Précis Writing
Précis Writing
What is a Précis?
A précis is an intelligent summary of a long passage. It aims at testing your understanding of the passage. As it is a summary, it is always shorter than the original passage. It expresses only the main theme as concisely as possible.
Writing a Précis
Let us examine a few précis writing samples.
Précis Writing Samples
Sample 1
There is an enemy beneath our feet—an enemy more deadly for his complete impartiality… (329 words)
Rough Draft
- Earthquake is one of the worst enemies of mankind.
- It causes great damage as it strikes without warning.
- Scientists are finding ways to combat the disaster.
- Earthquakes cause great damage to life and property.
- Statistics have reported that the intensity of earthquakes can be so terrible that they can move an entire continent.
- Alaska moved over 80 feet farther west into the Pacific Ocean when an earthquake struck in 1968.
TITLE: Earthquake—the enemy beneath our feet
PRECIS: An earthquake is one of the worst enemies of mankind… (84 words)
Sample 2
Coffee is traditionally grown in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in India… (240 words)
Rough Draft
- Coffee is grown in India as an export commodity in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
- Six lakh persons are directly employed because of coffee as an export product.
- Arabica and Robusta are the two varieties grown in the Indian market.
- Arabica has more market value being more aromatic.
- It requires more nurturing as it is prone to pests and diseases.
- It is harvested between November and January, while Robusta is harvested between December and February.
TITLE: Coffee in India
PRECIS: India grows coffee as an export commodity… (75 words)
Sample 3
When we survey our lives and efforts, we soon observe… (193 words)
Rough Draft
- Humans are social animals.
- They depend on each other for necessities and social needs.
- Humans use language to communicate with each other and further their mental development.
- Humans are superior to animals as they live in societies that guide their material and spiritual existence.
TITLE: Man and society
PRECIS: Human beings have their actions and desires bound up with society… (76 words)
Sample 4
One of our most difficult problems is what we call discipline… (171 words)
Rough Draft
- Discipline is disliked by many.
- Discipline moulds our minds and habits.
- Discipline should not be treated as an imposition.
- Discipline is an outcome of good habits.
TITLE: The Importance of Discipline
PRÉCIS: Although many people detest discipline… (30 words)
Sample 5
Teaching is one of the noblest of professions… (126 words)
Rough Draft
- Teaching is one of the noblest professions.
- A teacher moulds the intellect and the minds of his students.
- A teacher inculcates good habits in young citizens.
- A teacher himself leads a simple life.
- He remains forever young in the company of his students.
TITLE: BEING A TEACHER
PRÉCIS: A teacher is not only responsible for disciplining students… (46 words)
Sample 6
A recent visit to the Arctic region brought me face to face with the problem of global warming… (134 Words)
Rough Draft
- Global warming can lead to grave consequences.
- Ice caps are melting rapidly.
- Rising water levels a threat to land masses.
- Global warming is causing ozone depletion and health hazards.
TITLE: Global Warming
PRÉCIS: The consequences of global warming are grave… (55 words)
Sample 7
It is observed that in schools offering co-education… (121 words)
Rough Draft
- Co-education schools display a power struggle between boys and girls
- Teachers too compare and judge
- Negative feedback crushes students’ self-esteem
- Boys are neglected in co-ed schools
- Boys and girls are stereotyped right from schools.
TITLE: The Challenges in a Co-Education System
PRÉCIS: Co-education schools often show a power struggle… (42 words)
Sample 8
Miss Sullivan was an exceptionally brilliant teacher to Helen Keller… (152 words)
Rough Draft
- Miss Sullivan was chosen by the director of Perkins Institution to train Helen Keller.
- She persevered to gain her trust.
- Used her expertise and innovative methods to teach her.
- She became Helen’s eyes and dedicated her entire life for the training and education of Helen.
TITLE: Miss Sullivan
PRÉCIS: Miss Sullivan, who was chosen by the director of Perkins Institution… (48 words)
Sample 9
How I Taught My Grandmother to Read is a short story written by Sudha Murthy… (260 words)
Rough Draft
- Sudha Murty’s grandmother liked the novel Kaashi Yatre, written by Triveni.
- Since she couldn’t read, she was dependent on the author who would read the novel to her every week.
- Once when the author was away from home, the magazine arrived.
- Grandmother couldn’t read it and had to wait for her granddaughter to return home.
- Grandmother decided to learn the Alphabet from her.
- Eventually, her grandmother could read the title of the novel on her own.
- On Durga Puja day, the grandmother touched the author’s feet as a mark of respect for her guru.
TITLE: Grandmother Learns to Read
PRÉCIS: Sudha Murty’s grandmother was dependent on her for reading… (86 words)
Sample 10
There are different types products received from forests in India… (118 Words)
Rough Draft
- Timber is used in building and carpentry.
- Rubber is grown in the Western Ghats.
- There are many rubber industries in Peninsular India.
- Wood pulp is used in making paper.
- Lac and wax are used in making paints.
TITLE: Forest Products
PRÉCIS: Different products are received from forests in India… (47 words)