Precis Writing
What is a Precis?
Precis is a French word which mean an abstract. Precis writing is therefore an art of summary writing. It is a precise artifice possessed by one and can be acquired by constant exercise. A precis can also be defined as a gist or a compressed from of a long passage that contains the main theme expressed in a few words lucidly, succinctly and fully. Anyone can bold the main point and common effect reflected in it.
Some writers may intricate precis writing with paraphrasing. A substance in detail form is a paraphrase. So we should not write a paraphrase in place of a precis. A paraphrase may be longer than the original passage whereas a precis in much shorten than the passage and it is the essential quality of a precis. So making a precis is a method to shorten a passage containing the main theme. A precis excludes all unimportant details and traces only the fundamental idea exposing in the passage. A precis writer should be empowered with a particular style that can make the precis persistently attractive. There is no yardstick that how less shorten a precis in practice.
Important Points:
1. Look at the length of the original passage. Now consider the length required for the precis. This will give you a rough idea of how much of the original has left out of the precis.
2. Grasp the general idea of the original passage. Write it down one or two sentences.
3. Read the passage and understand the detailed meaning of the original, sentence by sentence.
4. Now, sort out and note down the main ideas of the passage.
5. Note down the words and phrases which are essential.
6. Mark out the paper for the rough precis.
7. Taking each idea in turn, write it out as clearly and simply as possible.
8. Put in proper connecting words between each section.
9. Count the number of words you have written.
10. See if any word can be left out, if they are unnecessary.
11. See if any new word need to be added to make the meaning more clear.
12. Check the exact number of words you have used in your precis. Try to get the exact number of words asked for.
13. Read through the rough copy for —
(a) Closeness in meaning to the original;
(b) Sence;
(c) Grammatical and spelling mistakes.
14. Make further necessary alternations in your rough copy, keeping in mind the limitation of words permitted. Generally, a passage has to be brought down to about one-third or one-fourth of the length of the original.
15. Give the precis an apt title/heading.
16. Write out the fair copy and check it.
Remember the essentials of s good precis:
They are:
1. The title
A precis should have a suitable title so that the reader can know what the precis/passage is about.
2. Content
All the main points of the original passage should be included in the precis, in a well connected, logical order.
3. Language
The language should be clear and crisp. You should use your own words as far as possible. Write your precis in the third person.
4. Length
Try to stick to the word limit prescribed for your precis. If any word limit is not specified, bring down the length to about one-third or one-fourth of the original passage.
5. No personal comment
You should not make any personal comment or criticism in the precis.
Sample
As nations understand one another better, they come to like one another more, to treat and help one another more. Thus we see wars become less and less frequent, and each country enjoys peace and is able to develop in the way that is best suited to its own characteristics. The arts and literature of the one, the commerce and industry of another, the science and philosophy of a third, all combine in the service of humanity and the whole world is made better and happier. For just as we are taught to aim, not at our own individual welfare but at the whole body of our countrymen, so we should remember that each country has a duty to perform in the great work of the world. Let each of us try then to love and not despise his fellow man of whatever race he may be, and endeavour to learn as much as possible of the great world that lies beyond our own land.
Rough draft:
(a) International understanding prevents wars.
(b) It also helps people to live peacefully.
(c) Art, science, commerce, philosophy, literature of various nations combine to make the whole better.
(d) Collective good should be our aim.
(e) Various nations should come in closer contact for the betterment of the entire world.
Precis:
Importance of International Understanding
International understanding prevents wars among different nations and helps everybody to live peacefully. The arts, literature, philosophy, science and commerce of different nations all combine to make the world better. Hence, collective good of the world should be our aim, and this can be made possible by coming in closer contact with other nations.
Conclusion:
Precis-writing requires practice in condensing expressions. For making a good precis, you should be able to encapsulated expressions, by using a limited number of words or even by using one word for a long phrase, without sacrificing the sense, the better you can master the art of being precise and the better your precis will be.
Thank you..
God bless you all..
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