how to write a precis for a research paper

How to Write a Precis - A Step-by-Step Guide

It is common for students to confuse a précis with rhetorical analysis, reflection essays, and critical analysis. We get to clarify the confusion in just a moment.

However, for what it is worth, college life prepares you for the unforgiving life that awaits after graduation. One way it does this is through regular assignments that are timed. You can never afford to submit an assignment late if you want to be classified for a college degree.

When undertaking a college education, précis writing is one of the most important yet challenging tasks. At least, from our internal survey, it emerged that 3 out of 5 students find it hard to write a précis. The students also do not understand what a précis is and how to write a précis step by step.

In this article, we have compiled important facts on how to write a précis, explained its meaning and rules, and given you links to précis examples.

What is a Précis?

It would be prudent to begin by first reflecting on what a précis contains.

Well, it entails the thesis of the author and the main message or idea of the author. So, when you are asked to write a précis, you need to write a summary of the essential ideas of a longer composition between several texts.

It's also known as a position paper, which means you create a claim based on what you see as the connections between the text. What do these texts have in common? Are there similar ideas that appear in the readings so far? What are they?

A rhetorical précis can be defined as a summary of an original piece of text that includes the main ideas, arguments, and insights of the thesis of the author in that text.

It is a clear, accurate, and concise summary of a longer text in a connected, readable, and elaborate manner. You can also refer to it as an academic summary as it involves summarizing the main argument of a piece of academic writing, such as a peer-reviewed article.

In simple terms, a précis is like a synopsis of a text, article, or literature. Précis is a term borrowed from French, which means summary or

It should never be a narrative of what the author said in sequence. Rather, it is more of providing a skeleton of the arguments in the piece of work. A précis is also not rewriting or an essay.

Qualities and Features of a Rhetorical précis

When you are assigned to write a précis, here are some important elements that must feature in your paper:

• A précis summarizes the original article or academic text's content.
• Start your précis by creating a context (setting) and stating the main idea of the piece. Then, you should begin presenting the author's method for defending this thesis.
• Formal writing reveals the meaning and value of an original text.
• A rhetorical précis gives people who have no time to read an entire text the chance to understand its main points.
• Explains the core of the text in a structural format making it easy to spot the major points without skimming through pages.
• A précis can be written on a scholarly article, published work, or dissertation.
• Always state the name of the article/document, the author, and the source (is it from a magazine, book, encyclopedia, etc.)
• It is never a critical or interpretive piece of writing.
• It helps identify areas to concentrate on when reading.
• It is meant to improve the writing skills of the writers
• Titles of texts should be put in italics OR underlined
• When writing about history, use the past tense.

Précis writing is important as it helps the writer distinguish between what is regarded as useful and what is never. It is a comprehension exercise that allows the writer to present the gist of a passage in their own words.

Rules (or Do's) of Précis Writing

There are ten golden rules when writing a précis: you can call them the Dos of précis writing.

• Read the passage/text and determine its theme . While reading, focus on the theme or major argument expressed by the author.
• Précis writing means the art of remodeling. Your précis writing should reflect your prowess in using your own words to express the meaning of a text.
• Be concise, accurate, and clear. précis writing is never complete without brevity, yet it should not come at the expense of clarity or accuracy. Throw in some economy with words, and avoid ambiguity, obscurity, and vagueness.
• It should convince even those who have not read the text.  When writing a précis, ensure it is intelligible to anyone who has not read the original text. By reading your thesis, the reader should engage with the original text.
• A précis uses your own language.  Remember that a précis does not mean paraphrasing. Read and comprehend, then write.
• Forever stick to the third person.  Begin your  précis by identifying what the author says.
• Do not give a personal opinion.  Never give your personal comments or reflection on the piece of work. You will be deviating from précis writing. It should follow the order of the original text.
• A précis, by the rule of thumb, should be a third of the original text. Academic précis writing suggests that it should be between 100 and 200 words. A précis of a 20-page book or article should be between 2-3 pages. Look at how to write a  précis for a research article .
• Balance your précis.  Make sure you are filling the space not just with words but with substance from the text.
• When statistics are involved, use discretion . Unless the statistics are inevitable and utterly important, drop them when writing your précis.

The Don'ts when writing a Précis

When writing a précis, avoid doing these:

• Never use complicated vocabulary that might make your précis complex. Simplicity always has its place in academic writing. Overcome the urge to use tough vocabulary that are otherwise fillers.
• Never use the first-person pronoun when writing a précis. You are not allowed to use I or we when writing a précis.
• Never mention additional information other than your author's thesis, methods the author uses to present the thesis, the results, and their conclusion.
• Do not use abbreviations or contractions.
• Avoid words like big, good, bad, little, and a lot. Also, do not use the phrase "throughout history." This is cliché.
• Never copy sentences as they are from the original unless you are quoting, where you must also provide the right in-text citation.
• Avoid addressing wrong figures and facts. Every fact that you reference in your précis must be from your original.
• Do not use the words "in this article." Use the style "Crane argues that the most significant contribution of the Czechs was ... "
• When looking at primary sources, you should note the document's origin, purpose, value, and limitations.)
• Count your "and."

Remember, a rhetorical précis demonstrates that you have mastered the art of writing and can express your thoughts cogently and intelligibly. Therefore, you must uphold high clarity, correctness, objectivity, conciseness, and coherence.

The Structure/Format of a Précis

Although a critical or rhetorical précis is not an essay like an argumentative or expository essay , it follows the same structure.

A précis has an  introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion .

The introduction is usually a sentence with the author's name, the title of the original piece, the date of publishing, and the author's thesis statement. You can use verbs such as argues, explains, proves, expands the argument, demonstrates, etc.

Some writing experts and professors have suggested that you start your précis with a hook and then restate the thesis of the author of the original piece.

Each body paragraph of your précis should explain different parts of the original piece. Focus on the ideas, purpose, and evidence presented by the author.  

Do  not interpret, criticize, or analyze the arguments of the author . Where necessary, use quotes or phrases from the text but intelligibly. For instance, Paulo Coelho's quotation, It's part of the human condition to want to share things, thoughts, ideas, and opinions, could become Humans want to share ideas with others.

The conclusion of your précis should restate the main idea, summarize everything, and avoid making any personal judgments about the original piece.

How to Write a Précis Step-by-Step

So, you get a prompt like this one from your English 1102 class:

OBJECTIVE: Practice summarizing evidence and conclusions of academic articles in the rhetorical précis format to, ultimately, compose an annotated bibliography using sources that pertain to a topic of your interest.

PART I: Précis

• Select 2 relevant sources for examination. Both should be scholarly/peer-reviewed.
• Read carefully, looking for the main conclusions and the evidence to support those conclusions.
• Write a short paragraph for each source following the rhetorical précis model found on pp. 212 of the Guide to First-Year Writing.

You first wonder what you should do, how you can start, and how you will complete the paper. Instead of panicking, follow these eight steps and write a rhetorical précis that appeals to your professor : one they will forever use as an example. So how do you get to do it step-by-step? Here is how to proceed with writing your précis:

First Step: Read the prompt

Like other assignments, you must begin by reading the rhetorical précis essay prompt. In most cases, the prompt specifies the number of words. For instance, your professor might require you to write an 800:1000-word essay in MLA format. The prompt will also specify the exact pages or chapters if it is a book.

Second Step: Read the original piece

Read the text on which you are to write a précis several times. If it is short, 2-5 times is recommended; otherwise, two times is the standard for long texts. Use the headings and subheadings as your guide to getting the gist of the text.

Ensure that you read the assigned readings and understand each article's essence.  In other words, what is the central argument related to the theme discussed in class?

Third Step: Re-read the original and take notes

Annotate or mark the text as you read. Here is where you highlight the major points that stick out. You can do this by underlining or highlight the most important points in the original text. If you are reading using PDF readers, you can use the power to highlight and add notes. It helps you knit together the thesis of the author.

Fourth Step: Put together the highlighted ideas

If the author or novel words use evidence, take a keen interest and look them up. Also, study the statistics used to corroborate facts in the text.

Collect these highlighted passages in point form. Write a list of two or three main ideas the essays, articles, or original pieces share.

Fifth Step: Develop the thesis

Restate the authors' thesis in your own words. When doing this, be clear, accurate, and concise. If it is a long piece, try to find the major arguments that the author is bringing forth. Write a brief outline of your argument. 

Sixth Step: Breakdown your précis (outline)

Provide one to two sentence summaries of each paragraph from the author's work. If the text is long, divide it into sections or chapters and give a summary. Division by chapter would be prudent for a précis on a novel.

Seventh Step: Write the précis

write the précis. It should feature a short introductory paragraph, usually one sentence. Develop the body paragraph as outlined in the previous sections. Conclude the précis by summarizing the facts and restating the thesis.

Think of it this way: you summarize the lecture for a friend who missed the class, and the material will be on an upcoming test. Also, you may want to include a brief statement about the article's tone, audience, or purpose.

Ensure that you do great work when citing a précis. Consistently place the in-text citations per the recommended formatting style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago formats.

Also, ensure that at the end of your paper, you have works cited, reference, or reference list page. Likewise, have an outstanding title page .

Eighth Step: Proofread, edit, and polish

Proofread, edit, and submit the précis paper on time. Consider revising the assignment prompt/instructions. Also, compare your précis with the original text and weed out any similarities. Focus on your grammar and spelling while ensuring you maintain coherence and clarity. You can read it aloud or use a third eye, such as online editing services .

Paragraphing: The Four-Sentence Rhetorical Précis

When writing your précis, you can adopt the four-sentence rhetorical précis paragraph format. This highly structured paragraph records the essential elements of the discourse, whether spoken or written.

Notably, each of the four sentences bears specific information, as we shall see shortly. When writing with this format, the précis might have brief quotations that convey the author's sense of style, unique voice, and tone.

First Sentence

• Name of the author (if possible, a description of their credential)
• The genre (essay, lecture, research paper, book chapter, book review, editorial, etc.
• Date (in parentheses)
• A rhetorically accurate present tense verb (argues, asserts, suggests, implies, claims, questions, concurs, explains, etc.
• The THAT clause, comes before mentioning the assertion or thesis statement from the author's text.

Second Sentence

• An explanation of how the author develops or supports the thesis (narration, comparison and contrasting, illustration, listing, telling, or definition, etc.)
• Explanation in chronological order as the items of support are presented in the original text
• Uses present tense verbs

Third Sentence

• Statement of the author's purpose in the original text
• An IN ORDER TO clause that explains what the author wants the audience to feel or do after reading the piece

Fourth Sentence

• A description of the author's tone: formal, informal, condescending, sarcastic, humorous, contemptuous, etc.
• Description of the intended audience

The four-sentence précis Template

First Sentence: (Author's full name) _______________________________________,  in his/her (essay, novel, poem, article, painting, short story, etc.) _______________________ (year for APA attribution)__________, asserts that ________________________________________. Second sentence: (Author's last name) ____________________________________ supports this assertion by (showing, offering, using, citing, challenging, etc.) _______________________________examples of______________________________________________________ . 

Third sentence: His/her purpose is to __________________________________. 

Fourth sentence: He/She (establishes, creates, constructs, suggests, offers, presents, etc.)   ____________________ a/an ______________________________________________________with/for his/her audience of ______________________________________________________________________________ who _________________.

Sample four-sentence rhetorical précis

Here are some examples of well-written précis paragraphs.

Sandra M. Gilbert, professor of English at the University of California, Davis, in her essay Plain Jane's Progress (1977), suggests that Charlotte Brontë intended Jane Eyre to resemble John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress in that Jane's pilgrimage through a series of events based on the enclosure and escape motif eventually lead toward the equality that Brontë herself sought. Gilbert supports this conclusion by using the structure of the novel to highlight the places Jane has been confined, the changes she undergoes during the process of escape, and the individuals and experiences that lead to her maturation concluding that "this marriage of true minds at Ferndean : this is the way" (501). Her purpose is to help readers see the role of women in Victorian England in order to help them understand the uniqueness and daring of Brontë's work. She establishes a formal relationship with her audience of literary scholars interested in feminist criticism who are familiar with the work of Brontë, Bunyan, Lord Byron, and others and are intrigued by feminist theory as it relates to Victorian literature.

Adapted from Source

Sheridan Baker, in his essay "Attitudes" (1966), asserts that writers' attitudes toward their subjects, their audiences, and themselves determine to a large extent the quality of their prose. Baker supports this assertion by showing examples of how inappropriate attitudes can make writing unclear, pompous, or boring, concluding that a good writer "will be respectful toward his audience, considerate toward his readers, and somehow amiable toward human failings" (58). His purpose is to make his readers aware of the dangers of negative attitudes in order to help them become better writers. He establishes an informal relationship with his audience of college students who are interested in learning to write "with conviction.

Analysis of the précis paragraph

NOTE that the first sentence identifies the author (Baker), the genre (essay), the title and date, and uses an active verb (asserts) and the relative pronoun that to explain what exactly Baker asserts. The second sentence explains the first by offering chronological examples from Baker's essay, while the third sentence suggests the author's purpose and WHY (in order to) he has set out that purpose (or seems to have set out that purpose -- not all essays are explicit about this information and readers have to put the pieces together). The final sentence identifies the primary audience of the essay (college students) and suggests how this audience is brought into/connected to the essay's purpose.

Toni Morrison, in her essay "Disturbing Nurses and the Kindness of Sharks," implies that racism in the United States has affected the craft and process of American novelists. Morrison supports her implication by describing how Ernest Hemingway writes about black characters in his novels and short stories. Her purpose is to make her readers aware of the cruel reality of racism underlying some of the greatest works of American literature in order to help them examine the far-reaching effects racism has not only on those discriminated against but also on those who discriminate. She establishes a formal and highly analytical tone with her audience of racially mixed (but probably mainly white), theoretically sophisticated readers, and critical interpreters of American literature.

In her article Who Cares if Johnny Can't Read? (1997), Larissa MacFarquhar asserts that Americans are reading more than ever despite claims to the contrary and that it is time to reconsider why we value reading so much, especially certain kinds of high culture reading. MacFarquhar supports her claims about American reading habits with facts and statistics that compare past and present reading practices, and she challenges common assumptions by raising questions about reading's intrinsic value. Her purpose is to dispel certain myths about reading to raise new and more important questions about the value of reading and other media in our culture. She seems to have a young, hip, somewhat irreverent audience in mind because her tome is sarcastic, and she suggests that the ideas she opposes are old-fashioned positions.

Adopted from this  source .

Statesman and philosopher, Thomas Jefferson, in The Declaration of Independence (1776), argues that God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness entitle the colonists to freedom from the oppressive British government and guarantee them the right to declare independence. He supports his claim by first invoking the fact of our inalienable rights, then he establishes the circumstances under which a people can throw off an oppressive government; he next proceeds to show that these circumstances have been created by King George II whose oppressive rule now forces the colonists to the separation. The purpose of this document is to convince all readers of the necessity to officially declare independence from Great Britain in order to establish a separate independent nation, the United States of America. Jefferson establishes a passionate and challenging tone for a worldwide audience, but particularly the British and King George III.

Sample précis Questions

Here are two examples of précis homework assignment questions:

1. Write the précis of" liberation, division, and war." 

Write a précis which contains the following elements:

• What is the author's thesis
• How the author develops the thesis?
• Why you chose this reading? (If this helped you? how?)

2. Writing a précis

Lippi-Green, Teaching Children to Discriminate

Checklist of a Good précis

We cannot conclude our précis writing guide without exploring some of its great features. Here is a checklist to ensure your précis stands out.

• It should be clear, correct, objective, coherent, and concise.
• Has a mix of short and long sentences.
• The précis should have a unique title.
• Do not have irrelevant facts on the author or piece of work.
• Should only involve arguments of the author in the particular work.
• A précis that is not a critical analysis or reflection of the text.
• It is not a merely paraphrased version of the original text.
• Devoid of grammar or spelling mistakes.
• Formatted, styles, and organized in MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard.

Our Final Thoughts on Précis Writing

Our insights in this comprehensive guide can help you understand how to start and complete writing a précis. To be clear, no professor likes reading mediocre précis. So, make sure yours stands out.

Now that you know how to write a précis, we wish you well.

Related Read: Titling an article in an essay.

However, in modern times, students might seek help writing different essays. When you have a part-time job, no time to complete assignments, or you suck at writing, writing a précis can be torturous, so you should trust online custom writing services .

Our  paper writing service can come in handy and help you cover more work. We have professionals who are proficient in writing précis essays.

A skilled essay writer will read the text and write a précis for you. It is never a shame to seek help, as you have no other option, and failing is not an option in the competitive world.

Let us help you navigate the turbulence of college education. Above all, reading this article will inform you more about writing a précis. You are ready for the challenge; write it like a pro!

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

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How to Write a Precis

Last Updated: July 30, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 174,176 times.

A précis is a summary of a written work, such as an article, book, or other text. You’ll objectively explain the original text’s main argument, support, and structure, without doing a critical analysis. Although it might seem challenging at first, don't get discouraged! It's simple once you understand the structure. Before you can write your précis, you’ll need to study the text. When writing your précis, use the correct structure and style guidelines.

Studying the Text

• You’ll likely need to read the text several times. You might read a novel twice, but you could read a shorter work 3-5 times.
• Skim over the text before you read it, mentally dividing it into sections. If the text has headings and/or subheadings, use these as a guide. Otherwise, you can divide it by paragraph.
• If you notice any unfamiliar words, look them up.

• If you learn well visually, use different colored highlighters to highlight the thesis, supporting arguments, and important details.
• Write notes in the margins to explain important arguments in your own words.

• In a longer text, you may need to do a close reading to find the thesis. You should consider the author's arguments and main ideas. Remember, the thesis is the author's controlling idea. For instance, a novel likely won't have a clear thesis, but you could identify what the author is trying to prove or show.
• For examples of how to do this, look at book reviews in literary journals or in major newspapers. Remember not to simply copy the thesis, which is considered plagiarism.

• Consider the length and difficulty of the text when dividing your sections. There’s no wrong way to section an article.
• For example, when writing a précis for a novel, you could summarize each chapter. If it's a journal article that's already divided into sections, you could summarize these sections. For an essay or article without sections, you could summarize each paragraph.
• Be sure to only include the key point and evidence in your summary.
• Include enough information in your summaries so that you don’t need to refer to the main text to understand them.

• The author likely won’t state their purpose, so you’ll need to determine it yourself. Consider your reaction to the text. For example, did it make you think? Do you feel differently about the subject? This can help you figure out the purpose.
• If you're writing a précis about a short story or novel, the author may be entertaining the reader, but they will also have a message behind the story. This message can help you find the purpose.
• If you're writing a précis about an article or essay, the purpose may be related to the thesis. What is the writer trying to prove? How does that connect to their purpose? For instance, the author's purpose might be to change the way you think about recycling paper. Their thesis could read, "Reusing paper before recycling it is better for the environment because it reduces new purchases of paper, produces less waste, and lowers energy expenditures by recycling programs."
• You can also look at a few published reviews of the book, which can give you good contextual information and different perspectives to orient your understanding of the purpose.

• An outline lets you see how the argument is assembled.
• This outline is just for you, so don’t worry if it’s messy.

• Remember to use your own words. However, you need to accurately portray the meaning of the original text.

Structuring Your Précis

• In rare cases, you may need to provide more information about the author, but this is only necessary if that information is necessary to understand the précis. For example, let's say an astronaut wrote a scholarly article about how being on the space station affected their research. It would be helpful to include that the author had been to space, as it adds to their credibility.
• Put the date in parentheses after the title.
• The genre refers to the type of text, such as article, short story, novel, play, etc.
• Use a rhetorical verb, such as asserts, explains, argues, refutes, proves, or disproves, to introduce the author’s argument.
• Here’s an example: Luz Ruiz’s article “The Moral Politician” (2018) asserts that policies based on morality can undermine the basis of governance.

• Comparing and contrasting of 2 or more things.
• Providing several small arguments.
• Offering 1 long chain of argument.
• Illustrating a point.
• Creating a narrative.
• Citing research.
• Defining and elaborating on the terms of the thesis.

• The purpose is the author’s motive, not the thesis.
• For instance, “Ruiz’s purpose is to present case studies in order to create an awareness in the reader of counterproductive policy making.”

• Since the author won’t directly tell you their intended audience, you’ll need to use cues from the article to determine it. Cues to watch for include the type of language used, the types of references, and the author’s background. You might compare and contrast the article to other similar articles to determine if it's more formal or informal. For example, academic or professional articles might use a lot of jargon, and they may expect the reader to understand references to other ideas in the field. However, articles written for the casual reader might use down-to-earth language and may thoroughly explain references to other ideas.
• For instance, “Based on her use of jargon and the nature of the topic, Ruiz primarily writes for an audience who understands policy debate, such as policy students, academics, and politicians.”

• This type of précis is less common than the 4-sentence structure presented above.
• You should only write a long précis if your instructor asks for it. Always check your assignment details.

• Remember, you don't need to incorporate any outside ideas or conclusions you have made, as a précis is only about the work itself.
• Keep your conclusion concise.

Revising Your Précis

• It’s a good idea to look for typos, grammar errors, or spelling issues now, but you’ll still need to proofread your final draft.

• For example, re-read the original text, then re-read your précis.
• If you can, have someone read both the original text and your précis and tell you what they think.

• For example, you might eliminate redundant text or extra words that aren't necessary.
• If you make substantial changes, it’s best to compare it to the original text once again.

• If you can, ask someone to proofread your work for you, as you might overlook some of your own errors.

Following Best Practices

• Although a précis is always concise, its length can vary depending of the length of the original work and your instructor’s preferred length. For an article, your précis will likely be 100-200 words long, but a longer work may require a few pages of text. Expect your précis to be about 1/5 to 1/6 the length of the original text. [17] X Research source
• Read over your assignment sheet carefully.

• For instance, you should write “Ruiz proves” not “Ruiz proved.”
• Make sure your verbs apply to the author, not the text. For example, “Ruiz argues” not “the article argues.”

• Stay objective throughout the writing process.

• It’s okay to quote a special term coined by the author if it’s important to the précis. For example, "freakonomics" is a special term created by economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner. It's not a normal word, so you would put quotes around it when including it in a précis.

Community Q&A

• Writing a précis is a great way to study an important text. For example, you might write one before you write an annotated biography or before including a text in your thesis or dissertation. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You need to fully understand a text before you can write a précis. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/nonfictionanalysis/
• ↑ https://downloads.wlu.ca/downloads/academics/support-and-advising/documents/writing-a-precis.pdf
• ↑ https://www.monmouth.edu/resources-for-writers/documents/how-to-write-a-precis.pdf/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/nonfictionanalysis.html

About This Article

Before writing a précis, make sure that you’ve read through the text and made notes in the margins to help you identify the most important points. Afterwards, begin your precis by restating the thesis, or the author’s main argument, in your own words. Then, summarize each paragraph, section, or chapter in 1 to 2 sentences. Make sure to only include information that supports the main argument in your summary. Additionally, include enough information so that you don’t need to refer to the main text in order to understand the summary. For more advice, including how to structure or revise your précis, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Precis Writing: How to Summarize Complex Ideas in Simple Terms

Table of contents

• 1.1 Summary vs Précis
• 1.2 Rhetorical Précis Structure Parts
• 2 Key Elements of a Précis
• 3.1 Step 1: Read the Original Text
• 3.2 Step 2: Start Brainstorming Ideas
• 3.3 Step 3: Make an Outline
• 3.4 Step 4: Re-read the Original Text
• 3.5 Step 5: Write a précis
• 3.6 Step 6: Proofread and Edit
• 4 Precis Format
• 5.1 Do’s
• 5.2 Dont’s
• 7 Brevity With Brilliance

While many students will not know the term, precis is important in academic writing, research studies, and the composition of scientific reports. The word “precis” comes from French, which translates as precise or to the point . College professors tend to ask for it to evaluate students’ writing skills and ability to write concise summaries. Let’s continue learning about the evaluation criteria.

By completing this article, you will learn how to write a precis and master the following aspects:

• The purpose of a precise writing.
• Explanation of rhetorical precis.
• Key elements of a precis and steps to composing a perfect precis.
• Formatting rules.
• A precise writing example.

What is a précis?

Precis represents a short synopsis of another written piece, like a book or a scholarly article. The purpose is to summarize the principal ideas without turning them into a critical analysis. Still, you must provide your target audience with the summary of specific ideas from the original piece with the help of your précis writing, simply making it clearer and using brevity as the driving force.

When composing a precis, you must summarize the author´s argumentation instead of craft an article summary of the original piece. The trick is to use the same level of precision that you implement when writing an essay. A precis should represent a logical sequence where you convey each vital point in a logical flow of ideas. Avoid including irrelevant details or information from external sources, as it´s not the purpose here. Remember that precis writing is always composed in the third person, making explaining important details more objectively and less biased easier.

Summary vs Précis

Although composing a precis might remind you of a summary, it is not the same. A summary always aims to explain the main points of a given content in bullet-like points. It also provides a general idea and description of the work.

A precis has a different function because you should go beyond the generalization of the article in your own words. The key difference is that you must write about a particular narration part as you summarize. It can be a book chapter or a play in a dramatic scene. This way, you must focus on that segment’s specifics and outline all the important information.

Rhetorical Précis Structure Parts

When asked to write a rhetorical precis, students usually face certain difficulties. In this case, the structure is usually shorter and must be narrowed down to a single paragraph. One should not mix up a rhetorical precis with a rhetorical analysis writing. The main purpose here is to explain the main idea presented by the author and provide a brief analysis of how the main arguments have been presented. It must be done in no more than four sentences.

A rhetorical precis writing process must include the following elements:

• Bibliographical information that includes the author´s name, the title of the original piece, and the publication date.
• The main statement explains the author´s methodology as you summarize things in your own words.
• Details regarding how the author has developed their main argument.
• Explanation of how the reader´s attention has been captured.

Key Elements of a Pr é cis

Start writing a precis only after studying the original content. Remember that your sentences should be concise without being overly complex. Think about eliminating unnecessary details by proofreading your precis more than once. Don’t start with the word count when writing an essay , but simply ensure that certain ideas’ core information is presented correctly.

Keep these guidelines in mind when writing:

• A title must describe the content properly.
• A precis is always written in the third person.
• The sentences have a natural flow and explain the author´s ideas clearly and logically.
• A precis is mostly written in the present tense. Still, the past tense is more appropriate when discussing past or historical events.
• A precis must be 1/3 or 1/4 of the original content presented for analysis.
• Your arguments, in your own words, must be unbiased, objective, and logical.
• Proofread things twice to eliminate grammar and spelling mistakes.

6 Steps for Precise Writing

Now that we have explored the theoretical part, it’s time to learn how to write a precis correctly by focusing on the practical steps. Unless you have been provided with precise instructions, the following six steps should suffice:

Step 1: Read the Original Text

Sometimes, a college professor will provide you with a piece you must read, but in most cases, you are free to choose the original writing. If you have the freedom to find something to write about, choose something that motivates and inspires you. It will help you complete the work for your precis much faster. It will also be much easier to research things if you write about something compelling compared to a subject you know less about.

As you explore and look through the original piece, remember to take lots of notes and write down precise words. The quotes that stand out usually represent´ the author´s key points and ideas. It should help you analyze things and develop the key paraphrasing elements.

Step 2: Start Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is the creative part of coming up with a strong précis paper. This is where you can write down all that comes to mind and use your notes and quotes that you have previously written down. Once your mind is free to brainstorm and think, the key is to outline your ideas and pick the most important based on your reading. It is even possible to write a short essay using your notes and important points you have discovered.

The most important is to develop a clear statement as you look through ideas. Some students find using paper notes to create a mind map helpful. Others find it helpful to reflect and write down several thesis statements. Even if some important points you come up with don’t fit the precis format, you can simply eliminate them or use different wording.

Step 3: Make an Outline

Now it´s time to combine your research work with the quotes and facts you collected from the original author´s work. Ensure that your outline structure is precise and reflects only the facts the author has mentioned. These points that you outline must be conveyed to the target audience.

Step 4: Re-read the Original Text

Returning to the original piece to re-read and check whether you have all the vital information and facts already mentioned is crucial. Check for supporting arguments in case you need any. If the original text is too complex for comprehension, you may consider turning to a trained expert who can write a literature review for you without breaking the bank. Ensure that all the points you have outlined for your precis are supported by at least one piece of evidence.

Step 5: Write a précis

The next step will depend on whether you have been given précis assignment guidelines or must remain within the classic structure. If you have a grading rubric, check the rules twice before you start. All of the adjustments must be made during the outline stage. As you write, these bits must be addressed:

• Ensure that every basic idea that you mention is unbiased and objective.
• Keep the personal opinion out.
• Come to your conclusion based on facts, all the details, and evidence in the original passage.

Helpful Tip: Check the formatting section below before composing your precis!

Step 6: Proofread and Edit

Once done with the previous steps, you must edit and proofread your precis. While the editing part is mostly clear to an average student, proofreading stands for reviewing your text and checking for grammar and spelling mistakes, among other things. Many students tend to use grammar and spell checkers, especially if English is not their native language. It´s also possible to consider showing your work to a trusted friend who may check it for you. You may consider PaperOwl writing service for text editing and composition work when all else fails. After all, it never hurts to have an expert have a look at your freshly composed precis assignment!

Precis Format

While the precis formatting rules may differ between diverse subjects, there are universal bits that will work in most academic scenarios. The structure may appear somewhat limited, yet it´s more of an advantage than a shortcoming. You won´t have to wander around looking for different options and can narrow things down more easily and follow the formatting.

In most precis assignments, you will encounter a standard essay format that includes an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. The practical applicability will depend on the provided instructions and the length of the original piece. Composing a precis based on a short story will differ from a precis related to a lengthy novel. If you find it hard to start, you can make an essay order and receive assistance from academic research professionals. Whether it´s inspiration or assignment writing, help is out there.

Helpful tip: Always ask your academic advisor if something is unclear before diving into specifics. They might provide you with a precis layout or a helpful writing template.

Without a doubt, if the text is several pages long, your precis must be longer than four sentences. Here is the typical format for a four-sentence precis:

Introductory sentence: the first sentence should have the author’s name and title of an article or book. You may include rhetorical parts and outline the author´s purpose using comprehensible words.

Body sentences: Here is where you summarize the author´s purpose by explaining every vital point clearly made by the author. Think about how the claims have been made. You may implement an “in order” phrase to develop the sentence. If you are limited to only four sentences, the third should discuss the audience and the elements that capture the reader’s attention. Think and write about how the connection with the readers has been established.

Conclusion: Start with a restatement of the author’s thesis, like in a classic essay structure. Provide brief and final comments about the main arguments if you find them helpful.

Do’s and Dont’s

Narrowing things down after knowing the necessary steps is never easy, which is why you should focus on these tips and tricks that help you keep your precis optimized.

• Keep the structure concise by focusing on facts supported by evidence.
• Provide the author´s background information, including name, content title, and publishing date.
• Make the flow of your concise summary passage feel natural and within the same tone.
• Your writing should become a short representation of the original text. Readers must have a good idea of what the original passage is about.

Dont’s

• Don’t add your opinion and criticism to your precis.
• Avoid posing any questions.
• Do not exceed the volume of the original passage.
• A precis is NOT a summary of the prior research.
• Avoid assumptions and provide only the facts.
• Your passage interpretation is not necessary.
• Do not focus on a single idea unless the original passage reflects that.
• Use quotes wisely with quotation marks, and do not overdo that.

Here is an example of a typical four-sentence precis that uses all of the rules and formatting conventions mentioned above:

In Martin Luther King´s ‘I Have a Dream´ speech (1963), the author stresses that all Americans should be given equal rights regardless of their skin color and/or heritage. He distributes his points by using powerful anecdotes and metaphors that clearly portray the inequality in the United States at the given time period. He also repeats the signature words “I have a dream” as a goal that all people must strive for and aims to persuade his audiences that the rules enforcing segregation are wrong and lead to conflicts in our society. King’s tone is earnest and sincere as he addresses the usual American people and government officials.

Brevity With Brilliance

The main purpose of precis writing is to show whether you can focus on the main points of a subject or a prompt. Creating a unique precis is difficult, yet the trick here is to find the precise passage meaning and express your ideas and thoughts clearly in simple words. Focus on essential information and proofread it aloud to evaluate how it sounds. While there are many practices for creating a unique precis, the key is to avoid critical analysis but offer a summary of the principal ideas and author’s thesis statement in a written piece.

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How to Write a Precis: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to academic writing, precis writing can be one of the most valuable skills you can learn. A precis is a type of summary that requires you to condense a longer piece of text into a shorter version, while still retaining its essence. This type of writing is often used in academia and is a key skill for students looking to succeed in their studies. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know to write a great precis, step by step.

Understanding the Purpose of a Precis

The first step to writing a precis is understanding why it's important. A precis is not a simple summary - it's a concise version of a longer piece of writing, which captures the main points and ideas. It's used to help readers quickly understand the key concepts of a text without having to read the whole thing. Think of a precis as a way to distill a text into its most essential parts, so that readers can get the gist without reading everything in detail.

However, writing a precis is not just about summarizing a text. It's also about analyzing and interpreting the information presented in the original text. By writing a precis, you're forced to think critically about the ideas presented and to consider their significance. This process of analysis and interpretation is an important skill to develop, as it will help you to become a more thoughtful and insightful reader.

What is a Precis?

A precis is a summary of a longer piece of text, written in your own words. It should be much shorter than the original and capture the essence of the writing in a concise manner. When writing a precis, it's important to focus on the main ideas and arguments presented in the text, rather than getting bogged down in the details. This means that you'll need to be selective in your choice of information, choosing only the most important points to include in your summary.

It's also important to remember that a precis is not a personal response to the text. While you may have opinions about the ideas presented, a precis should be an objective summary of the text, written from a neutral perspective.

Why Is Writing a Precis Important?

There are several reasons why precis writing is important. Firstly, it helps improve your reading comprehension. By forcing yourself to identify the main points and ideas of a text, you'll train yourself to become a more careful and thorough reader. This will not only help you to better understand the text you're summarizing, but it will also improve your ability to read and comprehend other texts in the future.

Secondly, precis writing is a valuable skill to possess in the academic world. In many fields, you'll be required to summarize complex ideas and arguments in a concise and clear manner. Being able to do this effectively will make you a more successful student and researcher.

Finally, precis writing is a great tool for anyone who wants to communicate effectively and efficiently in their writing. Whether you're a student or a professional, the ability to condense complex information into a shorter, more digestible format is a key skill. By mastering the art of precis writing, you'll be able to communicate your ideas more clearly and persuasively, and you'll be better equipped to succeed in your academic and professional endeavors.

Preparing to Write a Precis

Now that you understand the importance of a precis, it's time to start preparing to write one. Here are the key steps:

Reading the Original Text

The first step is to read the original text carefully. You'll need to read it several times to fully understand it. Look out for the main ideas and arguments presented in the text, and make sure you have a good grasp of the author's message.

Identifying the Main Points

Once you've read the text, you'll need to identify the main points. These are the most important ideas presented in the text.

Taking Notes and Outlining

Finally, you'll need to take notes and create an outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that you don't miss any key information. Your outline should include the main points you identified earlier, as well as any supporting evidence or examples that the author used to reinforce their argument.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is the first part of your precis and should serve as a brief overview of the text. Here's what to include:

Introducing the Author and Title

The first sentence should introduce the author of the original text and the title of the work; for example, "In the article "The Importance of Precis Writing," John Smith argues that precis writing is an essential skill for students."

Presenting the Main Argument

The second sentence should present the main argument of the text; for example, "Smith suggests that precis writing can improve students' reading comprehension and help them communicate more effectively."

Establishing the Context

The last sentence of the introduction should establish the context of the text. This includes any relevant background information and the general themes or topics that the text explores.

Developing the Body of the Precis

The body of your precis will contain your summary of the main points and ideas presented in the original text. Here's what to include:

Summarizing the Main Points

Your precis should summarize the main points of the text in a clear and concise manner. Focus on the key concepts and ideas, rather than getting bogged down in details.

Maintaining Objectivity

When summarizing the text, it's important to maintain objectivity. This means that you should avoid injecting your personal opinion or bias into the summary.

Using Clear and Concise Language

Your summary should be written in clear and concise language. Avoid using overly complicated sentences or jargon, as this can make it difficult for readers to understand.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Precis

Chatgpt prompt.

Please produce a concise and precise summary of a given text, highlighting its key points and main arguments while maintaining its original meaning and tone. Your precis should be accurate, comprehensive, and well-structured, providing a clear and insightful overview of the text's content and purpose.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a good precis requires careful reading, thoughtful analysis, and clear and concise writing. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can develop this valuable skill and become a more effective communicator. Whether you're a student or a professional, the ability to summarize complex information is an essential tool for success.

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How to Write Rhetorical Precis? - A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever had trouble making a short and clear summary? You're not alone. Lots of people find it hard to shrink big ideas into a brief precis.

Making a good precis is more than just shortening words. It's about getting the main point of a text in fewer words while keeping its important meaning.

But don’t worry! 

In this blog, you'll find a detailed, step-by-step guide on crafting a precis that works. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a beginner, we'll teach you how to express ideas with clarity and brevity.

Ready to make your writing better? Let's learn how to be clear and short!

• 1. What Exactly is a Precis?
• 2. How to Write a Precis - Step by Step Process
• 3. Citing in a Precis
• 4. Precis Examples
• 5. Tips for Writing an Effective Precis

What Exactly is a Precis?

A precis is a concise and condensed summary of a longer piece of writing, capturing the essential ideas and main points while maintaining clarity. 

Think of it as a snapshot that filters the key elements of a passage, scholarly article, or document. 

The goal of writing a precis is to convey the original author's message accurately and efficiently, omitting unnecessary details and retaining only what is crucial.

Key Elements of a Precis

Writing a précis involves focusing on important information to ensure a clear and accurate summary of the original text. Here are the key elements you should consider:

• Main Idea and Thesis

The precis should begin by stating the main idea or thesis of the original work. This is the central message that the author wants to convey.

• Supporting Points

Identify and include the essential supporting points that contribute to the development of the main idea. These should be the most significant arguments or concepts presented in the source material.

• Conciseness

One of the critical aspects of a precis is brevity. Aim to express the main points in a concise manner, avoiding unnecessary details or examples. Focus on clarity and precision in your language.

• Clarity of Expression

Clearly convey the meaning of the original text. Use simple and straightforward language while maintaining the integrity of the author's ideas. Ensure that the reader can easily understand the summarized content.

Arrange the points in a logical order, maintaining a coherent flow throughout the precis. This helps the reader follow the structure of the original work and understand the connections between different ideas.

Ensure that your precis accurately reflects the main points of the original text. Misinterpretation can lead to a loss of meaning, so strive for precision in conveying the author's intended message.

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How to Write a Precis - Step by Step Process

Mastering the art of precis writing involves a systematic and step-by-step process. Follow these guidelines to create a concise and effective precis:

Step 1: Understanding the Source Material

To begin the process of writing a precis, it's essential to thoroughly understand the source material. 

Read the original work carefully, paying close attention to the author's main idea, key arguments, and supporting points. 

Take notes on significant details and examples that contribute to the overall message. A solid grasp of the content is the foundation for creating an accurate and concise summary.

Step 2: Identify the Author's Purpose

Dive deeper into the author's purpose behind the writing. Ask yourself why the piece was written and what message the author aims to convey. 

Understanding the author's intent will guide you in selecting the most critical elements to include in your precis. 

Whether it's to inform, persuade, or entertain, recognizing the purpose enhances your ability to capture the essence of the work.

Step 3: Summarize the Main Idea and Thesis

Craft a clear and concise statement that encapsulates the main idea or thesis of the original work. 

This serves as the focal point of your precis and provides readers with a quick understanding of the author's central message. 

Ensure that your summary maintains the nuance and complexity of the original idea while presenting it in a more condensed form.

Step 4: Identify Key Supporting Points

List the primary supporting points or arguments that the author uses to reinforce the main idea. These are the building blocks of your precis. 

Identify evidence, examples, or data that the author presents to substantiate each supporting point. 

Step 5: Create a Precis Outline

A well-organized outline serves as the roadmap for condensing a longer piece of writing into a clear and concise summary. 

Here's how to write a precis outline:

Step 6: Writing Clear and Concise Sentences

In the actual writing phase, focus on expressing each point in clear and concise sentences. Strive for brevity without sacrificing accuracy. 

Eliminate redundant information and choose words that convey the intended meaning with precision. Aim for a balance between clarity and conciseness to create a summary that is both informative and to the point.

Step 7: Review and Revise for Precision

Once your precis is drafted, review it critically. Ensure that each sentence contributes meaningfully to the overall summary. Check for coherence, clarity, and adherence to the original meaning.

Revise sentences that may be unclear or verbose, aiming for precision in language and content. This step is crucial for refining your precis into a polished and accurate representation of the source material.

You can also explore our blog for comprehensive information on rhetorical precis .

Citing in a Precis

While precis writing involves condensing the ideas of an original text, proper citation is still essential to give credit to the original author and source. 

Here's how you can cite the sources in a precis:

• Author and Title

In the introductory section of your precis, clearly mention the author's name and the title of the original work. This provides context for your readers and acknowledges the source.

• Academic Integrity

Even though a precis is a condensed version, it's crucial to maintain academic integrity. If you use specific phrases or terminology from the original text, put them in quotation marks and cite the page number.

• In-Text Citations

Depending on the citation style ( APA , MLA , Chicago , etc.), include in-text citations where appropriate. This is particularly important if you refer to specific ideas, examples, or quotes from the original text.

• Reference Page or Works Cited

At the end of your precis, include a reference page or works cited page. Follow the specific guidelines of the citation style you are using to provide a complete and accurate citation for the original work.

• Publication Information

Include the publication information of the original work, such as the publisher, publication year, and page numbers. This ensures that your readers can locate the source material if needed.

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Precis Examples

To better understand the concept of precis writing, let's explore a few examples that showcase the transformation of an original text into concise and focused summaries.

Precis of a Paragraph - Example

Precis Ap Lang - Example 

Precis of a Summary - Example

Tips for Writing an Effective Precis

Crafting an effective precis requires a combination of analytical skills, clarity of expression, and attention to detail. Here are key tips to enhance your precis-writing skills:

• Thoroughly Understand the Source Material

Before attempting to write a precis, ensure a comprehensive understanding of the original text. Identify the main idea, key arguments, and supporting details.

• Focus on the Main Idea

The primary goal of a precis is to capture the main idea of the original text. Concentrate on distilling the central theme and core arguments without getting lost in minor details.

A well-crafted precis conveys essential information without unnecessary elaboration. Aim to condense the material while preserving its meaning.

• Express Ideas in Your Own Words

Use your own language to articulate the ideas presented in the original text. This demonstrates a true understanding of the material and helps avoid plagiarism.

• Maintain Clarity and Coherence

Ensure that your precis maintains a clear and logical flow. Use transition words to connect ideas and create coherence, making it easy for the reader to follow your summary.

• Follow the Structure of the Original Text

Organize your precis to mirror the structure of the original work. Maintain the order of main ideas and supporting points, preserving the intended flow of the author.

• Omit Repetition and Irrelevant Details

Eliminate redundant information and irrelevant details. Your precis should focus on the crucial elements of the text, contributing to a more impactful and focused summary.

• Maintain Objectivity

Write in an objective and neutral tone. A precis is not the place for personal opinions or interpretations. Stick to representing the author's ideas faithfully.

• Adhere to Word Limit Guidelines

While the word count for a precis can vary depending on the length of the original text, it's essential to adhere to any specified word limit.

In conclusion, mastering the art of precis writing is a valuable skill for anyone looking to communicate with clarity and precision. 

By understanding the main ideas, focusing on brevity, and expressing thoughts in your own words, you can create effective summaries. Remember to maintain objectivity, omit unnecessary details, and adhere to word limits. 

If you find yourself needing assistance or seeking professional help with your writing tasks, visit MyPerfectWords.com. 

Our expert writers are ready to provide guidance and support, ensuring your writing is clear, concise, and meets your goals. 

So, why wait? Just ask us to " do my essay for me " today!

Frequently Asked Question

How long is a precis.

The length of the precis should vary. However, it can be 100-200 words long.

Is precis writing in the third person?

You can easily write a precis in the third person and past tense. However, a precis should always write in your own words and without borrowing from the original passage.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Write a Précis

What is a précis, what is the purpose of a précis, what should a précis do, how is a précis different from a paraphrase or summary, when should i use a précis, parts of a précis, resources to help with writing.

• Parts of a Précis

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• Check out our full list of online writing resources These guides, templates, and videos are designed to help academic writers at various stages of their writing process, including the pre-writing and revising stages.

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• Book an appointment
• A précis is a specific kind of summary of an article, book, or speech that uses the language and overall structure of the original source.
• To present a shortened version of a source, while maintaining key words, data, or concepts from the original.
• Note: Some kinds of précis, such as rhetorical précis, follow specific conventions not described here. Be sure to read your assignment carefully for specific requirements.

A précis should do one or more of the following:

• Identify and use the keywords used in the original text or speech 
• Maintain the order and structure of the original
• Serve as a shorter substitute for the original text or speech​
• The main difference between a précis and a paraphrase or summary is that in a précis you use the language and structure of the original, particularly key terms and phrases.
• In paraphrases and summaries, you  must use your own words as much as possible, and as few words from the original as possible.
• You should use a précis only when you are asked specifically to do so by an instructor (e.g., for an assignment).
• When writing about sources in other academic papers, it’s best either to use your own words (paraphrase or summarize) or quote sources directly.
• How long should a précis be?
• What are the parts of a précis?
• How can I improve my précis?
• Example of a précis

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• Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism: From Passage to Paraphrase (Video)
• Next: Parts of a Précis >>
• Last Updated: Oct 27, 2022 10:28 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uoguelph.ca/Precis

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Rhetorical Precis Guide

How To Write A Precis

Last updated on: Jun 9, 2023

How to Write A Precis: Step-by-Step Guide

By: Nova A.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Aug 17, 2021

You’re sitting in class daydreaming, and suddenly you hear the Professor assigning homework.

He’s talking about writing a precis.“What is a precis?”If you’re on the internet trying to figure out how to get your assignment done, then congratulations, you are at the right place.

"A precis is a summary of an article or book. It should summarize the main points and include any major themes, ideas, or conclusions."

Do you want to know how to write a precis? If so, keep reading! This post will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

On this Page

Definition of Precis

What is a precis? It is derived from the French word précis, which means “a concise summary.” Thus, the literal meaning of the term is precise or cut short.

Unlike a summary that condenses and presents the main ideas only, a precis presents every detail and should be one-third of the original text. It is a clear and to-the-point summary of the key ideas of a passage, but it is more detailed than a summary.

It isn’t merely a paraphrased text. When asked to write a precis summary, ensure that the key points are reflected along with its tone and mood, etc.

The key to writing a précis is simplicity. You may be given an scholarly article or dissertation summary, but your job isn't just about summarizing.

Instead, you need to analyze and present the main points concisely in your words so that readers can make up their own minds with what they read!

Let’s move on to the next section to see how to write a precis?

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Characteristics of a Precis

Following are the characteristics of a precis:

• It is a critical summary of a published piece of writing.
• Not a re-written version of the original piece.
• Written in your own words and not in words from the original piece unless you are quoting it.
• Its length is 1/3rd of the length of the original piece unless you are told otherwise by the professor.
• A precis format includes the thesis that the original author supports, methods he used, results and conclusion.

Qualities of a Precis

A precis is a critical piece of writing. Make sure that yours has the following qualities.

• It should be well-written so the reader can easily understand what you are trying to convey. Use clear and simple language.
• It must be correct and error-free, add correct facts and figures, and check for grammatical and punctuation mistakes.
• Stay objective; only provide useful information and not your personal opinion.
• It should be coherent with the original text.
• Keep it concise; avoid adding unnecessary information.

Elements of Precis

Following are the essential elements of a precis:

A reader should understand what the writer wants to say. A precis is a short summary of the story. It should be easy for people to understand.

• Correctness

When you write a precis, you should look for punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure mistakes. You should also double-check all of the dates, addresses, facts, and figures that were used.

• Objectivity

Being objective means telling the truth about your information. It means that you should only talk about facts and not give your opinion.

• Conciseness

When you are writing a summary, you want it to be concise. Therefore, you should avoid repeating things and using unnecessary words.

Coherence is making sense. Say what you want to say, but make it clear. Your audience does not want to get lost or confused when they read. Use strong words that help them understand better.

Precis Format

Precis outline is similar to an essay; it consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

• Introduction

The introduction consists of information about:

• Publishing date within parenthesis
• A verb to represent the thesis
• The thesis statement

The body of the precis has separate paragraphs dedicated to each section of the original piece of work where you present the author’s thoughts, ideas, and purpose.

Don’t forget that you can’t give your own opinion or interpretation. Instead, your focus should be to analyze the author’s take on the main idea or issue.

With your conclusion, simply restate the main idea without any personal statements.

PRECIS TEMPLATE (PDF)

How to Write a Rhetorical Precis?

Before starting the writing process, keep in mind that your precis should be able to make the reader understand the original work without having read it.

As with any other academic writing, start by conducting thorough reading and research. Just because it is a small piece of writing doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be easy or quick.

The essay writing process can be divided into examining the original work, creating a structure, and the writeup itself.

To find out how to write a precis, let us discuss the steps in detail:

1. Read the Content

To write a good rhetorical precis, you need to read the original text. You can do this in two ways. First, skim over the text but try to remember it all. Second, look at where it was published and what section is most important.

Take notes about what is said in the title and figure out what the document’s content might be about. Then, when you are done skimming, take notes with key ideas and respond to those ideas with strategies that the author used to persuade people.

2. Draft an Outline

An outline makes it easier to write. It also helps readers understand what you are writing about. Once you get all the information, put it in four sentences that have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Write your Precis

After creating an outline, start writing the precis. Make sure to follow the format discussed above. Start with the introduction paragraph, then provide supporting body paragraphs, and at last provide a conclusion.

Make sure to follow your outline while writing so that you do not miss any important detail.

4. Proofread

Take a break from writing your precis to make sure it is free of mistakes. Once you are done, read it again and fix any errors before submitting the document to your instructor. Your credibility will be reflected in how accurate your work is.

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How to Write a Precis - Example

It is important to go through examples before you start writing it yourself, as it will give you an idea of how to start writing your own precis.

PRECIS EXAMPLE (PDF)

RHETORICAL PRECIS WORKSHEET

RHETORICAL PRECIS SAMPLE

Precis Writing Tips

To write a winning rhetorical precis, follow the tips mentioned below:

• Read the text under critical analysis carefully and note down the essential points and arguments. Then, try different reading practices to better understand the work.
• Focus on what the author is trying to communicate through his work.
• Point out the evidence and appeals used by the author.
• Restate the thesis stated by the author in your words according to your interpretation. Remember to keep it short and to the point.
• The key is to describe the original piece in your own words.
• Go through the summary again to ensure you haven’t missed any important points and used a logical structure.
• Before handing in your document, make sure that it is clear and concise without any grammatical errors.
• When it comes to writing a precis, you need to cite the attributes taken directly from the piece under analysis.
• Also, keep in mind that teachers only assign a precis to check how well students can communicate their thoughts and want them to develop critical thinking and writing skills.

So now that you have read this blog, we hope that you found the answer to your question "How to write a precis?" If not, then there are other ways of getting help. You can get professional essay writing service from 5StarEssays.com .

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to write a precis.

Precis is a summary of something complex. A good precis can be written as follows:

• Read the information and note down the important points
• Summarize those points in simple words
• Polish it to make a final draft

How long is a precis?

A precis is about 100-200 words. It is a shortened version of the original text. Sometimes, your teacher will tell you the word count for a precis or give other instructions on writing it.

In which person, a precis is written?

Precis writing is a third-person account of the subject matter. It starts with the author says and includes paraphrases instead of direct quotes. As a result, it’s easier to read for someone who may not know how to quote directly in an argument or essay.

Thesis, Marketing

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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How to Write a Precis: Definition, Guide, & Examples

A précis is a brief synopsis of a written piece. It is used to summarize and analyze a text’s main points. If you need to write a précis for a research paper or the AP Lang exam, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide by Custom-Writing.org , you’ll find:

• explanations of different précis formats,
• a step-by-step writing guide,
• 4 précis samples,
• answers to frequent questions.
• 📚 Précis Definition
• 📝 Format Types
• ✅ Step-by-Step Guide
• 📋 Précis Examples

🔍 References

📚 what is a precis.

Précis is a type of writing that represents crucial ideas of the text and has a fixed structure. It’s close to an essay in format, but it consists of only 4 sentences with specific content:

• Author’s name, genre, and title of work. It also contains the thesis statement (what the author claims or suggests.)
• How the author reveals the thesis. It’s usually discussed in the same order as in the original text.
• Explanation of the text’s purpose. This part answers the questions “why?” and “what for?”
• Description of author’s tone and the audience. This sentence discusses who the author appeals to.

Writing a précis can be helpful in many cases, such as:

• preparation for complex text analysis,
• creation of an annotated bibliography,
• writing of a research paper summary,
• improvement of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Difference between Summary and Precis

Even though “ summary ” is a synonym of “précis,” there are some crucial differences between these two things. The main distinction lies in structure: a précis always consists of 4 sentences, while a summary’s structure can vary. Have a look at the comparison below.

📝 Precis Format Types

Now you know what a précis is, but that’s not all of it. There are also different formats of précis writing: critical, rhetorical, research, and literary . In this section, we will examine their features and structure.

Critical Precis Definition & Structure

A critical précis focuses on an argument and reveals the text’s reasoning. It’s also the most common précis format. While working on a critical précis, follow these writing rules for each sentence:

• Formulate an argument expressed in the original piece of writing.
• Point out the author’s reasoning and its essential steps.
• Analyze the evidence on how this reasoning supports the author’s argumentation.
• Discuss what kind of audience the author appeals to.

Rhetorical Precis Definition & Structure

A rhetorical précis is an analytical review of the original text’s content and persuasion methods. It reveals the most crucial points of the paper and shows how it works rhetorically. This format is one of the AP Lang assignments.

Each of the 4 elements of a rhetorical précis structure expresses specific information:

• Background information and thesis statement .
• The author’s argument used to support the thesis.
• Explanation of the text’s purpose .
• Analysis of the rhetorical devices the author uses to persuade the audience.

Research Precis Definition & Structure

Research précis is similar to the critical one, but it’s aimed to give a brief structured synopsis of a research paper. The 4 elements of this précis type are as follows:

• Description of the research’s purpose and issues raised by the author.
• Summary of all the methods used by the researcher.
• Summary of the research results and findings .
• Explanation of the research’s significance .

Literary Precis Definition & Structure

Literary précis is an argumentative summary of a text with attention to its literary devices. The purpose and contents of this type differ from other précis types. Have a look at this format’s structure:

• The text’s title, genre, and central theme .
• Plot summary : the principal characters, place and time of the narration, and the main conflict.
• The text’s overall purpose : what thoughts and feelings the author wants to evoke in the minds of their audience.
• The analysis of literary devices the author uses to achieve the desired effect.

✅ How to Write a Precis Step by Step

Now, let’s see what exactly you need for writing an excellent précis.

We’ll start with the pre-writing stage . As soon as this stage is done, the writing will be far more manageable. The following tips can help you with it:

• Start with reading the original text thoroughly and note down the essential information.
• Summarize each paragraph in a single sentence.
• Don’t forget to mention the text’s central thesis, methods, and purpose in your notes.

It can be beneficial if you use the mind mapping method for organizing the main ideas from the reading. Putting all the main points to the chart or diagram helps you organize your thoughts and create a good plan for your essay. When you do this, you only need to connect the points you’ve already outlined. Check out this article by the University of Kansas to learn more about mind mapping and other pre-writing techniques .

Precis Outline

Below you’ll find a detailed outline that explains how to write a précis. Check it out to make your writing process easier:

Step #1. Give some background information about the text.

• State the text’s title and the author’s name. You can also add some publishing information, such as the number of the edition.
• Mention the text’s central idea or theme.

Step #2. Show how the author develops their arguments and supports the thesis.

• Focus on the evidence used by the author rather than the specific details of their reasoning.
• When writing the literary précis, focus on literary devices the author uses to develop the theme.

Step #3. Clarify the purpose of the work.

• If you’re writing a rhetorical or critical précis, build your sentences using the phrase “in order to.”
• Avoid repeating the thesis. Instead, analyze the author’s motive and goals.

Step #4. Demonstrate what type of audience the author appeals to.

• To detect the intended audience, analyze the text’s theme, thesis, and tone.
• The type of audience usually depends on the author. For example, scholars typically appeal to their colleagues interested in the topic. Writers of fiction can appeal to any social group or society as a whole.

Rhetorical Precis Template

To help you structure your précis, we’ve created a sample template that you can download in PDF format below. All you need to do is to print it out and fill in the blanks.

• [Name of the author] in his/her [type of the text] titled [the text’s title] argues that [the text’s main argument].
• The author supports his/her arguments by [evidence presented by the author].
• The author’s purpose is to [what the author wants to achieve] in order to [the text’s intended effect on readers].
• The author writes in a [description of the text’s tone] tone for [the type of audience].

Rhetorical Precis: Verbs & Sentence Starters

Want to make your précis stand out? You can do it by using certain clichés and rhetorically accurate verbs. They will help you describe the writer’s reasoning precisely.

Check out this list of common précis words and sentence starters that you can use:

Precis Format Tips

When you finish the writing, it’s time to start proofreading your text. Proofreading means looking for grammar and spelling errors in your text, and it helps you improve your text and correct all the mistakes. Here are some tips for proofreading your text successfully:

• If you have doubts about the sentence structure, it’s better to use simple sentences.
• Check the spelling errors. If you can’t use a dictionary, it’s better not to use words that you barely know.
• Give your text to someone else to check if everything is correct.
• You may also use grammar and spell checkers.

It’s also crucial to format your text correctly. Be sure that you’re following style requirements:

• Use 12 font size and double space intervals and at least 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Write your name at the end.
• Write in the author’s voice instead of reporting their words indirectly.
• Keep the same order of ideas as in the original text.

Precis Writing Checklist

Now you’re all set to start working on your précis. To make things even easier for you, we’ve prepared a checklist you can use while writing:

📋 Precis Examples: Different Types

We’ve prepared for your high school and college examples of different précis to help you write one of your own. Feel free to use them as inspiration.

Critical Precis Example

Rhetorical Precis Example

Research Precis Example

Literary Precis Example

Precis Essay Topics

• Précis of Everyday Use by Alice Walker
• Write a summary of COVID-19 related articles
• Synopsis of On the American Working Class
• Create a précis of Wearables by Linnie Greene
• Present a brief summary of Overview of the Immune Response
• Write a synopsis of 3 lung cancer articles
• Précis of an article by Douglas C. Engelbart
• Summary of the article Maternal Stress and Sensitivity: Moderating Effect of Positive Affect
• Write a concise synopsis of Consider the Lobster
• Present a précis of a journal article
• Summary of the article Coming to the Aid of Women in U.S. Prison by D.S. McClellan
• Come up with a synopsis of an article in Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
• Summary of the article The HR Challenges Shaping the Healthcare Industry
• Write a synopsis of a research paper on evidence-based interventions for anxiety
• Make a précis of the study Practice Nurse Use of Evidence in Clinical Practice
• Present a short summary of the article Robotic Kidney Transplantation: One Year After the Beginning
• Create a synopsis of an article critique
• Short summary of the film The Great Debaters
• Summary of the article Breast Cancer and Exercise
• Write a synopsis of the article Assessment and Management of Sexual Dysfunction in the Context of Depression
• Précis of the article Maternal Stress and Sensitivity: Moderating Effect of Positive Affect
• Make a reading summary of two social articles
• Summary of Examining Evidence-Based Interventions to Prevent Inpatient Falls
• Short synopsis of the article You Know Nothing, John Doe!
• Précis and analysis of the article My Turn: $15 an Hour Minimum Wage Would Slow Economy
• Summary of McCallum’s Followership
• Present a comparative synopsis of Woolf’s and Brady’s feminist articles
• Précis of Business Careers with High Pay
• Summary of Women Should Have to Register for the Draft
• Write a synopsis of The Spirit in Creation by D. Williams
• Précis of sports and organizational conflict articles
• Write a summary and analysis of the article New Bases of Competitive Advantage
• Synopsis of Asleep on the Job
• Précis of Sleep, Health, and Wellness at Work
• Summary of Leadership Characteristics and Digital TransFormation
• Present a synopsis of Tweeting Social Change by Guo & Saxton
• Précis of the article The Nature of Things: Biomimicry
• Summary of How to Develop a Strategic Mindset
• Synopsis of Coalition Brings Pressure to End Forced Uighur Labor
• Write a précis of 2 gender inequality articles
• Present a summary of Chopin’s The Story of an Hour
• Synopsis of The Necklace
• Make a précis of The Garden Party by Catherine Mansfield
• Summary of Zika Virus Disease: A Public Health Emergency of International Concern
• Write a synopsis of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House
• Create a short précis of Letter from Birmingham Jail
• Make a summary of Seven Jewish Children by Caryl Churchill
• Synopsis of A Rose For Emily by Faulkner
• Present a précis of Googling Your Date by Martha Irvine
• Write a summary of Get Your Bonds Ready for a Fed Rate Boost

Now you’re ready to write your précis! Use this guide every time you need to write a task for college or if you need to prepare for AP Lang exams. We wish you best of luck with your writing assignments!

Further reading:

• How to Write an Abstract Step-by-Step: a Guide + Examples
• How to Write a Reflection Paper: Example & Tips
• How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
• How to Write a Personal Essay: Topics, Structure, & Examples

❓ Precis Writing FAQs

1. Write the author’s name and title of the text. Briefly recap the thesis 2. Write a summary of the text. 3. Explain the text’s purpose. 4. Describe what rhetorical devices the author used to persuade the readers.

In British and American English, the word “précis” is pronounced as pray-see (with the stress on the 2nd syllable.) It comes from the French language. Originally this word meant “summary,” and it’s related to the word “precise.”

Précis size can vary depending on the format and original text. According to précis writing rules, the rhetorical format should consist of 4 sentences, each being a separate paragraph. A précis is supposed to be about 100-200 words long. Sometimes it can be 1/5 of the original text’s length.

Rhetorical précis is a type of writing used to summarize and analyze a text. Rhetorical précis represents both the content and method of the analyzed text. This type of précis differs from the summary as it shows how the text works rhetorically.

The word “précis” has plural meanings. It can be a synonym for “summary” or a separate type of academic writing. A précis represents crucial ideas of the text and has a specific structure. This word is derived from French and originally means “precise.”

• A Review of Critical Reading Skills: Palomar College
• Writing a Summary or Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts: University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Rhetorical Précis: Lumen Learning
• Writing a Useful Précis for a Research Article: University of Washington
• Précis: Texas A&M University
• How to Write a Précis: Monmouth University
• Writing a Précis: Wilfried Laurier University
• Mapping: Gallaudet University
• The Rhetorical Précis: Folsom Cordova Unified School District
• All about Précis Writing: Purdue University
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How to Write a Precis in 6 Steps

Most students don’t know a lot about this type of assignment until they are forced to complete it. Don’t be surprised if you just recently heard about this type of assignment for the first time; most students are confused about it and end up with so many questions: “What is a precis itself?”, “Where can I start”, and “How do I write a precis?”. Luckily, our paper writing service is here to give you the answers. In this article, we will discover what this type of work is and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write it.

Definition of Precis and Its Purpose

According to the precis definition, the word “Précis” comes from the French language and means “precise” or “to cut brief”. A precis is a brief synopsis of another work—for example, a dissertation or a scholarly article. The main purpose of a precis is to sum up any ideas that were stated in the piece, explain the main message, and give readers an idea of how the original piece was structured.

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What Kind of Papers Can Contain a Precis?

In a nutshell, a precis is a separate written piece that is not attached to other academic works. Typically, a precis is written in an article – either scholarly or non-scholarly – or any other academic work. Its length can vary, depending on the length of the original piece.

Often, students confuse a precis with another form of writing – a critical analysis. However, they are quite different. Unlike a critical analysis, a precis should not contain your personal opinion in regards to the original piece.

A good precis has to be short and straight to the point. Yet, what are the other characteristics of this type of writing? Here are the key things to keep in mind:

• A precis is a short summary, yet not a paraphrased copy of the original piece.
• The text should be precise and clear.
• A precis should be written in your own words, but it is allowed to use some quotes from the original piece (though not too many, only the ones that bring real value).
• It should not reflect your personal opinion.
• It should convey only the most important information and omit secondary ideas.
• The key points should be covered as comprehensively as possible.
• The information in a precis should be conveyed in a logical sequence, with clear connections between all parts of the text.
• It should not contain any details from other sources.
• A precis should not include any irrelevant or secondary details.
• A precis is always written in the third person, so the use of first person pronouns is not appropriate here.

Apart from a regular precis, there is also another form of this assignment called a rhetorical precis. The essence of this task is the same. However, it is usually much shorter and, thus, harder to write. A rhetorical precis also requires you to sum up core ideas from the original piece, but it has an additional focus on the delivery of the information in the piece. Thus, a rhetorical precis blends a summary and a brief analysis of how the author has conveyed his/her ideas.

The biggest pitfall in writing rhetorical precis is that you should fit everything normally into four sentences. Here is a sample of what needs to be included in a rhetorical precis:

• The bibliographical information of the original piece, such as the title, author’s name, date, and other relevant data.
• An explanation of how the writer of the piece has developed and supported his/her core ideas.
• A statement of the author’s purpose.
• The delivery: How the author captures the reader’s attention. Who his/her target audience is. How he/she caters those ideas to readers.

This is the core information that should be present in a rhetorical precis. Additionally, you are expected to use short quotes from the original piece to give your readers a sense of the author’s tone and style. Here is a good rhetorical precis example that you can examine:

Rhetorical precis example: Barry, Dave. “The Ugly Truth about Beauty.” Mirror on America: Short Essays and Images from Popular Culture. 2nd ed. Eds. Joan T. Mims and Elizabeth M. Nollen. NY: Bedford, 2003. 109-12. Dave Barry, in his work “The Ugly Truth about Beauty” (1998), claims that “…women generally do not think of their looks in the same way that men do” (4). Barry illuminates this discrepancy by juxtaposing men’s perceptions of their looks (“average-looking”) with women’s (“not good enough”) by contrasting female role-models (Barbie, Cindy Crawford) with male role-models (He-Man, BuzzOff) and by comparing men’s interests (the Super Bowl, lawn care) with women’s (manicures). He exaggerates and stereotypes these differences in order to prevent women from so eagerly accepting society’s expectations of them; in fact, Barry claims that men who want women to “look like Cindy Crawford” are “idiots” (10). Barry ostensibly addresses men in this essay because he opens and closes the essay by directly addressing men (as in “If you’re a man…”) and offering to give them advice in a mockingly conspiratorial fashion; however, by using humor to poke fun at both men and women’s perceptions of themselves, Barry makes this essay palatable to both genders and hopes to convince women to stop obsessively “thinking they need to look like Barbie” (8).

Why Are Students Assigned to Write Precis?

This form of academic assignment generally has several purposes. First of all, it helps professors see how well you can summarize, think critically, as well as detect and highlight essential information. Such a task also demonstrates students’ writing skills, their ability to express their thoughts clearly, their intelligibly, and their ability to write with precision. Finally, writing a precis is an effective way to learn new material.

If a precis is a brief summary of an original text, then how is it different from paraphrasing you may wonder? Unlike a paraphrased piece, a precis is not just a restatement of the original text in your own words. It does not require you to mention all of the details provided in the original piece, but rather sum up the main ideas from it. Another distinctive feature that differentiates the two is that paraphrasing is mostly used to refer to certain ideas or statements given in another work, while precis have the purpose of guiding readers through a piece they haven’t read.

Conquering the Art of Conciseness?

Turn complex ideas into crisp, clear précis with our expert help. Embrace brevity without losing essence!

Precis Format

When writing a precis, whether a rhetorical or regular one, make sure that your paper has these 5 key qualities:

1. Conciseness. Unless your professor provides another word count, a precis should be about ¼th the size of the original piece. It has to be concise and straight to the point; thus, you should avoid repetition, wordy expressions, wateriness, and unnecessary details. 2. Objectivity. A precis implies providing an objective construal of the essential information given in the original piece, without including your personal opinions. 3. Coherency. You must provide information in a logical sequence. 4. Clarity. A precis should be easy to read and understand. The main goal of this work is to make the reader understand the original piece and the ideas the author conveyed in it, without the reader even having to read it. Thus, use simple structure and language. 5. Correctness. A precis should deliver accurate details, figures, facts, dates, and should have proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

• Precis Title: Précis of [Author's Name]'s "[Name of Work/Article]"
• Font Size: 12 point
• Spacing: Double
• Margins: At least 1 inch from all sides
• Name and Pledge: Place them at the end of your precis
• Tone of Voice: Stick to the the author’s voice in the original piece
• Direct Quotations: Put quotes in quotation marks, include a page number in parentheses after the quote
• Order and Organization: Stick to the order of the original article

So, how do you write it step-by-step? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you succeed with writing a precis:

Step 1: Pick the article, work, or story you will write a precis on Unless you were assigned to write your precis on some specific material, you will have to choose the original piece yourself. In this case, be sure to choose an article or work that is publicly available in its full length, so that you can read the whole thing.

Step 2: Read the original piece Take your time to read the entire piece carefully and without rushing, to make sure you understand it fully.

Step 3: Re-read it and take notes Go back to the original piece after you’ve already read it and grasped the general idea. Now, your goal is to interpret the author’s core ideas—take notes.

Step 4: Make an outline Based on your notes, list all of the key details and arguments you found. This will help you see if you have everything important covered. Then, make a clear and well-structured outline for your precis. To make an outline, feel free to use a precis template given under the steps section of this article.

Step 5: Write a precis When writing a precis, be sure to follow your professor’s guidelines and the outline you have. Use simple language and structure, and keep an eye on the size of your precis.

Step 6: Proofreading and editing Make sure you include all of the important details in your text. Also, check to make sure it does not contain any unnecessary details. Finally, check your draft for any mistakes—including punctuation, grammar, style, and any other errors. Carefully polish it until it looks good.

You might also be interested in discovering HOW TO WRITE A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY

Following the steps mentioned above, you should be able to handle writing a precis with ease. To give you an even better understanding of how the finished piece should look, here is a precis sample template:

• Name of the author of the original piece, [a few words describing the author (optional)], the title of article and genre, date of publication in parentheses (if you need to include additional publishing information, put it in parentheses); a rhetorically accurate verb like “claims,” “suggests,” “argues,” “asserts,” or other; THAT – followed by the author’s thesis statement.

Example: Antoine Gara, Forbes expert in the fields of Banking and Insurance, in the article The Forbes Investigation: Inside The Secret Bank Behind The Fintech Boom (Dec 17, 2019), suggests that a tiny FDIC-insured bank – Cross River – can give a much more accurate glimpse into the future of banking than Manhattan’s and Silicon Valley’s financial districts.

• A brief and clear explanation of how the author develops and supports his ideas throughout the piece, usually in chronological order.
• A statement of the author’s purpose, usually followed by “in order to” and a brief explanation of what he/she wanted to achieve/what message was conveyed with his/her work.
• A short explanation of the author’s tone of voice, style, target audience, etc.

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Citing a Precis

In-text citations.

When writing a precis, you need to provide the author’s name, the original work’s title, and the publication date in the first sentence of your text.

Example: Dave Barry in his work “The Ugly Truth about Beauty” (1998), claims that…

Since the author’s name is already stated, you do not need to repeat it in parentheses after any in-text citations. Instead, if you quote anything from the original piece, include the page number where it can be found in the parenthesis after the quote.

Example : He exaggerates and stereotypes these differences in order to prevent women from so eagerly accepting society’s expectation of them; in fact, Barry claims that men who want women to “look like Cindy Crawford” are “idiots” (10).

Works Cited

In the works cited page you will only have to cite the original source according to the chosen format and the type of the source. If it is an article, like in our example, the citation will look like this:

Example: Barry, Dave. “The Ugly Truth about Beauty.” Mirror on America: Short Essays and Images from Popular Culture. 2nd ed. Eds. Joan T. Mims and Elizabeth M. Nollen. NY: Bedford, 2003. 109-12.

Things to Remember

Writing a precis can be challenging. They require attention and precision, as well as solid writing skills and the ability to grasp the core ideas of the original piece. However, with the help of our detailed guide, we hope that you will be able to handle such a task with ease.

To wrap-up everything that was mentioned before, let’s once again recap key things to keep in mind when writing a precis:

• A precis is a short summary of an article or other work, but not a paraphrased copy or a critical analysis.
• It should be concise (about ¼th of the original source’s volume).
• It should only focus on main ideas, arguments, facts, and details.
• A precis should include basic information about the original source, such as its title, author, and date.
• A precis does not contain a students’ personal opinions.
• It has to be easy to read, clear, and well-structured.
• There should be no details or other information from other sources.
• A precis is written in the third person.

Read also about IEEE Format to become even more experienced.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Precis: Types, Format, Example and How-To Guide

What is a precis.

A precis is a concise summary or abstract of a text, speech, or other form of communication. It condenses the main ideas, arguments, and key points of the original work into a shorter version while maintaining the essence and tone of the original. Precis writing requires the ability to extract the most important information from a larger piece of writing. It’s often used in academic settings, journalism, and professional writing to provide readers with a quick overview of a longer piece of content.

Table of Contents

Precis Types:

There are several types of precis, each serving a specific purpose depending on the context and requirements. Here are some common types:

Informative Precis:

Summarizes the main points and factual information of the original text without providing any personal opinion or analysis.

Explanatory Precis:

Provides a detailed explanation of the main ideas and arguments presented in the original text, often including examples or clarifications to enhance understanding.

Critical Precis:

Analyzes and evaluates the original text, offering both a summary of its content and a critique of its strengths and weaknesses.

Literary Precis:

Focuses on summarizing the themes, characters, and key events of a literary work such as a novel, play, or poem.

Rhetorical Precis:

Breaks down the structure and rhetorical strategies used in the original text, including the author’s purpose, audience, tone, and persuasive techniques.

Descriptive Precis:

Provides a detailed description of the original text, including its subject matter, tone, style, and intended audience.

Argumentative Precis:

Summarizes the main arguments and supporting evidence presented in the original text, often with a focus on analyzing the logic and persuasiveness of the author’s claims.

Precis Format:

The format of a precis typically follows a specific structure to ensure clarity and conciseness. Here’s a standard format for writing a precis:

Begin with the title of the original text, enclosed in quotation marks if it’s an article, essay, or similar work. Author’s Name: Follow the title with the author’s name.

Publication Information:

Include any relevant publication information such as the name of the journal, magazine, or book where the original text was published, as well as the publication date.

Introduction:

Write a brief introductory sentence or two that provides context for the original text and introduces the main topic or argument.

Thesis Statement:

Summarize the author’s main argument or thesis in one or two sentences.

Provide a concise summary of the main points and key supporting details of the original text. This should be written in your own words and should capture the essential elements of the author’s argument or narrative.

Evaluation:

Optionally, include a brief evaluation or critique of the original text. This may involve commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s argument, the effectiveness of their evidence, or any biases or assumptions present in the text.

Conclusion:

Conclude the precis with a closing statement that reinforces the main ideas of the original text and summarizes your overall impression or interpretation.

Word Count:

Some precis assignments may specify a word limit, so it’s important to check if there are any length requirements and adjust your precis accordingly.

Remember to maintain a formal tone and use clear, concise language throughout your precis. Avoid adding personal opinions or interpretations unless specifically requested, and focus on faithfully representing the content and structure of the original text.

How to Write a Precis?

Writing a precis involves several steps to condense a longer piece of writing into a shorter, concise summary while retaining its main ideas and tone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a precis:

Read Carefully:

Begin by reading the original text carefully to understand its main argument, key points, and supporting evidence. Take notes as you read to capture important details and ideas.

Identify the Main Points:

Identify the main points and arguments presented in the original text. Look for the author’s thesis statement or central claim, as well as the key supporting points that contribute to the overall argument.

Understand the Structure:

Pay attention to the structure and organization of the original text, including how the author introduces ideas, develops arguments, and provides evidence to support their claims.

Write an Introduction:

Start your precis with an introductory sentence or two that provides context for the original text. Mention the title, author, and any relevant publication information, and briefly summarize the main topic or argument.

Craft a Thesis Statement:

Write a concise thesis statement that captures the main argument or central claim of the original text. This statement should convey the author’s main purpose or message in a clear and succinct manner.

Summarize the Main Points:

Write a summary of the main points and key supporting details of the original text. Focus on capturing the essential elements of the author’s argument or narrative, using your own words to restate the ideas while maintaining the original meaning.

Be Concise:

Keep your precis concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or tangents. Aim to capture the essence of the original text in a condensed form, while still conveying its main ideas effectively.

Maintain the Tone and Style:

Try to match the tone and style of the original text in your precis, while also ensuring clarity and readability. Use formal language and appropriate academic or professional vocabulary, but avoid simply copying phrases or sentences from the original text.

Check for Accuracy:

Review your precis to ensure that it accurately represents the main ideas and arguments of the original text. Check for any errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling, and make revisions as needed to improve clarity and coherence.

Write a Conclusion:

Conclude your precis with a closing statement that reinforces the main ideas of the original text and summarizes your overall interpretation or impression. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in the conclusion.

Proofread and Revise:

Finally, proofread your precis carefully to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. Make revisions as needed to improve the clarity, coherence, and accuracy of your summary.

By following these steps, you can effectively write a precis that accurately summarizes the main ideas and arguments of a longer piece of writing in a clear and concise manner.

Precis Example:

Below is an example of a precis.

Title: “The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture”

Author: Michael Smith

Publication Information: Published in Environmental Science Journal, May 2024

Introduction: In his article “The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture,” Michael Smith examines the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity worldwide.

Thesis Statement: Smith argues that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns pose significant challenges to global food security.

Summary: Smith begins by outlining the various ways in which climate change is affecting agricultural systems, including shifts in precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the spread of pests and diseases. He then discusses the potential consequences of these changes, such as reduced crop yields, decreased nutritional value of food, and increased food prices. Smith also highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly smallholder farmers in developing countries. Despite these challenges, Smith suggests that there are opportunities to adapt to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices and investments in research and technology.

Evaluation: Smith’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between climate change and global agriculture. His analysis is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence and data, making a compelling case for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food systems. However, Smith could have further explored the social and economic dimensions of this issue, including the role of policy and governance in addressing food insecurity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, “The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture” underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the challenges posed by climate change to food security. By implementing sustainable agricultural practices and policies, we can work towards building more resilient food systems and ensuring food security for future generations.

This example demonstrates how a precis can summarize the main points and arguments of an original article while maintaining clarity and coherence.

Difference Between Precis and Summary:

Below are some key differences between a précis and a summary:

A precis aims to capture the main ideas, arguments, and key points of the original text while maintaining its tone and style. Unlike a summary, which provides a general overview, a precis offers a more detailed and structured summary, sometimes including an evaluation or critique of the original text. It serves to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the text’s content and may be used in academic or professional settings where thorough analysis is required.

Length and Detail:

In terms of length and detail, a precis is typically longer and more detailed than a summary. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the original text’s main ideas and arguments, often including specific examples, quotations, or paraphrases to illustrate key points. On the other hand, a summary is shorter and more succinct, focusing on capturing the essential elements of the original text in a condensed form. It may omit certain details or nuances to maintain brevity and clarity.

Audience and Context:

Precis writing is commonly used in academic and professional contexts, where a thorough understanding and analysis of the original text are necessary. It may be utilized for assignments, research papers, or presentations, catering to an audience that requires in-depth information and insights. In contrast, summaries are more prevalent in everyday contexts such as news articles, book reviews, or online content, where readers seek quick overviews without needing detailed analysis.

Structure and Format:

A precis follows a specific format comprising elements such as an introduction, thesis statement, summary of main points, evaluation, and conclusion. It aims to maintain the structure and organization of the original text while condensing its content. Conversely, a summary may have a less structured and formal format, often consisting of a brief introduction followed by a concise overview of the text’s main points. Its format may vary depending on the context and intended audience.

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How to write a Precis like a Pro

Struggling with precis writing? Fear not! This blog post is your secret weapon as it will allow you to know the essential components for mastering the art of writing a precis. 

When you’re working on a precis, ensure you capture the main ideas shortly and sweetly, while keeping the same vibe as the original text. You also need to pay attention to the important stuff in the text and leave out anything that’s not necessary.

Speaking of which, these tips pave the way to mastering precis writing, equipping you with skills comparable to hiring the best paper writing service . So, what are you waiting for? Let’s explore them all!

Table of Contents

Do you know What a precis is?  

A precis is a concise summary or shortened version of a larger text, typically an article, essay, or passage. It condenses the main ideas, arguments, and key points of the original piece into a more compact form while retaining its essence and meaning. The goal of a precis is to provide a clear and concise overview that captures the essence of the original text without adding personal opinions, interpretations, or analysis.

When crafting a precis, it’s crucial to maintain the original author’s tone, style, and intention while significantly reducing the length of the text. This involves carefully selecting the most crucial elements, summarizing them accurately, and organizing the information coherently and logically.

A well-written precis should be clear, coherent, and comprehensive, presenting the main ideas in a structured format. It acts as a helpful tool for readers to quickly grasp the essence of a longer piece of writing without having to go through the entire text.

To create an effective precis, our writers suggest that you need to read the original text thoroughly, identify the main arguments and ideas, and then carefully condense and rephrase them without altering the original meaning. Precision in language and the ability to synthesize information accurately are key skills necessary for writing a high-quality precis. 

Learn Writing a Precis in 10 easy steps

Understand the text  .

Start by reading the original text thoroughly to comprehend its main ideas and arguments. For instance, if the text is about climate change’s impact on agriculture, grasp the author’s stance, evidence, and key points about this relationship.

Identify the Thesis  

Determine the author’s primary argument or thesis statement. In an article about climate change and agriculture, the thesis might emphasize how global warming is adversely affecting crop yields.

Highlight Key Points  

Look for supporting arguments, evidence, and examples used by the author. For example, the author might discuss temperature changes, extreme weather events, and their impact on crop production.

Condense the Text  

Write a rough draft summarizing each paragraph or section of the text in your own words. For instance, paraphrase a paragraph discussing the increasing unpredictability of rainfall affecting farming practices.

Focus on Clarity  

Ensure your precis is clear and coherent. A clear summary might highlight how irregular rainfall patterns disrupt planting schedules and lead to crop failures.

Maintain Structure  

Retain the structure of the original text. If the original article divides the discussion into causes and effects, mirror this structure in your precis.

Avoid Personal Opinions  

Refrain from inserting personal opinions or interpretations. Stick to summarizing the author’s viewpoint without adding your thoughts.

Check for Accuracy  

Ensure accuracy in presenting the main ideas without distorting the author’s original intent. Verify that your summary aligns with the author’s arguments and evidence.

Revise and Edit  

Review your precis, refining sentences for clarity and accuracy. For instance, ensure your summary maintains the original meaning of specific points.

Final Review  

Compare your precis to the original text to confirm that you’ve captured the essence without omitting vital information. Ensure your summary adequately represents the author’s ideas without bias or misinterpretation.

Some Common Challenges for Students When Writing a Precis  

Writing a precis can be challenging for students due to several reasons:

Understanding the Text 

Comprehending the original text’s main ideas, arguments, and nuances can be difficult, especially if it’s complex or lengthy.

Summarizing Concisely  

Condensing the essence of a text into a much shorter version while retaining its meaning and key points is a skill that requires practice.

Maintaining Clarity  

Ensuring that the precis is clear and coherent can be tough. Students might struggle with paraphrasing without losing the essence of the original text.

Avoiding Personal Interpretation  

A precis should reflect the author’s ideas without personal opinions or interpretations. Students might find it challenging to avoid injecting their views.

Managing Word Count  

Precis often comes with a specific word limit. Staying within that limit while retaining essential information can be tricky.

Structuring the Precis  

Organizing the summary in a coherent structure, following the original text’s flow, can be challenging for students unfamiliar with summarization techniques.

Selecting Key Information  

Identifying the most crucial points from the original text without omitting essential information is a balancing act that can be difficult for students.

Retaining Tone and Style  

Maintaining the tone and style of the original text while summarizing can be challenging. Students might struggle to emulate the author’s voice.

Time Management  

Writing an effective precis within a limited timeframe, especially during exams or assignments, can add pressure and hinder the quality of the summary.

How Can You Get Better at Writing Precis?  

Improving precis writing skills involves practice and a few strategies:

Understand the Source Material

Read the original text multiple times to grasp its main ideas, arguments, and structure. Highlight key points and take notes to aid in summarization.

Example:  To craft a precise summary of the scientific paper, revisit the research article several times. Extract the core hypothesis, key findings, and supporting evidence. Highlight crucial data points and take notes on methodologies employed. 

Identify the Core Elements  

Determine the primary thesis, main arguments, supporting evidence, and any crucial examples or illustrations used in the text. Remember, there’s no must-follow precis format, as all you need is to take care of some essential components. 

Example:  Suppose you are crafting a precis of  the essay on Climate Change: Impact and Solutions.’ Firstly, identify the central thesis that human activities drive global warming. Highlight arguments on greenhouse gas emissions causing ecological and meteorological disruptions. Note crucial examples of proposed solutions, such as renewable energy promotion and policy changes. 

Practice Summarizing  

Start with shorter texts and practice summarizing them into concise versions. Focus on capturing the essence of the text without losing essential information. 

Example: To enhance precis writing skills, begin by summarizing shorter texts, like ‘The Lottery.’ Craft a concise version capturing the story’s core elements: the ominous annual ritual in a small town and its grim consequences. Focus on distilling the tension-building elements and the story’s commentary on societal norms.

Focus on Clarity and Conciseness  

Work on expressing ideas clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary details and stick to the main points while maintaining the coherence of the summary.

Example: Suppose you are summarizing ‘The Impact of Technological Advancements on Employment.’ For that, ensure clarity by emphasizing the analysis’s focus: technological advancements and their impact on jobs. Avoid extraneous details, zeroing in on automation’s influence on diverse industries and its consequences for employment. Maintain conciseness by highlighting the author’s proposed solutions for addressing job displacement due to technological advancements.

Use Structured Outlines  

Create an outline before writing the precis. Organize the main ideas and their sequence to ensure a logical flow in the summary. This component is one of the fundamentals of writing a term paper . Be it essay writing or others. 

Example: If you are working on composing a precis of essay titled ‘The Power of Habit,’ create a structured outline. Organize the main ideas, such as the neurological and psychological aspects of habits, and their modification. Sequence the author’s exploration of habit formation and methods for behavioral change. 

Paraphrasing Skills 

Practice paraphrasing sentences and paragraphs from the original text. This helps in conveying the ideas in your own words while preserving the meaning.

Example: Develop paraphrasing skills by rewriting sections from ‘The Importance of Biodiversity in Ecosystems.’ Express the central idea that biodiversity is crucial for ecological stability. Explore the significance of diverse species in ecosystem resilience and productivity. Focus on the consequences of diminishing biodiversity for global environments while presenting these ideas in your own words to retain the original meaning.

Review and Edit  

After writing the precis, revise it to ensure it accurately represents the original text. Check for any missing key points or excessive details that can be omitted.

Example: Upon completing the precis of ‘1984,’ thoroughly review and edit it. Ensure the summary accurately captures the essence of Orwell’s dystopian narrative. Check for the inclusion of themes like government surveillance, truth manipulation, and the loss of individual freedom in a controlled society. Omit any unnecessary details or deviations that could dilute the precis’s focus on the novel’s core themes and the totalitarian regime’s impact on society.

Seek Feedback  

Share your precis with peers or teachers and ask for feedback. Understanding areas for improvement can help refine your skills.

Timely Completion  

Practice writing precis within time constraints to simulate exam or assignment conditions. This helps in improving speed without compromising quality. 

Read Examples  

Study well-written ‘precis’ examples to understand different styles, structures, and approaches. A good precis example would help you analyze how others effectively summarize key ideas in the text.

What We Have Learned?  

In this blog post, our approach to guiding students through precis writing emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of the original text. We emphasize the importance of grasping the main ideas, identifying key elements, and practicing the art of condensing information without losing its essence. By focusing on clarity, conciseness, and structured summarization techniques, we aim to empower students with a step-by-step process to master this skill.

The steps outlined in this guide serve as a roadmap for students seeking guidance on precis writing. From thoroughly comprehending the source material to practicing summarization, employing structured outlines, refining paraphrasing skills, and seeking feedback. Each step is designed to help students understand what is a thesis and give them a pathway of how to deal with such a task at hand. For those seeking additional support, our college paper writing service offers a valuable resource for crafting impeccable precis. Our experienced writers understand the nuances of precis writing, ensuring not only accuracy and conciseness but also adherence to formatting guidelines and meeting deadlines.

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Writing a Summary or Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

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Academic writers across all disciplines analyze texts. They summarize and critique published articles, evaluate papers’ arguments, and reflect on essays. In order to do these things, they have to read complex texts carefully and understand them clearly.

This page is about how you can read and analyze nonfiction texts. When you’ve read a text well, you can then discuss it in class, think critically about it, incorporate it into your writing, consider it in light of other texts, and advance or push against its ideas. We believe two productive strategies for approaching this kind of reading and analysis are active reading and rhetorical précis writing. This page provides a guide to these strategies and practical ways to help you evaluate, compare, and reflect upon nonfiction texts.

Active Reading

Introduction to the rhetorical précis, parts of a rhetorical précis, using a rhetorical précis to guide analysis.

Active reading requires you to slow your reading down, engage more intentionally with the text, think about it, and focus your attention on its ideas. When you read actively, you can’t just flip pages and daydream about tomorrow’s plans. Much has been written about active reading, but generally we recommend that when you read you:

• Skim over the text before reading it. Look to see how long it is, where it’s published, how it may be divided into sections, what kind of works cited list it has, whether there are appendices, etc. Use the title to help you predict what the text is about and what it argues. This overview will help you to understand the context, genre, and purpose of this piece as well as help you gauge how long it will take you to read it and how it might be relevant to your class, paper, or project.
• Take notes about the text’s key ideas and your responses to those ideas. Depending on the text and your preferences, these notes could be made on your copy of the text or article or in a separate place. Notes will help you remember and process what the text is about and what you think about it.

In addition to these strategies, we firmly believe that one of the best ways to understand a book, article, essay, blog post, etc. is to write a summary of it. Specifically, we recommend that you use your reading to generate a rhetorical précis.

“Précis” is French for “specific” or “precise.” It’s also a particular kind of writing. When you write a précis you have to exactly and succinctly account for the most important parts of a text. If you write a successful précis, it is a good indication that you’ve read that text closely and that you understand its major moves and arguments. Writing a précis is an excellent way to show that you’ve closely read a text.

Disclaimer: There are different kinds of précis for different contexts. A legal précis is different from what we’re talking about here. Some précis are longer or shorter than others. If you are writing a précis as a course assignment, be sure to follow your instructor’s guidance on what this should consist of and how it should be formatted.

Sometimes rhetorical précis writing is a course requirement. However, even if you aren’t required to write a précis for a class, writing one can help you in a number of ways. Writing a précis guides your reading and directs your attention to the key aspects of a text. Précis writing prepares you to discuss a text and sets you up for that important next step: analysis. A rhetorical précis can even help you structure your annotated bibliography annotations or provide you with summary sentences to include in a paper as you account for your sources.

A rhetorical précis, as developed by Margaret K. Woodworth and described in her 1988 article “The Rhetorical Précis” (published by Rhetoric Review), consists of four dense but direct sentences.

• The first sentence identifies who wrote the text, where and when it was published, and what its topic and claim are.
• The second sentence explores how the text is developed and organized.
• The third sentence explains why the author wrote this, her purpose or intended effect.
• The fourth and final sentence describes the “for whom” of the text by clarifying who the intended or assumed audience of this text is.

Let’s look more closely at those four parts.

First Sentence: Who, Where, When, and What?

Start by identifying the author and offering any information that might help clarify who this person is in relation to this text. Is this a scholar? If so, what is her field? Is she a public official or a prominent blogger? Is he a public intellectual? A reporter? A spokesperson? Has he written other stuff? Locate a bio in the journal or the book cover. Do a quick internet search. Figuring out who the writer is will help you understand some of the texts’ context.

Next up, the publication. What is its title? Is it a book in a series or an article in a special collection? Does it appear in the leisure section of a local newspaper? Sometimes the title of the journal is self-explanatory, but at other times it’s unfamiliar or not clearly connected to a specific discipline. Explain it as necessary. Add the date in parentheses after the title of the text. Unless it’s a newspaper, magazine, or time-sensitive online article, usually just the year will suffice.

The rest of the sentence should be about the article’s topic—what it is about. In order to make this part particularly precise, use a rhetorically strong verb to describe the author’s claim. For example, the author may suggest, argue, analyze, imply, urge, contrast, or claim something.

Second Sentence: How?

In this sentence, provide a very condensed outline of how the author develops, structures, and supports the argument. What kind of evidence does the article draw upon? How is the case built? Perhaps by comparing and contrasting, illustrating, defining, or providing context? Perhaps the text starts out with a narrative and then moves into a description of several research studies? This sentence should account for all the most important moves made across this piece.

Third Sentence: Why?

What does the writer want the reader to do, believe, feel, or think about all this? What was the purpose of this text? In the first sentence, you told us what that author is arguing; now it is time to consider why the author has done all of this. Use an “in order to” phrase in this sentence to very clearly indicate the purpose.

Fourth Sentence: For Whom?

In the final sentence, identify the author’s intended audience and offer some rationale for how you know that to be the audience. Look back at the publication and think about who is likely to read this kind of magazine, journal, or book. Pay attention to the language used in this piece and how much background the writer provides. What does the writer assume readers believe, know, or value? Identifying the audience helps you consider how rhetorically effective this text is.

An Annotated Sample of a Rhetorical Précis

Take a look at this annotated précis of William Cronon’s 1995 article “The Trouble with Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” It closely follows the précis structure outlined above.

In “The Trouble With Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature” (1995), the opening essay of the edited collection Uncommon Ground: Rethinking the Human Place in Nature, renowned environmental historian William Cronon [Comment: The information about who Cronon is was very easily located at the end of the article and through a quick internet search.] critiques the romantic idolization of supposedly untouched, vast wilderness and argues that such a perspective of wilderness negatively affects humankind’s relationship with nature. Cronon builds a historical case for wilderness as a human construct, explores the cultural and literary foundations for the belief that wilderness is a sublime frontier, identifies the problematic paradoxes inherent in this belief, and outlines the detriments of and possible paradigm–shifting solutions to this environmental problem. [Comment: One of the challenges of the second sentence is to decide what not to include. In this case, more could be said about what those paradoxes and detriments are, but since the focus here is on the “how” instead of the “what,” they have been left out. If those kinds of unidentified details are important enough, there is room to mention them more thoroughly in the third sentence.] Cronon opposes the perspective of wilderness as an idealized, non–human space in order to persuade his readers to live rightly in relationship to nature and embrace the reality that “home” as a welcoming, responsibility–requiring place encompasses both “wilderness” and “civilization.” [Comment: Often there is more than one “why,” so be on the look out for this as you actively read.] According to his specific identification, scholarly presentation, and publication venue, Cronon’s primary audience includes American environmentalist academics. [Comment: In the later third of this essay, Cronon uses the pronoun “we” to identify himself and his assumed readership. Often authors aren’t this useful in helping to identify an audience.]

Writing a good précis is a lot of work. It takes dedicated time and consideration. But, it can be useful in and of itself and productive in the development of additional academic writing. Of course, the most obvious application of a précis is connected to its function as a summary. In academic writing, we summarize sources all the time. Once you have written a précis, you can incorporate some of its sentences or ideas into your writing when you need to quickly account for a text’s argument, content, or purpose.

But a rhetorical précis is even more powerfully useful for writing analysis.

Etymologically, “analysis” comes from the Ancient Greek terms for “throughout” and “loosening.” When you analyze something, you deconstruct it, extract its parts, peer inside to see how everything fits together. You thoroughly loosen it in order to understand it better. When you’ve used a précis to lay out the primary elements of this text (the author; the argument’s what, how, and why; and the audience) in front of you, you’re ready to move on with your analysis. Analysis of nonfiction texts can take several forms, but three common ones are: evaluation and critique, comparison, and reflection.

Evaluation and Critique

Evaluating a text requires you to use your analysis to consider and critique the strengths and weaknesses of that piece of writing. Look back at the argument and audience and ask yourself some of these questions:

• Is this a persuasive argument for this group of readers?
• How well is the author’s argument developed and clarified through the structure of the text?
• Where does the logic of the argument and its supporting evidence cohere or fall apart?
• Do the author’s background, tone, evidence, and assumptions foster credibility?
• Does the piece achieve what the author intended?

Detailed answers—with examples—to any of these or similar questions could generate enough material for a close, analytical evaluation. Make sure that you are connecting your assertions about what works and doesn’t work in this text to the author, the argument’s development and purpose, and the audience. Make sure that you are looking deeply at how and why various elements of the text and its argument succeed or falter.

Through comparison, you bring together an analysis of more than one text. Start by writing a précis for each piece you have to compare. Then look at each précis side–by–side and ask yourself about how a sentence in one précis relates to the corresponding sentence in the other précis. Here are some questions to guide your thinking:

• Are all texts addressing a parallel idea?
• Are they making similar or different arguments?
• Have they employed similar methods to arrive at their arguments?
• Are they using the same kind of structure to develop those arguments?
• What is different about their intended audiences?
• Is one more or less successful or persuasive than the other?

Let what you identify as being similar and different about these texts guide your comparative analysis.

Reflection provides you with space to analyze a text in light of your experiences, perspectives, and ideas. In this kind of writing, you get to talk about yourself. In a way, a reflective analysis is kind of like a comparative analysis where the second text is you. Look back at that rhetorical précis and ask yourself questions like these, or other questions that connect what you know and have experienced with the text you have read:

• What else have you read or experienced that furthers or complicates the argument made by this text?
• How do you see that these ideas fit into the larger context of what you’ve been studying in this course?
• Why do you have a particular opinion or response towards this piece of writing?
• Moving forward, how can this text, its argument, or its presentation be influential in shaping your thinking or research?

In order to analyze a text, you need to understand key elements of it. Closely reading that text and summarizing it through a rhetorical précis can help you understand it better. In large part, the quality of your analysis will be dependent on the quality of your comprehension. So, give yourself the time you need to read carefully, think deeply, and analyze effectively.

Works Cited

Cronon, William. “The Trouble with Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” Environmental History , vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 7–28.

Woodworth, Margaret K. “The Rhetorical Précis.” Rhetoric Review , vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 156–64.

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How to Write a Precis Step by Step?

19 June, 2020

14 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

Have difficulties writing a precis while submission deadline is approaching? Chill out and exhale - we know how to make your essay an eye-candy. William Shakespeare once wrote: “Brevity is the Soul of Wit”. While we all know this phrase, not everyone knows how to use the skill of conciseness in their writing. If you’re one of those who got into this trouble, there’s a way out. In this article, we’ll speak about the nature of precis essay, discuss its peculiarities, and learn how to compose a readable piece which everyone will adore.

What is a precis?

Precis comes from a French word “précis”, and is literally translated “as precise, clear, up to the point”. The precis meaning pertains to a summary of any writing piece, be it a book, an article, or a novel. What is typical for this unusual type of assignment is the outline of the main points and arguments presented in the given text. Any deep or critical analysis should not be provided in precis, but it should nevertheless objectively explain the situation narrated in this or that literary piece.

Mark Twain once said: “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead”. His claim hit the very essence of precis writing. For while it might seem easy to compose a short paper dedicated to the crystallization of story events, this is not the case with precis. It should be short, but at the same time, it might not be so easy and quick to write. Considering that precis is a type of summary, it should naturally be devoid of re-writing of the original text. Therefore, precis writing always involves critical reading and research.

Summary vs. Precis

We’ve already mentioned before that precis is basically a text summary. But in fact, there’s a fine line between the two terms. A summary is a brief statement that succinctly covers the main points of a given text. Whereas precis should have a title and be 1/3 of the total words in the original passage. Also, summary broadly discusses the main events in general, while precis focuses on every detail and deeply analyzes a particular situation. Let’s take an example to dispel your confusion on this matter. Imagine you’ve recently got a task to analyze the 2nd scene of the 1st act of Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’. Which category would you classify this assignment to – summary or precis? You got it right if you chose the latter variant. This way, a precis can be defined as a brief form of an essay or a chapter in a book or an act in a play.

Precis Outline

The outline is one of the essential parts of precis writing. It allows to properly structure and organize the flow of ideas and helps to sequentially point out the main arguments of your precis. Before you start writing the outline, it’s important to boil down the list of possible topics to the main one. Then, you’ll need to decide on the purpose of your outline, which depends on the topic you chose to write about. For example, the outline can be written to entertain, reflect, or inform readers on this or that theme.

Another crucial step on the way to writing a perfect outline pertains to research. Read the material thoroughly, gather necessary information like quotes or facts. Then take notes, and assemble all the pieces together to start crafting an outline, taking some information here and there.

Once you’re done with this task, move down to brainstorming. This powerful practice of generating ideas might help you fix that genius thought that’s just spring to your mind. You can note down your brainstorm results in the form of random scribbles or create a mind map to build associations with the ideas. And in case some points don’t fit into your precis outline, you can always erase or cross them out. The next block of an outline is dedicated to thought arrangement. If you wonder how to structure an essay , remember to always formulate the information that’ll be included in the introduction, as well as in body paragraphs, and conclusion.

At the stage of finalizing, don’t forget to read your precis outline again and fill in the missing points if necessary. Also, proofread the outline before writing ideas on the assignment itself. That is, check it for typos, grammatical and spelling mistakes, and formatting errors.

How to start a precis?

For some, the phase of preparation for a precis is much harder than the process of writing it. Many questions are coming to mind at this point, like “Where do I start from?”, “What shall I do in the first place?”, “How much time do I need to prepare my precis?”. The formula to effective set-up is a proper study of the given text. At first, you’ll need to read the material. And not only do a skim-through but also make sure that you fully grasp the idea which the author conveys in the reading. For this, you’ll probably need to read the text several times. If this is a novel, you can read it twice, if it’s a short story – 3-5 times will be enough. Also, you can write down the meaning of unknown words if there are any.

While you’re reading, don’t forget to annotate your text. This process stands for underlining and highlighting focal information while making notes for yourself. Annotation comes at handy during the creation of précis, since it helps to latch onto the important text points and get familiarized with the material much faster.

How to write a precis paragraph?

Precis normally encompasses such information as author, article/book title, date of publishing, and topic in the very first sentence. Such a lead-in will briefly state what the book or novel’s idea is about. The second sentence should concentrate on the evidence that articulates the author’s method of telling their narrative. Here, you might want to dwell on several arguments, comparing and contrasting them, to illustrate the author’s point. In the third sentence, you’ll need to explain the purpose of the text. No need to invent another aim than the one you deem important: define the text’s meaning just the way you think, feel, or believe.  

The main body usually expands the supporting arguments to explain the author’s evidence, purpose, and ideas. It often takes a short paragraph to write the main body. The conclusion part encapsulates the main author’s idea of a book in 2-3 sentences. There, you’ll need to restate the thesis statement and write a concise summary explaining the author’s type of evidence.

Precis Format    

To wrap up the information mentioned above, let’s schematically define the typical format of a nicely-written precis.  

In the introductory sentence:

• Indicate the author’s name, article/book title, date of publishing in parenthesis, and topic you want to discuss.
• A rhetorical verb outlining the author’s primary purpose (e.g., “assert,” “argue,” “deny,” “refute,” “prove,” disprove,” “explain”)
• A that clause which includes the thesis statement of the book or novel

In the main body:

• Write a sentence that provides clarification of how the author formulates and further explains the main point of the reading
• Write a sentence wherein include a statement that reflects the author’s purpose. Use the “in order” phrase to develop this sentence.
• Write a sentence with a description of the presumed audience and the depiction of connection which the author establishes with readers.

In the conclusion:

• Present a finishing remark of 2-3 sentences to shed light on the author’s intended idea for the book or article
• Give a 1-sentence restatement of the major claim which the author used to develop their evidence in the reading.

What are the four steps of precis?

Writing precis is an art in itself, which, as you can see, takes a healthy dose of time and effort.

Apart from that, there is a couple of steps and requirements you should comply with to create an A+ precis. So to make it easier for you not to get lost in a bunch of lengthy processes, let’s break them down for convenient and effortless navigation.

The first step of precis lies in studying the text. The second one – in structuring your précis. The third phase is dedicated to revision and proofreading. As for the fourth step, we’d like to share the best practices for writing a worthy precis to guide you in the right direction. First, always strive to consult with your instructor regarding the formatting requirements. These might be specific for a specific precis. Therefore, the format can depend greatly on the text lengths. For example, a precis for a short article will, as a rule, be 100-200 words long. Whereas long books require a precis that can expand to several pages.

Another proven practice of proper precis writing has to do with the style of composing it. The most typical mistake the majority makes is the incorrect tense usage. Specifically, past tense is not a rare occasion when it comes to writing a precis. However, it’s important to stick to the present tense so that the instructor could follow your text smoothly. Also, remember to ascribe your evidence to the author rather than to the book or article. For instance, write “Brown argues,” instead of “the book argues.”

Besides, you should avoid personal opinions of any kind, since they might distort your precis with excessive subjectivity. The very purpose of precis is to stay objective, so avoid making claims from your own perspective if you want to get positive comments from the instructor. Because ultimately, the approach of expressing personal thoughts might result in a lower grade for your precis.

How long should a precis be?

There’s no universal rule for a precis length, because it can vary significantly depending on the assignment. For example, your precis can range from 100-200 words when the given reading is an article to 2-3 pages if the assigned material is a big book. Whatever the length for your precis, it’s essential to take into account that it should be one-fifth to one-sixth of the original reading’s length. At any rate, you should ask your professor to give you length specifications, and only then start writing a precis.

How to Make Precis Writing Perfect?

A precis is a great way to show your writing skills to instructors and demonstrate the ability to think critically and logically. Besides, working on such task will allow you to develop a new skill of writing short summaries with accurate data and text details. Hence, the secret weapon of any successful precis is about following the qualities needed to make your precis unforgettable. Wonder which these are? They include clarity, correctness, objectivity, coherence, and conciseness. While all these attributes of a perfect precis exist in isolation, they are closely interconnected and aimed at helping you solve possible difficulties with regard to precis writing.

If your precis is clear, it means that your reader can fully comprehend the idea, meaning, and purpose of the author’s work. If your precis is correct, it means that it is devoid of spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes and is easy to digest. Also, it means that you’ve used all the facts, figures, and dates in a way proper to precis writing.

Objectivity here stands for the neutral voice of book or article summary, in which any opinion from the first person is omitted. Coherent precis pertains to the consequent interrelation of the main text’s ideas. This point is important because your readers will want to see the logical flow of concepts and notions without losing their interest while reading your precis. Finally, conciseness denotes the ability to state the ideas clearly while avoiding useless details in your precis. Of course, you should never abstain from facts, but keep yourself away from lengthy and vague expressions, repetitions, and generally-known expressions.

Long story short, writing a precis is quite a challenging task that involves different stages and requirements. It might seem easy in theory, but as you write, you’ll notice how complicated and time-consuming this process actually is. However, with the right level of preparation and enough knowledge of how to accurately organize the text, your precis will become a writing piece that your professor will definitely remember. So the next time you’ll experience hardships writing your own precis, follow our guide and learn how to compose a high-rated work which both your instructor and parents will compliment you for.

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Here’s How to Write a Précis When You Need To

Sometimes professors (or bosses) request that you write a précis on some book or journal article. When I first started graduate school, I wasn’t sure how to write a précis. By the time I left, I found this style of summary paper to be an incredibly helpful tool for studying for comps and preparing for seminar classes. Below you will find step-by-step instructions for writing a successful précis for class (or work).

Steps to Write a Précis

• Read your reference material carefully . While reading you’ll want to note the main argument and any supporting information. You may need to read the article or book multiple times. When you’ve finished your close read, you should be able to summarize what you read without leaving out any part of the argument.
• State the main argument of the article or book that you read.
• Lay out the supporting premises. A premise is a statement in support of the main argument. For example in the argument, “All men are mortal. Socrates is a Man. Therefore, Socrates is mortal,” the statements “all men are mortal” and “Socrates is a Man” are both premises.
• Define any key terms or phrases.
• If the article or book is scientific or discusses experimentation or survey data results, discuss the research methodology the author uses.
• Spell results out clearly for the reader.
• I ndicate why this particular body of research is important or impactful.

Should You Include Your Own Opinions of the Work?

A précis, strictly speaking, will not include your own opinions about the work. Instead, it is succinctly summarizing the work, the research that went into the work, the conclusions of the work, and why the work is important. It is an outstanding tool for studying because the process of creating it ensures that you won’t soon forget what you read. It also makes it easy, when conducting large research projects , to locate what book had just that argument you’re looking to cite.

For information involving writing a précis for fictional works, you may want to view the article, “How to Write a Précis” on Jason Bowman’s blog .

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Published by RondaBowen

Hello there, and welcome to my page! I have been working as a full-time freelance writer and editor since 2008 when I decided that while I rather enjoyed philosophy, the Ph.D. program I was in was not a good fit for my life goals. Since then, I have published many papers and articles, started two blogs, worked as a senior editor for a magazine, served on the board of a start-up non-profit organization, and walked across fire. View all posts by RondaBowen

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How to write precisely

Above anything else, scientific writing has to be precise and accurate. But it’s not an easy task to write precisely about complex topics. Here, you will find a general strategy how you can achieve precision in your writing, and 12 concrete tips how to avoid ambiguity and increase clarity and accuracy of your scientific texts.

Scientific writing is technical in its nature, so its main property should be precision and accuracy . We need to convey our findings clearly and accurately, so that our readers — mostly our fellow researchers — can understand *exactly* what we did and found out, and what the findings mean.

However, writing precisely and without ambiguity about complex topics is not easy . We might struggle to put our thoughts on paper and to find the right words for the ideas we have in our head.

Even if we manage to come up with a text that sounds clearly and precisely to us, our readers might still perceive it as ambivalent or even incomprehensible.

So how can we overcome the difficulties and write clearly and precisely?

Strategy for precise scientific writing

In my experience, there are three main aspects to consider when you want to write precisely:

I. Think precisely -> write precisely

It’s not possible to write precisely when your mind is distracted and foggy or when your thinking about the topic is not developed enough (yet). Therefore, a first step to precise writing is clarity of your thinking .

Here I don’t mean to think abstractly, rather to utilize writing as a support for your thinking . This helps you think more clearly and precisely: to notice gaps and errors and playfully discover the precise words for your ideas.

As a writing method, I highly recommend focused freewriting , where you set a timer and write down everything that comes to your mind about a topic or question, fully focused on the content.

To develop clear thinking around a complex topic, it’s best to (free)write repeatedly on this topic. Such regular think-writing practice can be incorporated into your daily work routines in form of a lab book or research journal.

II. Revise for precision

A much better strategy is to separate the processes of drafting and revising, focusing fully on the content as you draft , and improving the clarity and precision in the next steps of revision .

But even as you revise: don’t start with revising for precision! It’s best to progress from the so-called higher-order concerns (content and macrostructure) towards the lower-order concerns (language and style, including precision).

III. Utilize (peer) feedback

After several rounds of revisions you might still wonder whether your text is really clear and accurate. And even if you think that your text is written precisely, there might be still some gaps and inaccuracies.

It can be hard to catch those, because of a cognitive bias called the curse of knowledge : our brain is quick to fill those gaps and imprecisions in our writing, but our readers might not possess the necessary background knowledge to do so as well.

If you want to proceed faster with your revisions and achieve better results, ask for feedback on your text. Ideally obtain feedback from at least two persons: one that is knowledgeable about your topic (probably because they work on the same or a similar topic) and one that doesn’t know about the specifics of your topic (but they are researchers in the same or a related field).

You can find peers for reciprocal feedback in our Facebook group dedicated to academic peer feedback .

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin?

Get your Revision Checklist

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts.

12 tips for more clarity and accuracy in your scientific writing

So what should you watch out for when you are revising your text for precision?

During chronic infections, via some mechanism which is not yet understood completely, it is possible for a subset of IgM memory B cells in conditions of low clonal competition to trigger mature B cells to undergo cycles of affinity maturation.

During chronic infections, a subset of IgM memory B cells can trigger mature B cells to undergo cycles of affinity maturation. This happens under conditions of low clonal competition, though the mechanism is not yet completely understood.

A strong correlation was found between above-ground and below-ground biomass accumulation.

We found a strong correlation between above-ground and below-ground biomass accumulation.

Dendritic spikes have also been reported in cerebellar neurons [REF]. These spikes are mediated by calcium electrogenesis and are fundamentally different from the spikes described here.

Dendritic spikes have also been reported in cerebellar neurons [REF]. However , these spikes are mediated by calcium electrogenesis and are therefore fundamentally different from the spikes described here.

Light-harvesting pigment−protein complexes (LHCs) absorb solar radiation and transfer its energy to reaction centers where it induces charge separation, thereby converting it to chemical energy.

Light-harvesting pigment−protein complexes (LHCs) absorb solar radiation and transfer this energy to reaction centers to induce charge separation, thereby converting the radiation to chemical energy.

This figure shows / indicates / demonstrates / illustrates …

It becomes increasingly recognized that numerous molecular processes inside living cells are governed by Brownian motion.

Ephaptic action potential (AP) transmission is capacitive: there is no transmembrane current flow, but the charge is redistributed on the intra- and extracellular surfaces of membranes [REFs].

It seems possible that there might exist a strain of HIV in an individual which is unreactive to all artificial antibodies available.

At least two qualitatively different spikelet types have been observed in …

In contrast, the spikelet waveform is briefer than the AP waveform .

Another example:

The compound has a boiling point similar to water.

Technically, this sentence compares incomparable: boiling point temperature and water. What we mean here, of course, is that the compound has a boiling point similar to the boiling point of water. So to be precise, it’s better to write “The compound has a boiling point similar to that of water.”

But it can get even trickier:

The probe contained more leukocytes than saliva.

The grammatically correct interpretation of this sentence would be this: The probe contained both leukocytes and saliva. The amount/volume of leukocytes in the probe was larger than the amount/volume of saliva in the probe.

Samples from DSEs un-inoculated and inoculated plant roots were stained …

Samples from plant roots inoculated and not inoculated with DSEs were stained …

One strategy suggested to reduce the seed quality loss caused by heat stress is to change the sowing date to avoid heat stress during seed development and maturation.

One strategy how to reduce the seed quality loss caused by heat stress is to change the sowing date to avoid heat stress during seed development and maturation.

These 12 tips help you revise your scientific texts for more accuracy. This will not only make your readers’ job easier, it will also increase your credibility and the impact of your research !

Do you have further ideas how to improve the precision of scientific writing? Please, share them with us in the comments!

Do you need to revise & polish your manuscript or thesis but don’t know where to begin? Is your text a mess and you don't know how to improve it?

Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts. You will be guided through each step with concrete tips for execution.

4 thoughts on “ How to write precisely ”

Beautifully articulated Martina! Appreciate your writing tips. You got yourself a regular reader!

Thank you, Sarah!

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How to Write a Rhetorical Précis Your Professor Will Never Forget

Last updated: November 2019

So, it happened again. Your teacher assigned yet another paper to you. It sounds something like “write a précis, in 800-1000 words (approximately four double-spaced pages), of the first two-thirds of ‘Reading: An Intertextual Activity,’ by Robert Scholes. Your precis should cover Scholes’s essay through the top of page 28.”

And we can almost hear you thinking:

What the heck is going on here?

Stand down the panic! This article reveals all the details you need to know for A-worthy precis writing: precis definition, precis format, and precis example for you to understand once and for all what is a precis.

What is a Precis?

Derived from French, the word  “précis”  means a summary. So, if your professors give you such writing assignments, they want you to summarize some text and convey the summary in minimum words.

Here goes a precis definition:

• A  rhetorical précis  is a clear, concise, and logical summary of a passage preserving its essential ideas only.

Before writing a précis, make sure you clearly understand its peculiarities and specification.

The first and foremost:

A précis is NOT an essay or re-writing. It shouldn’t tell but summarize an essence of the original document and provide readers with the information about its significance and worth.

In other words:

Even if your audience didn’t read the original abstract, they should have a clear idea about its content and meaning after checking your précis. A précis explains the main point and structure of the original work but doesn’t offer any evaluations or your reactions.

Rhetorical Précis Characteristics and Qualities

When assigned to write a précis, make sure you understand its characteristics:

• A précis is a critical summary of writing abstracts.
• A précis is NOT re-writing or interpretation of the original.
• It is NOT written with words from the original, though you are welcome to use some quotes if appropriate.
• It summarizes the content of the original.
• A précis reveals the meaning of the original and explains its value.
• As a rule, a précis is 1/4 of the original in length, except as noted.
• It follows the standard format: an author’s thesis and methods he uses to represent it, results, and conclusion.

Why do professors assign a précis writing to students?

First, it helps them understand how good you are with critical thinking, summarizing, and highlighting the crucial information. And second, writing a précis is a great way of learning new material.

A rhetorical précis will demonstrate your writing skills to professors, as well as your ability to express your thoughts intelligibly. Make sure your paper highlights the following qualities:

• Clarity , which means a reader should understand what an author intended to convey. Achieve it by using simple language and structure.
• Correctness , which means you should watch spelling, grammar, and punctuation you use, as well as facts, figures, and dates you address.
• Objectivity , which means candid construal of the information. Don’t give your opinion in a précis.
• Coherence , which means the logical interconnection of the ideas from the original. Your audience shouldn’t lose their interest while reading.
• Conciseness,  which means avoiding unnecessary details in your précis. Don’t omit essential facts but avoid wordy expressions, repetitions, wateriness, etc.

Parts of a Rhetorical Précis

The process of precis writing is one of the most important, as it is the part that introduces readers to the atmosphere of your research paper . Thanks to the beginning, you can summarize your future arguments and show your attitude towards this or that paper. A rhetorical preface is not so common in student queries but remains an important part of your future material.

Often a preface can be found in a book because it describes the answer to why the book exists at all. Who it is dedicated to, what you want to accomplish, and what the subject and purpose of the writing are. In scholarly articles, the preface element is equally popular because it allows explanatory context to future lines. Here are the essential elements:

• of a particular writing style and a uniform structure is challenging to identify in a preface because each author can write them differently;
• often the element contains additional information about the author or the purpose of writing a research paper or book;
• sometimes it may contain remarks or comments on further text.

The structure itself most often doesn’t involve you saying hello to the reader. It’s more like a description from the author about the book, like a short review without spoilers that properly immerses readers in the context.

Sometimes there can be several prefaces at once, in which case simple rules determine their order:

• the first is a preface from the publisher, which may contain some information about the release of a scientific article or book, review;
• the second is the preface of the editor, who may indicate specific points or tell about the scientific work from another point of view;
• the author last leaves his own preface, in which he talks about the book, emotions, and the process of creating the work or gives advice.

That is why the importance of precis writing is hard to overestimate. If your assignment requires you to write this element to your research paper, it is better not to ignore such a requirement. Competently use all the parts of the preface given by our Bid4Papers authors for this purpose and create the right first impression in the readers.

How to Write a Précis

“I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” ― Mark Twain

One of the most  famous American essayists , Mr. Twain nailed it: short doesn’t equal quick or easy to write. Especially if you write a summary and not just re-write the original. So, the process of précis writing begins with critical reading and research:

• Read the original piece.
• Specify its core points and arguments.
• Consider the evidence used by the author.
• Research what’s new for you in the original piece: definitions, statements, words, data, etc.).
• Identify the appeals the author used.
• Evaluate how the author conveyed meaning.
• Restate the thesis .
• Write a 1-2 sentence summary of each section in the original.
• Describe it by own words.
• Reread the original and compare it with your summary.

Now it’s time to start writing the final draft of your critical précis. Begin with paraphrasing the thesis and your 1-2 sentence statements, then review it to make sure you’ve explained the main point, identified the evidence, and used the logical structure.

Finally, check your précis for clarity, correctness, and coherence.

This précis example will help to understand the sense of such a writing assignment better.

Sandra M. Gilbert, professor of English at the University of California, Davis, in her essay “Plain Jane’s Progress” (1977), suggests that Charlotte Brontë intended Jane Eyre to resemble John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress in that Jane’s pilgrimage through a series of events based on the enclosure and escape motif eventually lead toward the equality that Brontë herself sought. Gilbert supports this conclusion by using the structure of the novel to highlight the places Jane has been confined, the changes she undergoes during the process of escape, and the individuals and experiences that lead to her maturation concluding that “this marriage of true minds at Ferndean – this is the way” (501). Her purpose is to help readers see the role of women in Victorian England in order to help them understand the uniqueness and daring of Brontë’s work. She establishes a formal relationship with her audience of literary scholars interested in feminist criticism who are familiar with the work of Brontë, Bunyan, Lord Byron and others and are intrigued by feminist theory as it relates to Victorian literature.

Source: Winthrop.edu

Follow a Precis Format and Structure

A rhetorical précis is not an argumentative or expository essay , but its structure looks the same. As well as any college essay , a precis consists of three parts:

Introduction

This is a single sentence including the following information:

• the author’s name
• the title of the original piece
• the publishing date (in parentheses)
• power verbs determining the author’s thesis (“explains,” “argues,” “proves,” etc.)
• your thesis itself.

Some experts suggest starting your précis with a hook and then restating the author’s thesis. Others say this type of academic writing doesn’t need hooks in the introduction. The best decision would be to ask a professor about the format you may use and essay maker you may need.

Here’s the example of a rhetorical précis introduction:

Each paragraph explains a separate section of the original piece, providing the author’s evidence, purpose, and ideas. Don’t forget that you can’t interpret arguments from your point of view but should analyze the author’s stands on an issue. Feel free to use quotes here, but be brief and attribute them correctly.

This précis template makes it all clear:

In her article “Who Cares if Johnny Can’t Read?” (1997), Larissa MacFarquhar asserts that Americans are reading more than ever despite claims to the contrary and that it is time to reconsider why we value reading so much, especially certain kinds of “high culture” reading. MacFarquhar supports her claims about American reading habits with facts and statistics that compare past and present reading practices, and she challenges common assumptions by raising questions about reading’s intrinsic value. Her purpose is to dispel certain myths about reading in order to raise new and more important questions about the value of reading and other media in our culture. She seems to have a young, hip, somewhat irreverent audience in mind because her tome is sarcastic, and she suggests that the ides she opposes are old-fashioned positions.

Source: Bakersfieldcollege.edu

It should restate the main idea. Summarize everything and remember to avoid any personal statements about the original piece.

Source: TeacherWeb.com

Additional Precis Templates to Check

More rhetorical precis templates needed to understand the nature of a précis and get a better idea of how to write it right? No problem!

In her essay “Cyberspace and Identity” (1999), Sherry Turkle argues that “today’s life on the screen dramatizes and concretizes a range of cultural trends that encourage us to think of identity in terms of multiplicity and flexibility” (272). Turkle supports her assertion by juxtaposing theories of cyberspace and identity formation with older understandings of identity found in psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Her purpose is to show readers that theories on cyberspace and identity, which claim that identity is multiple and cyclical, do not overturn, but rather add to our understandings of identity in order to encourage her audience “to rethink our relationship to the computer culture and psychoanalytic culture as proudly held joint citizenship” (278). Turkle’s tone assumes a highly educated audience who is familiar with theories not only of cyberspace and identity, but sociology and psychology as well.

Source: RSU.edu

Charles S. Peirce’s article “The Fixation of Belief” (1877) asserts that humans have psychological and social mechanisms designed to protect and cement (or “fix”) our beliefs. Peirce backs this claim up with descriptions of four methods of fixing belief, pointing out the effectiveness and potential weaknesses of each method. Peirce’s purpose is to point out the ways that people commonly establish their belief systems in order to jolt the awareness of the reader into considering how their own belief system may the product of such methods and to consider what Peirce calls “the method of science” as a progressive alternative to the other three. Given the technical language used in the article, Peirce is writing to a well-educated audience with some knowledge of philosophy and history and a willingness to consider other ways of thinking.

Source: Oregonstate.edu

Further reading:

• Rhetorical Précis Writing
• The Rhetorical Précis: Explanations and Examples
• The Rhetorical Précis Format

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• Tone in Writing: Types and Examples
• How to Write a Problem Statement for a Research Paper

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How To Write A Precis Efficiently

Updated 03 Jul 2024

College life can be fun until that bubble of happiness bursts due to the workload modern students have to cope with. Some students possess strict dedication towards learning process, others would like to have more free time and fun. There is nothing wrong with enjoying your college life! However, you cannot miss the submission date because you may not get your degree.

When it comes to submission, precis writing is the most difficult task that a student has to come across. You may not be aware of this and that is exactly why we have gathered valuable information on it for you. Here is a guide on how to write a precis step by step, which explains term “précis”, a way you need to write it, and some basics tips that you need to know with the help of the best plagiarism detector for you.

What is a Precis: Definition

When having finished another voluminous academic paper, the question “What is a precis?” pops up in a student’s mind.

It is a summary, which gets its name from the French language. It literally means, ‘cut brief’ or ‘precise’. It is a concise synopsis of a published work, like scholarly article or dissertation. If a student is asked to define précis, they can call it a summary of the text but not a paraphrased text. When a student sums up the ideas of certain literary work, it can be called précis. Do note that it is different from paraphrasing because here no need for mentioning all details discussed in a piece of writing.

Précis explains the core of the text and has a structure. The précis format will help you to understand the structure of the text. It is an objective view or you can call it a brief summing up of ideas. It is not a critical analysis, which requires you to examine contents and ideas expressed in the article. It does not demand you to write your personal opinion. Only essential points should be covered. When you are writing a precis, you must make it short, precise and one must stick to the theme.

Read also: How to choose a personal statement writer ?

Let us understand the same with help of a presic example. This will give you a clear idea about a precis format.

‘’In his article “Who Knows What Happened That Summer?” (1999), Matt Kamodang asserts that the Tibetans are reading more than ever despite the false claims. It is about time to reassess why we value analysis so much more, especially certain types of “high culture” reading. Kamodang supports his claims about Tibetans reading behaviour with supporting facts and figures that compares the precedent and present reading practices, and he even challenges the assumptions by raising valid questions about reading’s intrinsic value. His purpose is to disperse certain traditions or myths about interpretation in order to raise significant questions about the value of reading. He seems to have a youthful, hip, and somewhat impertinent audience in mind because his tone is sardonic, and he suggests that ideas he opposes are conventional.’’

This was just a sample and you can get an idea of how it starts, flows, and ends. Speaking of starting a  critical précis, let us proceed to the next section, which covers basic tips.

Note – summarize the main idea and do not give any personal opinion on it. It should be avoided. Stick to the topic and do not go off-topic with personal opinions.

How should you start writing a Precis?

The steps of writing a precis can be generally categorized as those involving careful examination of the source (with some potential note-taking) , outlining a structure, and writing down the precis itself. Writing a precis is the process of reading through/ analyzing a literary work and extracting the main points, so as to assemble a brief summary of the mentioned work.

Précis writing is not as easy as you might think! You have to keep certain points in your mind before you start to pen it down. How to write a precis? Here are some tips for you to write it!

• Read the article carefully and highlight or mark the main ideas.
• Try to reflect on what author is trying to communicate through the text.
• Take a close look at evidences that the author has used.
• You would need to restate thesis given by the author in your own words. Do note that it should be precise and on-point.
• You need to write only one or two sentences for each of the section. It would be a summary of each section but not in too many words.
• Now you need to re-read article and check whether it is in sync with your summary.
• You must review write-up and confirm whether you have covered the main points or not. Always use a logical structure.
• Check the text for correctness and clarity. Do a grammar check before submitting it to the professor.

When citing a precis, the author's name and article title - both pertaining to the original article would have to be mentioned, besides the author name of the precis author. If you are writing the precis yourself, you normally have to cite only attributes related to the original article.

Note – Always check a précis example before you start.

Take a look at how you can start writing it.

In his thesis “The Idea of Capitalism” (1897), Marx argues that… [You can insert a quote here].

As for ending, you can take inspiration from the following sample.

‘’Marx’s tone assumes that the proletariats are being suppressed by the bourgeoisies . He is referring to an audience who believe in the idea of socialism.’’

You need to mention about the tone of the author and how he/she is trying to connect with the audience. Who is your audience?

Read also: How to use APA, MLA, AMA citation generator and cite correctly?

The Features of a Great Precis

Now that you did go through a precis outline, it would be wise to check what needs to be included in it. What are the features? Let us check out!

• Text should have clarity and precision.
• Student should not lift sentences from the original text. You need to use your own words.
• A precis needs to be concise - to convey important rather than secondary information. Also, key points should be listed in their entirety, covering the material as comprehensively as possible.
• It is a summary of the text and not a paraphrased version.
• Writing should be in a logical order. It should be well-connected.
• It should have a title.
• It should not have any irrelevant details
• Do not take information from outside the article.

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The Art of Writing a Rhetorical Precis

How to make a rhetorical precis? You must know this that it is a highly structured piece of writing and it requires you to sum up the main idea in a brief way. The student has to fit main ideas into four sentences only, and it requires a lot of precision.

Let us quickly explain you the format of the same. This will help you to understand of how it is to be used. There are instances when your professor may ask you to do it and you may feel lost. You would find many kinds of formats online but it is wise for you to stick to one!

• In one sentence, you would need to mention the name of the author, the title of the article and even the date. You would need to add a verb such as argue, assert, refute, etc.
• In one sentence, you need to give the explanation of how the precis writer of the work has supported and developed claim that he is making.
• You would need to mention the statement of the author’s purpose and it should be followed by the ‘in order’ phrase.
• How does the author try to gain the audience’s attention? Who is the target audience? You need to explain the relationship between author and the audience.

When you put it all together, summary starts looking very impressive. It is now able to catch the attention of a reader and hold it until very last sentence. It is precise and summarizes the whole idea of the article in just four sentences. Even though it is precise, you need to focus on NOT going off-topic. The rhetorical one should be on-point and must end in four sentences.

You can check rhetorical précis example before you start writing. Our professional assistants offer credible article review writing service that leaves you informed and satisfied.

Good luck with your precis writing

This was an initial insight into how you can start writing a precis. It is easy to talk about it but once you sit down and write it, you will fall short of words. It is easy to write personal opinions and statements but précis is much more complicated than that and you need a patient mind. Make sure you read the text thoroughly before summing up the article. This will help you to collect all ideas and frame a darn smart précis.

Modern scholar community has developed strict rules and laws, which sometimes can be hard to comply with. Pursuing higher education is tough in the 21st century, there is no student who would deny it. Combining courses, exams, part-time job, social activities, and family life is a challenge for any human. That is why a field of academic services is something we recommend you to look at. There is nothing wrong with reaching for help instead of overwhelming yourself with unnecessary tasks that has no impact on one’s future and do not correlate with key courses at university or college.

Are you ready to take up this challenge? Make sure you do a fantastic job!

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• How to Write a Critical Precis
• How to Write a Good Critical Precis: Step-by-Step Guide

What is a Précis?

Features of a good precis, summary vs. precis, critical precis structure, introduction, tips on creating a critical precis, critical precis example, final thoughts.

If you are wondering how to write an excellent critical précis , don't skip this article. As you know, precis writing requires close attention to details and a special ability to explain ideas briefly and concisely. This type of paper should also prove that a student understands the article's central argument that needs to be explored.  Consider the writing tips collected by academic professionals in this guide to compose a meaningful precis with a well-organized structure . On top of that, you will find a precis sample  to get inspired.

Before we get to the tips on the writing process, let's learn what is a precis . Having a french origin, a précis means a summary of a text which maintains the proportions, tone, and meaning of the original work. It shouldn't contain the author's opinion about the work - the summary must be objective and unbiased . A good precis should stick to the following objectives :

• sum up of an author's abstract
• offer in-depth analysis
• explain the significance of the original article
• go beyond the interpretation of the original text

Precis should be written in your own words. A student should avoid copying original phrases and sentences unless this is the best way to describe a particular concept or idea.

There is no strict word count requirement for precis. Its length may vary depending on the school assignment, be it argumentative writing , etc. As a rule, a typical critical precis for college is 500-1500 words long. The paragraphs should be the maximum short and precise. In case you don't have the exact requirements, there is one tried and tested formula to calculate the best optimal length for a precis: it should be 1/4 of the original piece you are summarizing.

Although a 5 paragraph essay format and a precis have a similar style, they serve different purposes, and both require a unique approach. Let's find out what are some of the common characteristics of a critical precis.  A typical precis should be:

• Objective: Avoids personal ideas and opinions on the issue. Instead, it should have an objective summary of your work.
• Coherent: Provides a logical interconnection between the original text's ideas and keeps your target audience's interest throughout the entire precis.
• Concise: Focuses on points that really matter. It is advised to skip unnecessary details, which can lead to wordiness and repetitions.

Make sure that your precis has all the features mentioned above.

Precis differs from a summary in terms of structure and language use. While a summary briefly lists the text's significant ideas, a precis is written to analyze the work thoroughly. Unlike a small overview, a precis highlights every important detail necessary for analysis. As for the structure, the latter is more expanded and comprehensive.  5 Prewriting Steps to Take If you have never written a précis before, you can find this task quite challenging. To make the whole process more straightforward, we will break down this assignment into simple steps. In general, writing a précis should start with careful preparation. Good research and proper analysis will allow you to nail your piece. Here are several steps you should consider to be ready for writing a précis.

• Choose a relevant source. Try to pick the material which you can both summarize and analyze effectively. The best sources to consider are journal articles, books, and newspaper articles. Whatever you decide to select, it must be related to the subject or the specific research problem you need to study.
• Grasp the central idea. Reading the original text attentively helps to determine all unclear points. Use online sources or dictionaries, if necessary. It would be best to read the original text as many times as needed to comprehend it fully.
• Pay attention to details. Write down key phrases and sentences that you think are especially important. All specific information that you find in the chosen material will serve as a basis for future analysis. Remember, your task also involves a close investigation of the article.
• Make thorough analysis. Given the purpose of précis writing, you need to show your critical skills in the piece of writing. Explore all essential elements of the text to make your précis stand out.
• Prepare a plan. Take notes and highlight the critical details of the original text to create a précis outline. This step allows building the structure of an essay in a clear and organized manner.

Typically, an introduction should be only 1 sentence long. Its primary goal is to introduce the chosen article to your target audience. Make sure to include the following information in the introductory sentence:

• Author's full name
• Article' genre
• Title of publication
• Year of publication
• Rhetorically powerful verb ("assert," "argue," "prove," "disprove," and "explain)
• Thesis statement

Sometimes the students create a hook sentence in the introductory part; however, it's not necessary.

Your next step in writing a precis requires explaining how the author supports the thesis statement. To do this, you must clearly define the purpose of the work. For this reason, it's essential to choose a text that aims to teach the reader instead of simply providing some information. As you explain the purpose, remember to build your sentence with the "in order to" phrase. The last thing a writer should include in the critical precis is the target audience's description . The intended reader determines multiple critical factors: the language use (formal or informal), purpose, and examples. Sometimes you may also explain how the author interacts with his readers by examining evidence.

The effective conclusion has two purposes: to summarize the reading and explain the importance of the original text. In other words, you should encourage people to continue research on the given problem. Ensure you don't express a subjective point of view in the concluding part of your critical precis.

If you were assigned to compose a precis, the best way to prepare a compelling precis quickly and without effort is to follow these helpful tips from a pro. To write a precis with ease, keep these simple steps in mind.

• Show in-depth analysis of evidence. You should identify the main claim and all supporting examples used by the author and focus on your findings throughout your writing. Demonstrate the results of your study in a precis.
• Keep the main idea of each paragraph. The precis should be concise. With this in mind, you should stick to the central idea of writing. Thus, swaying between irrelevant points would be a bad idea.
• Stick to the precis structure. Organize your thoughts with the help of a well-crafted outline. Make sure to follow the structure and cover all crucial information in three paragraphs. Include thesis, methods, results (findings), and conclusion.
• Keep your writing brief and clear. There is no need to go around things that don't add up to the text comprehension. Be specific and try to avoid wordy sentences. This way, you will be able to communicate your thoughts clearly.
• Use transitional phrases and sentences. Bind the parts of the paper in an easy-to-follow way. Don't forget to add transition words and phrases ("moreover," "at the same time," "on the other hand," etc.)
• Avoid copying the original text. Feel free to use your creativity and try to sum up the article in your own words. You may quote only in rare cases and where applicable to do so.
• Double-check it for mistakes. Once the précis is written, make sure you proofread and edit it. All connections should be logical. In addition, the original tone and meaning must be appropriately reflected in your writing.

You may need essays with different topics for your study. Suppose you are looking for a cultural identity essay . Everything is simple - find it in our library.

To create an astounding precis, we recommend using this guide as a checklist. However, if you need more credible evidence to support the main points and ideas throughout your critical paper, it's better to ask professionals to ' write my paper cheap .' Share assignment requirements, and our proficient writers will do analysis and write a great precis within a given deadline. Hurry up to order a paper!  

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If you’re trying to figure out how to write a definition essay or how to write my college paper, you’re in the right place. This text includes valuable information on writing this type of essay. Also, you can find a helpful set of recommendations on definition essay writing in this article alongside...

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Home » Bank Exams » Guide for Precis Writing

Precis Writing: Check Format, Examples & Samples with Answers

Precis Writing

Precis writing is an integral part of various MBA exams & Bank, Government Exams like UPSC, SSC, NABARD, SEBI, SIDBI, SBI PO, etc. It tests your ability to read, understand, and present text in a clear, crisp, and concise manner.

The following article explains precis writing in detail and also provides steps to help you write your own precis:

What is Precis writing?

‘Precis’ (pronounced ‘ Preisi ’) is an old French word meaning ‘ Cut short ’. Precis is a concise summary or a miniature version of a passage, which includes all the essential points, mood, and tone of the author, and the main idea or gist o f the passage. In short, Precis is a condensed version of a bigger passage.

Why is Precis Writing Helpful?

Writing a precis trains the writer to read passages carefully with concentration. It also helps you develop the skill to distinguish essential and non-essential parts of passages and forces you to pay close attention to what you’re reading.

Precis writing also improves one’s overall writing skills, like the construction of sentences in a logical order, and helps in expressing thoughts concisely, effectively, and clearly, by choosing words carefully.

Steps to Write a Precis

Step 1: Read the given passage carefully. Underline or highlight the important points and keywords or make a note of them (whichever is convenient). If you’re making a note of the important points, note them down in the same order as given in the original passage.

Step 2: After reading, make a note of the central theme/main idea/gist and the tone of the author of the passage.

Step 3: Re-read the article and compare it with your notes or check if you have missed underlining any crucial point.

Step 4: Provide your precis with an appropriate title (you can also do this after you finish writing your precis).

Step 5: Draft a precis based on the notes you have taken down or points you have underlined. Keep the following points in mind while writing your precis:

• A Precis isn’t simply the abstract of the passage, nor is it a mere selection of important sentences of the passage. A Precis needs to convey the main idea of the original passage , including all the important points, the author’s facts, opinions, ideas, and thoughts , with absolute clarity, in the precis writer’s own words.
• The main idea of the passage needs to be conveyed as accurately and as briefly as possible in the precis. Do not add long sentences or garrulous thoughts in your precis.
• The precis should be written in the precis wr iter’s ow n words (no copy-pasting) and should include all the essential points and the gist of the original passage, so that, the reader will be able to understand the idea behind the original passage without having to go through it.
• The language used to write precis should be clear, crisp & concise .
• Include a statement that explains why the research was conducted (in case it’s research) or why the piece of writing was written (in case of an article)
• Discard the non-essential parts of the original passage and do not include them in your precis.
• Precis is always written in the third person and in a reported speech. Any history-related fact in a precis is to be written in the past tense.
• A precis needs to be objective. It doesn’t offer evaluations or critical analysis. Hence, refrain from including your opinions, subjective interpretations, personal reactions, wishes, remarks, or criticisms in your precis.
• Do not include abbreviations or contractions in your precis.
• A Precis should make logical sense and follow the chronology of events in the same way as the original passage.
• Officials mentioned in the precis need to be provided with designations instead of names or titles. In case the designation is missing, you can use their personal name.
• There are no rigid rules to how lengthy your precis can be, but as a general rule, your precis should be not more than one-third of the total number of words in the original passage.
• The precis needs to make logical sense and have the exact same logical structure, chronology, proportions, order, ideas, facts, and thoughts as that of the original passage.
• The precis needs to read smoothly. Precis is a connected whole. The precis reader needs to be able to sift from one point to another in a smooth manner.

Step 6: Review your precis. It’s important to review your precis to confirm that you have included all the essential points, supporting evidence, and the gist from the original passage and to ensure coherence, and correctness with respect to grammar and spelling, and clarity. Post-review, count the number of words of the precis and put them down in a bracket at the end.

A Good Precis Format | Precis Writing Samples with Answers

• Is Clear, Concise, Coherent, and Precise
• Is written in the precis writer’s own words
• Contains all the essential points, the author’s tone, facts, opinions, thoughts, and the main idea of the original passage
• Is well-knit and makes logical sense and follows a logical order
• Won’t contain details not found in the original passage
• Is well-structured has no language errors and makes a meaningful passage

Precis Samples with Answers

Here’s a sample Precis for your reference:

The Length of a Precis

1. A precis must always be much shorter than the original passage. An ideal precis would not contain more than one-third  of the number of words in the original text.

2. Generally, the number of words is given at the end of the paragraph. All you need to do is divide the number by three.

3. Be sure to count all the words in the paragraph. Some guides do not include the articles and prepositions in the count, while most do.

4. It is time-consuming to count the words in the time given for all segments in the descriptive paper in the exams, so an approximation would be okay until the summary is less than one-third of the original text.

Quick tip: You can count the words in one line and then multiply the count with the number of lines in the paragraph to get a fairly accurate number of words.

Approach for Precis Writing

To write a good precis, read the passage given in question carefully . It is advisable to read the passage  multiple times and thoroughly understand the paragraph. After you finished reading the passage, think of a suitable title for your precis. While you write a precis, follow a logical sequence of events as given in the original passage. Avoid phrases like “In my opinion”, “In my view” etc. 

The precis should be written in past tense and indirect speech. Use easily understandable language. 

Ask yourself questions like

• What is the basic theme of the passage?
• Which are the most important points in the passage?
• Which are the points that I can eliminate?

A good practice would be to make a rough note of these points.

Precis Writing Example 1

• Read the passage carefully and write a summary of the same in your own words. No paraphrasing/rephrasing is allowed.

Nigeria spends an average of US $22 billion each year on food imports. Its major food imports include wheat, sugar and fish. Another big import, rice, accounts for about US$1.65 billion. Most of the country’s rice is imported from Thailand and India. This has led analysts to predict it will be the world’s second-largest importer of rice after China in 2019.

There are a few reasons that Nigeria’s demand for rice is so high. Among them is rapid urbanisation; people who arrive in cities and seek out cheap, nutritious, filling food invariably turn to rice. More traditional coarse grains like sorghum and millet have become less popular over the years. This, according to research, is because rice is “a more convenient and easy staple to prepare compared to other traditional cereals across income levels in the urban areas”.

Now Nigeria’s government is trying to stem the tide of imported rice. Towards the end of 2018, it announced its intention to halt rice imports entirely. In doing so, it hopes to save a great deal of money. But is this plan realistic?  Unfortunately, it’s not. Nigeria’s agricultural sector simply isn’t equipped to produce the amount of rice to meet demand. It is battling natural and climatic factors, a lack of funding and training for farmers, and a dearth of government support.  To turn this around, the government needs to invest heavily in rice farmers.

Precis Writing Answer

Nigeria and its Import of Rice

There are reasons for the high demand for rice in Nigeria, which makes it to import $1.65 billion worth of rice out of a total $22 billion food imports each year and is predicted to become world’s second-largest importer of rice after China in 2019. Rapid urbanization, cheapness and nutritional value are some of the reasons for its high demand. The choice of rice is because of its convenience and easiness to prepare. 

The Government is putting a blanket ban on rice imports as announced towards the end of 2018 in order to save money. But the plan is unrealistic by design since Nigeria’s agricultural sector is not prepared to meet its rice demand. On top of that, Nigeria is battling other factors too of natural and climatic nature, dearth of funding and farmers’ training. To solve these problems, the Government should invest in rice farmers aggressively. 

Precis Writing Example 2

2. Read the passage carefully and write a summary of the same in your own words. No paraphrasing/rephrasing is allowed.

Recently, the National Health Authority (NHA) and the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) have announced a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to provide healthcare services to around 10 million truck drivers under the Ayushman Bharat (AB)-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The NHA and the AITWA will work together in order to identify truck drivers and employees of transport companies who are eligible for the scheme. The Common Service Centres (CSCs), which comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will work toward facilitating the verification of drivers using the NHA’s Beneficiary Identification System. This collaboration will help thousands of eligible families access in-patient care for serious illnesses at a nationwide network of 19,002 government and private hospitals empanelled under the PM-JAY. After the verification, the eligible drivers can get their AB PM-JAY e-cards at the nearest AITWA Highway Hero Centres. In the first phase, a pilot project will be conducted at key locations under the AITWA and the AB PM-JAY. This will be expanded to other towns across the country. Eligible drivers and employees of different transport companies will be able to avail themselves of the benefits after getting the PM-JAY cards. NHA officials will work closely with the teams of the AITWA and the CSCs to conduct the drive to identify beneficiaries. Title: Healthcare Services for Truck Drivers under Ayushman Bharat

Summary: To identify and provide healthcare services to 10 million truck drivers employees of transport companies under the AB PM-JAY, the NHA and AITWA announced a partnership through a MoU. In-patient care will be accessible to thousands of eligible families at around 19,002 government and private hospitals. The first phase aims to conduct a pilot project at key locations. The eligible drivers can obtain their AB PM-JAY e-cards at the nearest AITWA Highway Hero Centres and avail the benefits after their verification using NHA’s Beneficiary Identification System is done by the CSCs.

We hope the above tips help you write better precis. We wish you all the very best!

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How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

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Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

• To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
• Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
• Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
• Apply for a role at a research institute  
• Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
• Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
• Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

• Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
• What is the primary objective of your research?  
• Will your research address any existing gap?  
• What is the impact of your proposed research?  
• Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
• If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

• Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
• Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
• Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
• Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
• Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
• Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
• Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
• Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
• Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
• Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
• Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
• Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

• A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
• Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
• A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
• Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

• Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
• Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
• Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
• Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
• Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

• No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
• Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
• Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
• Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
• Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
• Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

• Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
• Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
• What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
• Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
• Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
• Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
• 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

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How To Write A Precis And Get the Highest Scores Easily

Writing a precis is one of the most common assignments for thousands of students. Unfortunately, many classmen find this task to be very difficult since it requires following dozens of rules. The fact is that unlike many essays, this type of academic paper doesn’t allow sharing your personal views and thoughts. So, what is the basic concept of a precis? How to choose a perfect precis format? Learn more about how to write these papers with minimum efforts. All advice is provided by professors and pro writers with years of experience, so there is nothing to worry about. In case you are looking for precis essay example, we are also here to help . We believe that creating a perfect paper is affordable!

What is a Précis?

To begin our guide for creating a top-notch precis, you need to get familiar with the basic concepts about the issue. The fact is that you can’t make an assignment perfectly until you fail to understand its core parameters.

Précis paper is a kind of academic paper that is notorious for its difficulty. The key to crafting a perfect paper of this kind is to write a well-organized, readable, and clear summary of an original work. The main aspect that often makes students confused is that they need to follow the same voice and tone used in the source. You can’t drop your own views and share any experiences when creating any precis paragraph. However, just copying and pasting phrases and sentences from the source is strictly forbidden. You should use your only words to reflect the main author’s ideas and goals. When you find a perfect precis essay example, you will notice that it is a challenging academic paper that requires putting all your writing skills into practice. Furthermore, choosing an excellent precis format also requires a complex approach.

Basic precis writing steps you need to know

As a rule, the first step for crafting an astonishing academic paper is investigating an original text. In case you are allowed to pick up the source for your précis paper, choose it wisely. When starting to write precise, try to look for an example to understand the topic that will appear to be the easiest for you. As a rule, articles in newspapers and magazines are the most popular options to choose from. When you get an excellent precis essay example , you can even choose the same source and topic to write about. This is the first secret trick on how to write a fantastic precis with minimum efforts.

The second trick you should be aware of is making notes when you prepare to craft your precis. Feel free to pick up unique phrases and keywords, as well as point out the techniques used by the author.

Precis writing: tips to maximize your efficiency

There are lots of online platforms that are designed to provide you with various prompts on how to write a superb precis in a matter of a couple of hours. We’ve made your job even easier and created a unique collection of the most brilliant ones for your convenience.

• Stay away from quotations. When creating a precise outline or working on your paper’s paragraphs, you might be lured by adding a few quotes. However, don’t fall into this trap since it is considered to be one of the most common students’ mistakes. By the way, you will hardly find quotations in any precis example.
• Avoid using any third-party sources. The one and only source you need to write each precis paragraph is the original text. It is better avoided pointing out any data that is not used in the source article. The same thing works for supplementing your precis with your own thoughts - your paper shouldn’t contain any of your personal judgments.

Polishing your precis: an example of an excellent structure

Examples of Precis Format

In most cases, when you are to write a précis, you will need to transform the long and complicated paragraphs into short and clear ones. For example:

Original text: John was taking the letter with the trembling hands - what if it was sent by Sandra? He was still waiting for any news from her, despite all the bad things she has done to his family. His heart burst when he heard her name since he was thinking of her days and nights.

Precis: Although Sandra did lots of bad things to John’s family, he still loved her with all his heart.

As far as you can see, optimizing the sentences is easier than it might seem from the first glance. Furthermore, you can do the same trick with your precis outline. In other words, when crafting an outline of précis you will need to use the same methods.

A top-notch precis example for introduction

Adding a powerful introduction to your academic paper will give you tons of benefits. To boost the scores for your paper, don’t forget to drop a few lines containing this data:

• Name of the author and the title of the article
• Year of publication
• Thesis statement

The key parameters of a successful precis

• Stick to present tense and active voice
• Avoid adding data that is not present in the original
• Be brief and stay away from wordy sentences
• Structure your essay
• Don’t forget to review your paper

Actually, you don’t need lots of time to write a précis. In case you follow all the rules mentioned above, you are likely to complete your task within the shortest terms. Just try focus, avoid distracting, keep in mind your deadlines, and have good luck!