Precis Writing
Structure
13.1
Definition
13.2
Aspects
13.3
Meaning
13.4
Language
13.5
Length
13.1
Definition
A precis is a shortened form of the main points
of a speech or written
text. It is also
called
summary writing or summarising.
Precis writing is the art of compressing an idea into
a few words, so it is a very
useful method of developing one's
capacity of understanding the meaning of a
passage and restating it in as few words
as possible.
13.2
Aspects
Precis writing has three main aspects:
i) meaning ii) language iii) length
13.3
Meaning
i)
Read the passage carefully and patiently even
if you do not understand the meaning of a few words or expressions. Try to grasp the central
theme of the passage
as a whole, not in parts.
ii)
Give the passage a title. If you can do so it would
mean that you
have understood the meaning
of the passage. But if you can't, go through it again
to find a word or phrase that
will serve as a suitable
title.
iii) Then pick out the main points and leave out details. A paragraph normally contains only one idea in the topic sentence. The central idea is one that is related to the title. The rest in the form of an example or explanation is mere detail. So, that can be left out. This process is very much like sifting the grain from the chaff.
iv)
If you have to make a precis of more than one paragraph the main points contained in each paragraph should be picked up and arranged in proper
order. If you make a catalogue of points it would not be a piece of composition. So the main points must be so arranged as to have a logical sequence and coherence. A few disjointed sentences do not make a precis.
13.4 Language
i)
A precis should be made in your own words. Picking
out a few sentences from the passage itself
is a poor reproduction, not a precis.
A precis expresses only the central
theme, so words
and expressions used in the passage are usually avoided.
ii)
It is written in full sentences, so telegraphic language
has to be avoided.
iii)
It is written in the indirect
speech, so conversation or direct speech
is always put into indirect speech.
iv)
It is written in the third
person (helshelitlthey).
v)
Use the same tense
as in the passage.
vi)
Avoid expressions like in my opinion/! think!
believe etc. In a precis
you do not express
your personal views,
so expressions like
these are irrelevant.
vii)
Avoid quotations from the passage.
13.5
Length
Precis writing aims
at compression, not expansion, so it is made in about one
third of the length of the passage, i.e., in one-third
of the number of words,
and not in one-third of the number of sentences. A mere reproduction of
one-third of the sentences must
always be avoided.
How to reduce
length:
i)
Avoid all illustrations examples.
ii)
Avoid all
exclamations/expletives comment clauses/parentheses like these: well, you see, you
know, to tell
you frankly etc.
iii)
Avoid explanation or
expansion. A précis is the exact opposite of expansion.
iv)
Avoid your comments on the view or opinion
of the writer. Nothing is put
into a precis that is not in the passage.
v)
Avoid quotations.
vi)
Avoid emphatic sentences.
viii)
Avoid repetitions like this:
He is an extremely old man of ninety years. (9 words)
He is ninety. (3 words)
ix)
Avoid figures of speech
and use simple English instead:
1.
He is as brave
as a lion. (7 words)
He is brave. (3 words)
2.
She is as gentle
as a lamb. (7 words)
She is gentle. (3 words)
Use
the method of transformation/substitution:
She is in the possession of a house. (11 words)
He has a house. (9 words)
This is a chair that has not got any arms. (8 words)
This is a chair without arms . (4 words) A house whose walls are made of glass looks lovely. (10 words) A house with glass walls looks lovely. (6 words)
j) Use a single
word for a group of words:
He is a person who looks at the bright
side of a thing. (13 words)
He is an optimist. (10 words)
2. We want a government of the people, for the people
and by the people. (14 words)
We want democracy. (3 words)
