Simple Guide on How to Write a Precis in 6 Steps
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How to Write a Precis in 6 Steps
Do you want to learn how to write a precis fast but don’t know what to do? This is a less common assignment type in your academic career. If you are scratching your head wondering what a precis is, you are not alone. You will likely encounter precis writing in various fields and industries, especially economics, sciences, legal and business. Precis writing is a significant component of several government exams worldwide and will be required for passing tests and certifications.
It is, therefore, essential to know how to write a precis. If you are new to academic writing, it can be challenging to determine where to start. Precis writing is an assignment that needs you to summarize critical arguments and points within a text. Precis writing, though it may seem straightforward, can be difficult as it is not a typical type of summary. You will need to get a bit technical to complete it. If you feel lost and confused, do not worry.
We will help you understand how to write an outstanding precis by the end of this guide. Many students don’t know more about this assignment type and are forced to complete it nevertheless. Unsurprisingly, you might have heard of this assignment for the first time. This assignment confuses many students, and they end up with so many questions. Fortunately, our paper writing service is ready to provide a step-by-step guide showing you how to write a precis
What is a precis?
You should know a precis before you learn how to write it. Otherwise, you will not know whether you are doing the right thing. Precis is a French word that translates to ‘specific.’ It means a concise summary of essential statements, facts or points. A precis summarizes an article, text or other published work. It is not a paraphrased summary where you write your interpretation of what the author is saying.
It is a brief version of what is written in the text. You are trying to take the author’s article and condense it into a smaller, shorter version. If you read the abstracts of scholarly articles regularly, you have read a precis. Abstracts use the same language and make the same points in the order they are presented in the text or article.
There is also a heavy focus on the keywords and data used within the article to give the reader an idea of the evidence used to form the main points and ideas. A precis is a summary but not a critical analysis. You are not asked to add your opinion or reflect on whether certain points are valid. You are highlighting the main issues of the author with objectivity and clarity.
What kind of papers can contain a precis?
In short, a precis is a separate written piece not attached to other academic works. It is typically written in an article, either scholarly or non-scholarly, or any other academic work. The length of a precis varies depending on the length of the original piece. Students usually confuse precis with another form of writing, a critical analysis. They are, however, quite different. Unlike a critical analysis, a precis should not have your perspective regarding the original piece. A good precis should be brief and to the point. Below are some important factors to keep in mind:
- It is a summary but not a paraphrased copy of the original piece.
- The text should be brief and precise.
- A precis should not reflect your perspective.
- A precis should be written in your own words, but it is allowed to use some quotes from the original text. Only quotes that bring real value are allowed to be used.
- The main points should be covered as comprehensively as possible.
- It should convey the most important content without secondary ideas.
- A precis should not have any details from other sources.
- The content in a precis should be conveyed logically with a clear connection between the parts of the text.
- A precis should not contain any secondary or irrelevant details.
- It is usually written in the third person. Using the first-person pronouns is therefore inappropriate here.
Other than a regular precis, another form of this assignment is called a rhetorical precis. They both serve the same purpose. However, a rhetorical thesis is usually shorter and, therefore, hard to write. When writing a rhetorical precis, you are required to sum up the main ideas from the original piece, but it is an additional focus on the delivery of the information in the piece. A rhetorical precis blends a summary and a brief analysis of how the author has conveyed their ideas. The biggest challenge in writing a rhetorical precis is to fit everything normally into four sentences. Below is a sample of what should be included in a rhetorical precis:
- An explanation of how the writer of the original piece has developed and supported their main ideas.
- An explanation of how the author of the text, like the title, name of the author, date and any other relevant data.
- The delivery: how the author captures the reader’s attention. Who their target audience is, and how they cater those ideas to readers.
- A statement of purpose of the author.
So what is the difference between a precis and an article summary?
It is essential to note that while a precis is technically a summary, it is different from an article summary. It is very common to confuse these types of assignments. It is thus crucial to avoid this confusion since your professor is marking you on one specific type of assignment. The main difference between a precis and an article summary is that a precis focuses on the most important parts of an author’s thesis and is very specific. On the other hand, an article contains a broad collection of all the points made in an article.
A precis has only the essential ideas or arguments of a text. Below are some other differences to keep in mind:
- An article summary relies heavily on summarizing and paraphrasing in your own words. On the contrary, a precis focuses on using the same keywords and language as the original text.
- A precis requires the author’s main points to be presented in the order presented by the author, while an article summary can be in any order.
- Although a precis is a replica of the original text, an article summary is based on the writer’s interpretation of the points of the author.
- In most cases, a precis requires a specific heading, while an article summary does not.
- A precis is usually a written piece, while an article summary might take the form of a speech or presentation.
Why are students assigned to write precis?
A precis has several purposes. It helps professors see how you can summarize, think critically, detect and highlight essential information. A precis also demonstrates students’ writing skills, ability to express their ideas clearly, and ability to write with precision and intelligibility.
Precis writing is also an effective way to learn new material. Unlike a paraphrased piece, a precis is not just a restatement of the original text in your words. It requires you to summarize the main ideas in the main text.
Another difference between a precis and a summary is that paraphrasing usually refers to certain ideas or statements given in another work, while the purpose of a precis is to guide readers through a piece they have not read.
What you need to remember about precis writing
Below are some characteristics of good precis writing that you should remember while you work on your assignment:
- Conciseness: stay clear and to the point. Select the main points and stick to the vital information.
- Objectivity: it is crucial to know this is not a critical analysis. Relay the facts presented by the author and ensure you approach your precis with a neutral perspective.
- Minimal paraphrasing: your target is to use the same keywords, tone and language used by the author. You should not paraphrase the thesis of the author using your own interpretation.
- Relevance: stick to the key points and ideas and leave out any information that is not important to the thesis of the author. You do not have the space to do this in most cases, and that is why you should cut your words down to fit properly in the precis.
Features of a good precis
- A good precis must have brevity, clarity and precision.
- A good precis should not just be written using direct sentences from the text. It should be written in your own words.
- A precis is a miniature version of the given passage.
- When writing a precis, it would be great to use linking words like therefore, so, because, and further.
- A precis is a miniature version of the given passage
- A good precis is well-knit and well connected
- A good precis must have coherence and follow the order of the original extract
- It should have a good title.
- It should entail only the information given in the passage.
Dos and don’ts in precis writing
Dos for precis writing
- To make it precise and convenient for reading, start with the basic idea of the passage.
- Provide a clear idea pertaining to what the reader is about to read.
- Make a note of all the important points and include them in precis
- Follow the passage’s main idea with points of improvement, facts or methods as mentioned in the passage.
- Keep track of the tenses you use while writing a precis.
- All important keywords and terms used in the passage should be included.
Don’ts for precis writing
- Use easy vocabulary to avoid overcomplicating the precis
- The length of the precis should be shorter than the length of the passage
- Do not give your criticism or opinion over the comprehension
- Do not add information or make assumptions in the precis per your imagination.
- While writing a precis, do not enter statements in the question format
- Avoid the use of abbreviations
- Focusing on one point for a long should be avoided. The information should be kept as precise as possible.
How to write a precis
Pick the article, work or story you will write a precis on
You will have to choose the original piece you will write your precise on unless you were assigned a specific material. If that is the case, select an article publicly available in its full length so that you can read the whole thing.
Read the original piece.
Dedicate your time to read the whole piece without a rush. This will make you understand it fully.
Re-read it and take notes.
After reading the content, go back to the original text, interpret the author’s core ideas, and take notes.
Make an outline
List all the essential details and arguments based on your notes. This will help see if you covered everything important. Then make a well-structured outline for your precis.
Write a precis
Ensure you follow the guidelines provided when writing a precis. Keep an eye on the size of the precis and use simple language and structure.
Proofread and edit
Ensure you include all the important details in your text. Check to ensure it does not contain mistakes and unnecessary details.
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