Precis writing: Summarize with Clarity

What is Precis?

The word ‘Precis’ is a French word which means ‘summary. Sometimes we need to write the summary of a story a speech, a report, or an article so that the main idea of the contents can be read within a short period by the reader. In a nutshell, we can say precis is an exercise in which you have to give the main idea of the passage, reducing its length.

What to do before you write precis?1. Read the passage several times carefully.

2. Don’t express your thoughts about the given topic.
3. Reduce unnecessary words, dialogues, idioms, and phrases in the passage.
4. Write in indirect speech, and use third-person pronouns.
5. Connect one idea to another and convey the main ideas in your language.

How to choose a suitable title for precis?

The title of the precis should be given based on the content, theme, and genre of the passage. It should be a reduced word for the entire passage.

⮚Let’s Practise

1. Make a precis of the following passage and add a title to it.

We all have a passion for winning. This passion drives us to take our first steps just a few months after our birth. Throughout every phase of life, we encounter failures, which brings a new lesson. A small mistake teaches us how to solve a difficult problem. We respect our elders, yet at times, we become impatient and learn from our own mistakes. We make both right and wrong choices, but we do not always achieve our desired success.

As we progress on our journey, we develop confidence and an indomitable spirit. Gradually, we learn to ignore those who try to discourage us. Our strengths inspire us to climb the ladder of success. We worry about our future, yet we continue to smile with the same passion for winning. We aspire to succeed in every examination with flying colors.

To achieve our dreams, we break through the barriers that confine us and separate us from others. We discover the hidden keys that unlock the doors to life, allowing us to savor every drop of joy the universe has to offer. The passion for winning always motivates us, but it also reminds us that stopping is not an option.

2. Make a precis of the following passage and add a title to it.

Literature reflects our lives, our times, and the people around us. It reveals our preferences, dislikes, and delights. It portrays the moments when we laugh and cry, blending reality with imagination and transporting us to different places where we meet new people.

Every day, our lives unfold like episodes in an ongoing story, each following the next. We all have stories to tell and countless stories to listen to.

Through literature, we can do both. It allows us to see ourselves as part of the vast universe, freeing us from selfish desires, personal attachments, and materialistic concerns. By reading the stories of others, we gain a broader perspective on life.

So, let’s color our lives with the brush of joy and contentment, find every reason to smile, and share that happiness with others through the beauty of literature.

3. Make a precis of the following passage and add a title to it.

When no one restricts you, the path ahead becomes clear. When fear does not hold you back, you can follow the voice of your heart. When no boundaries confine you, your mind can spread its wings and soar. But do these things always happen to us?

Truthfully, they happen only rarely. At times, we blame our circumstances, challenges, or luck, but in doing so, we waste our precious time. We all have shortcomings that need to be corrected, so why focus on identifying the flaws of others?

Instead, have the courage that no one can suppress, and watch yourself move forward. Have the strength to face every challenge. Maintain an unyielding determination to reach your destination. Cultivate a playful attitude to rise again when you fall. Hold onto a resolution so firm that nothing can break it.

Disclaimer: This content is created solely for educational and informational purposes. It draws upon publicly available educational materials, literary texts, and the author’s own interpretation. All summaries, analyses, and explanations are original and intended to support learning. No copyright infringement is intended.