Précis writing is a valuable skill that allows you to condense a lengthy text into a concise summary while preserving its main ideas and key points. In this guide, we will explore the meaning and format of precis writing, providing you with examples to enhance your understanding of this important writing technique. Whether you are a student looking to improve your summarizing skills or a professional seeking to effectively communicate complex information, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to master précis writing.

What is précis writing?

Précis writing is a technique that involves summarizing a text in a concise and condensed manner, while still capturing the main ideas and key points. It requires careful reading and understanding of the original text, as well as the ability to effectively communicate its essence in a shorter form. The goal of précis writing is to provide a clear and concise summary that captures the main ideas and arguments of the original text, without adding any personal opinions or interpretations. This skill is particularly useful in academic and professional settings, where the ability to summarize complex information is highly valued.

precis writing format

The format of a précis writing follows a specific structure to ensure clarity and conciseness. It typically consists of four main elements: the title of the original text, the author's name, a statement of the main thesis or argument, and a summary of the main points and supporting evidence. The title and author's name are included at the beginning to provide context and give credit to the original source. The statement of the main thesis or argument is a concise sentence that captures the central idea of the text. Finally, the summary section condenses the main points and supporting evidence into a few sentences, focusing on the most important information. By following this format, a précis writer can effectively convey the essence of the original text in a concise and organized manner.

precis writing example

One of our most difficult problems is what we call discipline and it is really very complex. You see, society feels that it must control or discipline the citizen, shape his mind according to certain religious, social, moral and economic patterns.

Now, is discipline necessary at all? Please listen carefully. Don’t immediately say YES or NO. Most of us feel, especially while we are young, that there should be no discipline, that we should be allowed to do whatever we like and we think that is freedom. But merely to say that we should be free and so on has very little meaning without understanding the whole problem of discipline.

The keen athlete is disciplining himself the whole time, isn't he? His joy in playing games and the very necessity to keep fit makes him go to bed early, refrain from smoking, eat the right food and generally observe the rules of good health. His discipline and punctuality is not an imposition but a natural outcome of his enjoyment of athletics. (171 Words)

Rough draft:

1. Discipline is not liked by many. 2. It is important to be disciplined as it shapes our mind and habits. 3. Discipline is not an imposition. 4. It is a natural outcome of good habits

TITLE: Discipline is Important

PRÉCIS: Discipline is not liked by many people. However, it is necessary for all. It moulds our mind and regulates our habits. Discipline and punctuality is not an imposition but a natural outcome of good habits. (35 Words)

*Download more precis writing sample from our pdf section.

precis writing questions

1. 1. Original Passage: "Trees are one of nature's most brilliant creations. They provide us with shade, help reduce air pollution, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to the beauty of our environment. Trees are homes to countless species of birds, insects, and animals. They also play a vital role in our lives by providing us with the oxygen we breathe and absorbing harmful carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Without trees, life as we know it would be impossible."

    Question: Write a concise précis of the above passage, reducing it to approximately one third of its original length.

   
   
   

2. 2. Original Passage: "Our health is one of the most valuable assets we have. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep. In addition, maintaining good mental health is just as important as physical health. We must also remember to have regular check-ups to detect any possible health issues early."

    Question: Write a précis of the given text, summarizing its key points in about one third of the original length.

   
   
   

3. 3. Original Passage: "The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and access information. It has made it possible for people from different parts of the world to connect with each other in real-time. Information that was once difficult to obtain is now available at the click of a button. However, while the Internet has many benefits, it also has its drawbacks. It can sometimes serve as a distraction and, if not used responsibly, can lead to cyberbullying and privacy breaches."

   Question: Write a précis of the passage, reducing it to approximately one third of its original length.

   
   

   Learning the art of précis writing opens up a world of effective communication. Understanding the precis writing format and rules, along with studying precis writing examples, can help refine your skills and express complex ideas in a more condensed form. In essence, precis writing meaning revolves around condensing a lengthy piece of text while maintaining its core idea, without losing its essence.

   Our site provides a range of precis writing samples, even a dedicated precis writing examples PDF, that can give you a concrete understanding of how it's done. This practice can help you master summarizing key points efficiently. Précis writing in English may seem daunting at first, but with our tips and guidelines, it becomes an achievable skill.

   It's important to note that précis writing is not just about making the text shorter, but it's about accurate representation of the original text's essence. Summary writing samples can aid you in this, as they demonstrate how to distill main ideas while omitting unnecessary details. Engaging in précis writing practice through a variety of précis writing questions and topics can further enhance your abilities.

   To truly understand the précis writing definition, one must put it into practice. So dive into the world of précis writing in English with examples and develop a skill that will serve you throughout your academic and professional journey. Précis writing - a key to concise and effective communication!