April 8, 2023
The Précis (or Summary)
A summary or a précis is NOT a personal interpretation of a work or an expression of your opinion of the idea.
A précis 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.
April 8, 2023
Use of the Precis
This technique of writing can be used in several areas – e.g.
Essay Preparation Note-Taking Document Based Questions Research Papers
April 8, 2023
Usage Examples
Newspaper headline
Opening paragraph of newspaper story, lecture, notes and lots more.
April 8, 2023
Requirements:
Concentration and alertness Sensitivity to word meanings and the
author's viewpoint. Ability to distinguish between major
and minor points. A sense of proportion and emphasis.
April 8, 2023
STEPS IN READING A PASSAGE FOR THE PRECIS.
Read the whole passage attentively. Begin to recognize the author's tone and viewpoint. Re-read the passage several times if necessary for
clear comprehension (understanding) of ideas. Note and disregard parts of the writer’s work that
are introductory. Underline key phrases, make notes in the margin. Observe the emphasis or approach used by the
author.
April 8, 2023
STEPS IN READING A PASSAGE FOR THE PRECIS.
Do not use the specific examples, figures of speech or quotations cited by the author in developing your précis.
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?
April 8, 2023
Writing the Précis
Try to limit your précis to no more than 1/3 the length of the original passage.
Use clear, factual expressions, do not attempt to copy the style of the original source.
Do not introduce ideas of your own. Do not criticize or change the writer's ideas. THIS IS NOT THE FORUM FORTHAT!
April 8, 2023
GOOD BYE
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