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 a kind of shorthand in your study of history.

Usage: Use of the precis increases skills in reading and in precision and economy of expression. The techniques of the precis are apparent in the following:


A. Newspaper headline
B. Opening paragraph of newspaper story, lecture, notes and lots more.

Precis Writing :

1.A precis should reduce the length of the original passage by at least two - thirds.

2.Every important idea must be retained, preferably in the order in which it appears in the original.


3.Unimportant points, including details, illustrations and anecdotes, should be discarded.

4.A first draft of the precis should be written, then checked to see that it contains the main ideas of the passage.


5.Although you should be as brief as possible. Guard against being so condensed that you obscure the point of passage.

6.Try to capture the tone or feeling of the original, particularly if it is deliberately humorous, ironic or biased.


7. Check the draft for expression errors, repetition or vague phrasing; then write a smoother final version.


STEPS IN READING A PASSAGE FOR THE PRECIS:

1. Read the whole passage attentively.
2. Begin to recognize the author's tone and viewpoint.

3. Re-read the passage several times if necessary for clear comprehension (understanding) of ideas.

4. Note and disregard parts of the author's work that are introductory.

5. Underline key phrases, make notes in the margin.

6. Observe the emphasis or approach used by the author.

7. Assume the importance of ideas that the author develops with the use of supporting
facts and examples.

8. Do not use the specific examples, figures of speech or quotations cited by the author
in developing your precis.

9. When you are selecting ideas from a passage, ask yourself the
following question: If this idea were omitted, would the fundamental
meaning of the passage be changed?



Writing the Precis

1. Try to limit your precis to no more than 1/3 the length of the original passage.
2. Use clear, factual expressions, do not attempt to copy the style of the original source.

3. Do not introduce ideas of your own. Do not criticize or change the author's ideas. THIS IS NOT THE FORUM FOR THAT!

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" Woods are lovely dark and deep But i have promises to keep And miles to go before i sleep "