Precis writing

Specially designed for CSS Aspirants

1. Precis writing Col (R) Muhammad Khalid Khan

2. Contents Introduction Definition What to omit in a precis? General Rules Conditionals Examples of CONDITIONALS Qualities of a good precis Ten steps to precis writing Difference between summary and precis Conclusion

3. introduction Precis is a French word which means “ Something Specific ” Abstract of a text or speech Short written or spoken account of something

4. definition Precis writing  is an exercise in compression. A  precis  is the gist of a passage expressed in as few words as possible. A  precis  should give all essential points so that anyone reading it will be able to understand the idea expressed in the original passage.

5. What to omit in a precis? All Illustrations All Examples All Adjectives All Adverbs For example, For instance, that is, may and might It may rain in the evening. It might rain in the evening All doubtful statements Statements Explanation Descriptions

6. General Rules Precis will be 1/3rd of the original passage First Person, I changes into Third Person He, She, It etc. Past Tense has to be used unless universal truth. Own words ( the remaining sentences left are to be written as it is). Title of the Precis should not be more than 3-4 words.

7. Conditionals Use your own language Give maximum information within the required limit First conditional changes into Second and Second conditional changes into Third Direct Narration changes into Indirect Narration Active Voice changes into Passive Voice

8. Examples Of CONDITIONALS If you call me, I will come. (Probable –First Conditional) If you called me, I would come. (Improbable –Second Conditional) If you had called me, I would have come. (Impossible –Third Conditional)

9. Qualities of a good precis Completeness A precis should cover the essential contents of the given passage and should not omit any important fact or idea. Clarity A precis should express the meaning of the original passage clearly. It must be free from ambiguities and redundancies. Conciseness A precis must be essentially brief and precise. It should be coherent piece of writing presenting arguments logically.

10. Ten steps to precis writing Read the given passage carefully for better understanding and put down the main theme and suitable title. Read the passage again to make sure that no idea is escaped. Underline key words, phrases, clauses and sentences. Select essential points, write them briefly and reject rest. Don’t change the meaning of the original writing. Prepare first draft on the basis of underlined key words, phrases and essential points you have jotted down. Compare your draft with the original to check for any omission and irrelevancies.

11. Cont.… Check the length of the precis. If it is more than the required limit, revise the draft and delete unnecessary words. Read the revised draft once more, give more attention to punctuation, grammar and spelling. Prepare the final draft neatly. Write at the right corner in the bracket number of words used by you. Right ‘rough’ on the top of your first draft and the list of points you have made and cross them out.

12. Difference between summary and precis Summary 300 words can be written in 30 words A condensed version of the text’s main points. Written in your own words. Conveys the author’s main ideas Eliminates supporting details. precis Not less than 100 words. Title is must and it should not be more than 3 to 4 words. It should always be 1/3 of the passage given. It must be rule-oriented.

13. CONCLUSION Precis is an art which pertains to following of strict rules on the subject. Follow the rules and get the Precis