What is a Précis?
A précis is a clear, concise summary of a passage that keeps the core meaning, tone, and order of ideas — but in one-third of the original length (usually).
It should be:
Short
Exact
Objective
Well-structured
You do NOT add your own opinion.
How to Write a Précis (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Read the passage carefully
Understand the theme, purpose, and tone.
Ask yourself:
What is the passage mainly about?
What is the writer trying to say?
2. Identify the key points
Underline or note:
Main idea (central theme)
Important arguments
(Supporting points)
Final conclusion
❌Ignore examples, stories, idioms, and extra details.❌
3. Make a rough outline
Write the important points in your own words:
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
etc.
This outline becomes the skeleton of your précis.
4. Start writing in your own words
Use formal, simple language
Keep the tone of the original
Keep ideas in the same order
Compress without losing meaning
5. Combine similar ideas
Merge repeated ideas into a single, crisp sentence.
Example:
If the passage says the same thing in three ways — write it once.
6. Add a title
Your title must sum up the main theme in 3–6 words.
Examples:
Value of Discipline
Role of Education
The Need for Conservation
7. Check length
Your précis should be:
One-third of the original passage✅
Or the word count asked in your question✅
8. Read and revise
Check:
Is the meaning preserved?✅
Is it objective?✅
Is it short and clear?✅
Is grammar correct?✅
✅Do’s of Précis Writing✅
✔ Use your own words
Do NOT copy sentences from the passage.
✔ Maintain the original meaning
You cannot twist or add opinions.
✔ Keep the order of ideas same
Do not rearrange unless necessary for clarity.
✔ Be concise
Use fewer words without losing ideas.
✔ Use simple, formal language
A précis should be clear and neat.
✔ Use third-person and past tense
Example:
“The author states…” or “He argued that…”
❌Don’ts of Précis Writing❌
✘ Don’t include examples or illustrations
These are unnecessary.
✘ Don’t add your own ideas or comments
No personal opinions.
✘ Don’t use quotations
Summarize, don’t copy.
✘ Don’t exaggerate
Keep exactly what the author intended.
✘ Don’t repeat points
Each idea only once.
✘ Don’t use flowery or complex words
Simple English is best.
✘ Don’t change the tone
If it’s serious, stay serious; if informative, stay informative.
Quick Formula for a Good Précis
Précis = Main idea + Key points + Writer’s purpose — Examples — Details — Repetition
To practice you can visit:
The Need for Individual Action in Environmental Protection
The Reconciliation of Art and Politics in Writing
