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Precis writing tipsThe summary or précis of a passage has to be expressed in the fewest and clearest words

possible. In a summary you should mention only important points and leave out all

unnecessary details.

What is a good precis?

A summary or précis is the shortened form of a passage. A good summary should be

complete in itself. It should be able to convey the ideas expressed in the original passageso that a reader who does not have enough time to read the original one should have no

trouble getting the message.

A summary should be brief, clear and precise. It should be brief, but it shouldn’t be anumber of disjointed simple sentences. A good summary should give ideas, facts or

points in the order in which it appears in the original. Note that it is best to write

summaries in the same tense as the original.

The original passage may contain pieces of conversation. When you summarize it, all the

sentences given in the direct speech should be changed into indirect. The summaryshould be in the writer’s own words. As far as possible, avoid using the vocabulary used

in the original. Also note that a summary shall not contain points not mentioned in the

original.

How to summarize a given passage?

Read the given passage thoroughly and try to understand what it means. If you don’tunderstand the passage after reading it once, read it twice or thrice. Try to find out what

the passage is really about. And then provide a title for it.

Underline important points in the passage. Prepare a sketch or outline summary,

containing all the points which you have marked in the passage. Compare the outline

with the original passage. If you have left out some points, add them. If the outline

contains some unnecessary details, strike them out.

Prepare your summary with the help of your notes. Don’t refer to the original. Finally,

read what you have written. Correct all spelling or grammatical errors if any.

Some important points

If the passage is in poetry, express its ideas in prose. Write the précis in simple language.

Avoid lengthy sentences containing many clauses. Don’t use phrases such as ‘the writer says’, ‘I think’ or ‘in my opinion’.

See Also

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Tips for Writing a Precis by Constance DeVereaux

A well-written précis should be a serviceable substitute for the original work. The goal is to

preserve the core essence of the work in a manner that is both clear and concise. At a minimum,

the précis should include the topic or main thesis, the purpose of the research, what was studied,what methods were used, what results (or insight) were gained, and a conclusion. This guide

provides tips and includes links to two sample papers, one on fetal protection policies and the

other on James L. Sundquist and constitutional reform.

Goals of the Précis

Compress and clarify a lengthy passage, article, or book, while retaining important concepts, key

words, and important data.

Remove what is superfluous and retain the core essence of the work.

Give a brief description of key terms

Give a brief description of methods – an idea of the general approach used by the researchers.

State the purpose of the research or piece of writing (why was it important to conduct this

research or write on this topic?)

When finished, the précis should clearly state:

This is what was studied (argued, discussed).

This is how it was done (this was the focus).

This is what was learned.

This is what it means (why it is important).

Sample Précis

"Fetal Protection Policies and the Cultural Mandate for Job Segregation by Gender"

James L. Sundquist, "Constitutional Reform and Effective Government"

© 2010 Claremont Graduate University • Writing Center • 141 East Twelfth Street,

Claremont, CA 91711 • 909-607-0012

These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process:

• Decide on your topic.

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• Πρεπαρε αν ουτλινε ορ διαγραµ οφ ψουρ ιδεασ.

• Ωριτε ψουρ τηεσισ στατεµεντ.

• Ωριτε τηε βοδψ .

• Write the main points.

• Write the subpoints.

• Elaborate on the subpoints.

• Write the introduction.

• Ωριτε τηε χονχλυσιον.

• Αδδ τηε φινισηινγ τουχηεσ.