PRECIS WRITING

A precis (pronounced pray-see) is a type of summary that insists on an exact reproduction of

the logic, organisation and emphasis of the original text. It reflects the relative order,
proportions and relationships of the original parts of the text. An effective precis retains the
logic, development and argument of the original in a much shorter form. There is no single
perfect precis of any article, simply versions that fulfill various functions. The writer’s job is to
become skilled in accurate summary and in highlighting aspects key to their purposes.

1. Steps in Precis Writing

• Begin with an article that is relevant, interesting and has content. Read it to make sure that
you understand it.
• Select the most important points contained in the article. Underline or highlight those points.
• Collect the key points.
• Place your ideas into sentences. Arrange your sentences into one unit.
• When presenting the oral precis, state how it relates to the issues under discussion.

2. Rules
• Simplify sentences, use words to replace phrases, and use phrases to replace clauses.
• Clearly state the main point, eliminate illustrations.
• Use simple figures of speech.
• Emphasise the major points rather than the minor detail.
• Before summarising longer passages, read the article, list main points and pay attention to
logical development.
• Use your own words - never copy complete phrases, etc.
• If the original is written in the first person, reflect this in the precis.
• Nothing should be said more than once.