Clarification needed regarding rules for Precis and Comprehension
 

For precis, we know that it should be in third person. However, there is confusion regarding its tense.

Almost all the books (Wren and Martin, Exploring the world of English) teachers and the online content emphasize that it should be in [B]past tense[/B] (except universal truths). But in their specimen precis, they follow the tense of the given passage (precis in present/future tense if the passage is in present/future tense).


Regarding comprehension, we were taught in school to always follow the tense of the question and answer it in the same tense. However, some people on this forum have said that past tense and third person should be used for comprehension.


Looking forward to your suggestions to clarify these points.

[QUOTE=Shahkaar;1000430]For precis, we know that it should be in third person. However, there is confusion regarding its tense.

Almost all the books (Wren and Martin, Exploring the world of English) teachers and the online content emphasize that it should be in [B]past tense[/B] (except universal truths). But in their specimen precis, they follow the tense of the given passage (precis in present/future tense if the passage is in present/future tense).


Regarding comprehension, we were taught in school to always follow the tense of the question and answer it in the same tense. However, some people on this forum have said that past tense and third person should be used for comprehension.


Looking forward to your suggestions to clarify these points.[/QUOTE]

As mentioned in this report on CSS 2016 Exam, Precis needs to be written in Past Tense & 3rd person. But there is no such condition for Comprehension.
[url]http://www.fpsc.gov.pk/icms/admin/webpages/docs/Examiners%20Report%202016%20_Updated%2031-01-2017.pdf[/url]

Past tense in precis
 

I haven't read a precis on this forum which has been written in past tense . I am confused it doesn't sound right e.g the only protection for contemporary man is to discover how to use his intelligence..... so we'll write only protection was to discover? It cant be

I personally believe that the tense of the passage should be followed. How can we make Precis in past tense when the passage is in future tense? Seems awkward.

[QUOTE=Shahkaar;1037506]I personally believe that the tense of the passage should be followed. How can we make Precis in past tense when the passage is in future tense? Seems awkward.[/QUOTE]

Someone, perhaps native speaker, expressing views similar to yours.

[url]https://ell.stackexchange.com/questions/126885/what-does-it-mean-to-change-tense-to-past-in-precis-writing[/url]