turn ordinary efforts into extraordinary achievements."

Précis:
Title: Success: A Combination of Effort and Vision
Success is achieved through a combination of hard work and the ability to seize opportunities. Mere hard work without foresight can lead to failure, but quick thinking and wise decision-making transform ordinary efforts into outstanding accomplishments.

Example 2 (Medium)

Original Passage:
"Modern education has undoubtedly broadened the intellectual horizons of mankind. Yet, it has also distanced human beings from the simplicity and spirituality of life. Science has taught us to reason, but it has not taught us how to be content. True happiness, therefore, lies not in material progress alone, but in nurturing the soul."

Précis:
Title: Balancing Progress and Spirituality
While modern education has expanded human intellect, it has distanced individuals from spiritual and simple living. Science fosters reasoning but does not guarantee contentment. True happiness lies in balancing material progress with nurturing the soul.

Example 3 (Advanced)

Original Passage:
"In the fast-paced digital age, while communication has become quicker and more efficient, it has also lost much of its personal touch. Relationships, once built over long conversations and handwritten letters, are now reduced to fleeting messages and emojis. Although technology has bridged distances, it has also created emotional gaps. It is important to blend technology with genuine human connection to maintain meaningful relationships."

Précis:
Title: Technology and the Loss of Personal Touch
The digital age has made communication faster but less personal. Relationships, once nurtured through deep conversations, are now limited to brief digital interactions. While technology connects people across distances, it often leads to emotional gaps. True relationships require a blend of technological ease and heartfelt connection.

Unsolved Exercises for Practice

Exercise 1

"The world is full of challenges and hardships, but it is also full of opportunities and beauty. The way we respond to circumstances often defines our life story. Optimists see a chance in every difficulty, while pessimists find a difficulty in every chance. Learning to face obstacles with courage and positivity turns adversities into stepping stones to success."

Exercise 2

"In recent years, environmental issues have taken center stage in global discussions. Climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity pose serious threats to human survival. Sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and eco-friendly innovations are not just desirable but necessary. The future depends on responsible actions taken today."

Exercise 3

"Time management is one of the most essential skills for personal and professional growth. People who plan their time efficiently achieve more and experience less stress. Procrastination, on the other hand, leads to missed opportunities and regret. A disciplined daily routine is the foundation of success."

Exercise 4

"Art is a powerful medium that transcends language, culture, and time. It reflects human emotions, societal values, and historical events. From ancient cave paintings to modern digital art, creativity has remained an essential part of human civilization, fostering connection and inspiring change."

Exercise 5

"Leaders are not born but made through experience, resilience, and continuous learning. A true leader inspires, motivates, and guides others towards collective goals. Leadership demands vision, empathy, and the ability to adapt in the face of challenges."