Precis Writing: Rules, Structure, Examples, Importance & Questions

Precise writing is a way of summarising the original text while keeping the main theme maintained. A precise writing follows the 5C’s of good writing: Clarity, Cogency, Conventionality, Completeness and Concision. It gives the gist of a passage or comprehension, mentioning all the essential points and giving the idea about what the passage is saying.

For example:

1. Original: The storm raged with a fury that shook even the bravest hearts.
   Precise: The storm was very strong.
2. Original: She perused the document with the care of a scholar verifying a manuscript.
   Precise: She read the document carefully.

Also Read: Tenses

According to Oxford, the definition of a precis is “something to make a short version of a speech or a piece of writing that gives the main points or ideas”

According to Collins Dictionary, Precis refers to “ referring to an exact thing, rather than something vague”

Pronounced as ‘pruh.sise’

For example:

1. Since global temperatures are increasing, polar ice caps are melting at a faster rate.
   Precise: Polar ice caps are melting due to rising global temperatures
2. I am writing this email to let you know that I have completed the report that you asked me to finish by Friday.
   Precise: I have completed the report you requested for Friday.

There are no fixed types of precise writing. However, while writing, some forms or applications demand precise writing. Some of the common forms of writing that require precise writing are:

1. Summary Writing

It is a form of precise writing which condenses the main idea of a longer text. It is used for academic writing, executive summaries or article/book reviews.

Also Read: English Paraphrasing

2. Paraphrasing

This form of precise writing restates the text using different words or synonyms while retaining the originality of the text. It is used for academic writings or simplifying the complex text into simple one.

3. Technical writing

This form of precise writing is used in manuals, instructions or guides that require clear and accurate language.

4. Research writing

Precision is important for explaining methods, data or results. Research writing is a form of a precise writing that is used in scientific papers, research articles or dissertations.

5. Business or legal writing

Business or legal writing is a form of precise writing where clear or to the point communication is required with professionalism. This form of precise writing is used in work place emails, memos, and client communication.

6. Journal writing

Journal writing, as a precise writing focuses on facts, clarity and conciseness. It is a structured and concise documentation of findings or analysis. It is used for business reports, project updates, real-time events, etc.

Characteristics of Precis Writing

Precis format is a clear and accurate summary of original document or text. It is typically one-third of the original text length. For precise writing, you must follow the certain rules and structure:

1. Read the given text carefully and identify the main theme, arguments and ideas.
   Example:
   -Original Text: "Climate change, caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is leading to rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, and more frequent extreme weather events."
   -Text Main Theme: Climate change and its consequences
2. Take note of important points and reject the irrelevant details
   Example:
   -Original Text: "Climate change, caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is leading to rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, and more frequent extreme weather events."
   -Key Points: Climate change, human activities, global temperature, glacier.
   -Irrelevant Detail: mention of activities “burning of fossil fuels” and “deforestation” can be omitted unless essential to the theme.
3. Follow the structure of the precise writing:
   1. Introduction
   2. Main body
   3. Conclusion
      Example:
      Topic: Climate Change and Consequences
      -Introduction: what is climate change and who is causing it.
      -Main Body: Climate change over the years and the reasons
      -Conclusion: actions to prevent climate change
4. The text should be written in own words without any personal opinions and arguments.
   Example:
   -Original: "In my opinion, online food order is better because it saves money and time."
   -Rewritten (Objective): Online food order saves time, making it an economical option.
5. Precise text must be short and not include unnecessary details and words.
   Example:
   -Too Wordy: "The manager, who was very experienced and had worked in this company for over 10 years, decided to implement a new system to improve performance."
   -Precise: The experienced manager introduced a new system to improve performance.
6. The language of the text must be easy to understand; avoid any use of jargons.
   Example:
   -Jargon-filled: "The economic downturn led to a liquidity crunch and fiscal deficit expansion."
   -Simplified: The poor economy caused a money shortage and increased government debt.
7. Ensure a text has a logical flow of ideas and include appropriate transitions between the sentences.
   Example:
   -Disjointed: "Reading is useful. It helps vocabulary. Concentration improves."
   -Logical Flow: Reading is beneficial as it enhances vocabulary and improves concentration.

Also Read: Conjunctions

1. The precise text must maintain the tone and style of the original text
   Example:
   -Original (Formal Tone): "The company faced several challenges due to economic instability."
   -Incorrect (Casual): "The company was in a tough spot because the economy was bad."
   -Correct (Maintains Tone): The company encountered difficulties due to economic instability.
2. Precise text is in third person only (he, she, it, they)
   Example:
   -Incorrect: "I believe we should act on climate change now."
   -Correct: Experts emphasise the urgent need to address climate change.

Also Read: Pronouns

1. Proofread the text, checking for grammar, spelling mistakes and punctuation errors.
   Example:
   With Errors: "Its important to note that global warming effect's all countries."
   -Corrected: It is important to note that global warming affects all countries.

Precise and summary writing are two different aspects of texts. Check the table below to know the difference between Precise and Summary Writing:

Some of the common problems while writing a precis are:

1. Ensuring Accuracy

• Maintaining factual accuracy.
• Avoid making unsupported statements or adding personal opinions.
• Read the passage thoroughly to ensure everything written is factually correct.

2. Using One’s Own Words

• Precis writing requires paraphrasing ideas in own language.
• Avoid copying phrases directly from the passage.
  • Tip: Read the passage 3-4 times, then write without looking at it to avoid the temptation to copy.
• If original words/phrases must be used, underline them.
• Some words may remain unchanged if necessary.

3. Selecting the Right Details

• Focus only on the most relevant and important points from the passage.
• Do not include every detail; prioritise according to significance.
• Example: In a conversation or scene, include only key actions or remarks-not everything.

4. Avoiding Personal Conclusions

• Precis writing is objective; personal opinions or conclusions should be excluded.
• Stick strictly to the author’s intent and factual content.
• Your role is to summarise, not analyse.

5. Avoiding Short or Choppy Sentences

• Precis writing should be concise but not abrupt.
• Very short and disjointed sentences can affect readability.
• Aim for smooth, coherent summaries even while being brief.

To master precise writing, students must follow the steps below:

1. Read the text carefully: Comprehend the main idea of the text and note important keywords
2. Check the total number of words of the original text and aim to create a text one-third of the original text.
3. Read the passage at least twice and understand the theme of the original text
4. Eliminate the irrelevant points that should not be included in text.
5. Provide the heading for precise text. The title must include important keywords mentioned in text
6. Start writing the text in short sentences and logical flow