PRÉCIS WRITING

A shortening of a text, in one’s own words, is known as précis writing. The term is derived
from the French word précis meaning ‘precise’. Thus, a précis gives an accurate and concise
description of the substance (or the main idea) contained in the text without losing its
meaning. In fact, it is an exact reproduction of the logic, organization, and emphasis of the
original text. Précis writing is a very useful exercise as it gives us training in careful reading
and develops our capacity to discriminate between the essential and the nonessential.

How to write a précis :

1. A precis must not exceed one-third of the length of the original passage.
2. Identify the central idea and omit unnecessary details.
3. Eliminate wordy expressions from the précis.
4. Avoid unnecessary repetition.
5. Choose your words carefully and construct your sentences in a concise manner.
6. Every précis should have a short and appropriate title.
7. It should be written in the words of the précis-writer.
8. The main ideas of the original text should be presented in the same order in the précis.
9. Do not introduce ideas of your own in the précis.
10. Do not criticize or change the author’s ideas.
11. Always use the third person, reported speech and past tense while writing a précis.
Only universal truths should be written in the present tense.

Read the passages given below and draft précis with suitable title.
Passage 1.
In all modern economies, money plays a crucial role as a tool of motivation. It is recognized
to have the ability to satisfy several types of needs and wants of people; the basic creature
comforts pertaining to food, clothing and shelter, the psychological needs for safety and
security as also the need for status, prestige and esteem. All these needs have both
quantitative and qualitative implications. People not only seek to have more of the same
thing, but they also aspire to have better quality of things such as an independent house
instead of an apartment, exclusive club membership and so forth. As more and more things
are monetized, money is in a position to buy several types of tangible and intangible
satisfactions. In a way, for a large majority of people, the need for money almost replaces
several other needs with the result that money earning becomes an obsession and mission
for them.
Yes it is physically impossible for a well-educated, intellectual, or brave man to make
money the chief object of his thoughts; just as it is for him to make his dinner the principal
object of them. All healthy people like their dinners, but their dinner is not the main
objective of their lives. So also, all healthy-minded people like making money-ought to like
it, and enjoy the sensation of getting it; but the main object of their life is not money – it is
something better than money. A real soldier, for instance, mainly wishes to do his fighting
well. He is glad of his pay-very properly so, and justify complains when he is not given it.

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Still, his main notion of life is to win battles, not to be paid for winning them. Same is true of
doctors. They like fees no doubt, ought to like them, yet if they are brave and well-educated,
the entire object of their lives is not fees. They, on the whole, desire to cure the sick; and if
they are good doctors, and the choice was fairly put to them, they would rather cure their
patient, and lose the fee than kill him and get it. And so with all other brave and rightly
trained men; their work is first, their fee second-very important no doubt, but still second.
However, in every nation, there are vast numbers of people who are ill-educated, cowardly,
and more or less stupid. And with these people, just as certainly the fee is first and the
work second ; as with brave people the work is first and the fee second.
Solution
Work Before Money
In contemporary economies and societies, money is important for satisfying several needs,
both physiological and psychological and also helps to improve the quality of life. Money
can buy both tangible and intangible satisfactions. Money can be an obsession and chief
mission for many people. Yet money is not the main goal for well-educated, intelligent or
brave men; but something more nobler is the ideal. A good soldier, though glad to
get his pay when due, aims at victory in war, not monetary rewards. Similarly, doctors need
money, but success in their profession comes before fees. Likewise for other good men;
their work comes first, money afterwards.
But universally there are unworthy people who have the opposite view.

Passage 2. (MTP March 2018)

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a vast concept that simplifies the giant tax structure
by supporting and enhancing the economic growth of a country. GST is a comprehensive
tax levy on manufacturing, sale and consumption of goods and services at a national level.
The Goods and Services Tax Bill or GST Bill, also referred to as The Constitution (One
Hundred and Twenty-Second Amendment) Bill, 2014, initiates a Value added Tax to be
implemented on a national level in India. GST will be an indirect tax at all the stages of
production to bring about uniformity in the system.
On bringing GST into practice, there would be amalgamation of Central and State taxes into
a single tax payment. It would also enhance the position of India in both, domestic as well
as international market. At the consumer level, GST would reduce the overall tax burden,
which is currently estimated at 25-30%. Under this system, the consumer pays the final tax
but an efficient input tax credit system ensures that there is no cascading of taxes- tax on
tax paid on inputs that go into manufacture of goods
In order to avoid the payment of multiple taxes such as excise duty and service tax at
Central level and VAT at the State level, GST would unify these taxes and create a uniform
market throughout the country. Integration of various taxes into a GST system will bring
about an effective cross-utilization of credits. The current system taxes
production, whereas the GST will aim to tax consumption.
Solution
One Tax for all: GST
Goods and Service Tax (GST) is a complete tax structure of an indirect form, levied on
manufacturing and sale of goods and services. It aims to combine all taxes into one, thus
reducing the burden of the consumer. GST unifies the market sector throughout the
country with the aim to tax consumption and not production.
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Passage 3. (MTP March 2018)
A dual transition—to a consolidated democracy and an advanced market economy—
represents the main challenge that the Korean political and economic system currently
confronts. During the two decades since it became a democracy, South Korea has faced
lingering problems, such as poor governance, high-level corruption, lack of leadership,
political conflict, social polarization, volatile public opinion, and lack of consensus on major
issues.
At the same time, profound leadership changes have fundamentally changed the South
Korean political landscape. The new leadership has attempted to dismantle social,
economic, and political structures that were formed during the Cold War and to establish a
more democratic and diplomatically independent society. Such an approach has resulted
in further social and political conflict, trials and errors in policy, civic distrust, and a
lingering leadership crisis.
Although Korean democracy is successfully consolidated, it is far from effective. There are
profound generational cleavages over various national issues, including economic and
social policies, policies toward North Korea and national defense, and attitudes towards the
United States and China. Under these circumstances, political institutions have been
pushed aside, and civic organizations are dominant.
Solution
South Korea in deep trouble
South Korea having gained the status of a democracy is yet to settle issues like, corruption,
political conflicts, lack of leadership and consensus and many more. The efforts made by
the new leaders in the economic and social front have resulted in unexpected turns leading
to more conflicts, distrust and erroneous policies. As a result, many loopholes have come
into existence and hence made the civic organizations dominate the political
institutions.

Passage 4. (MTP Aug 2018)

In a landmark reform, India today switches to a new indirect tax system, the Goods and
Services Tax. The GST subsumes the multiple Central, State and local taxes and cesses
levied on goods and services, unifying the country into a single market, thereby making it
easier to do business and ensure tax compliance. This will attract investors and more
efficiently mop up revenues for the exchequer. The reform has been years in the
making, and having shown the political will to finally pull it off, the Central government
must work with the States to chart a road map to simplify the tax regime. Currently there
are multiple tax rates ranging from 0% to
28%, plus a cess on some products, creating incentives for lobbying and rent-seeking. The
level of preparedness for the new tax system too is not optimal, with sections of industry,
trade as well as the bureaucracy visibly anxious about several aspects of the GST’s
operational and legal framework. In response,
the date for businesses to file the first GST returns has been deferred. The generation of e -
way bills for moving goods worth over Rs. 50,000 too has been put on hold, along with the
requirement for e-commerce portals to deduct tax at source from small sellers.

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Solution
GST : At a glance
A new development in the field of tax payment has come up with the advent of GST (Goods
and sales tax). This collective tax, includes all the multiple taxes levied on products,
however the preparation for its implementation is not too sound. The government has
postponed the first filing of GST, giving tax payers enough time to understand the nuances.
The e commerce portals too have been given some leniency as far as deduction of taxes
from sellers is concerned.

Passage 5. (MTP Oct 2018)

The issue of war and peace has always been a focal issue in all periods of history and at all
levels and relations among nations. The concern of the humankind for peace can be
assessed by taking into account the fact that all religions, all religious scriptures and
several religious ceremonies are committed to the cause of peace and all these advocate an
elimination of war. The Shanti Path recited by the Hindus, the sermons of Pope and the
commands of all the holy scriptures of the Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and all other
communities hold out a sacred commitment to peace.
Yet the international community fully realized the supreme importance of the virtue of
peace against the evil of war only after having suffered the most unfortunate and highly
destructive two World Wars in the first half of the 20th century. The blood soaked shreds
of humanity that lay scattered in several hundred battle grounds, particularly on the soils
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, cried for peace, peace and peace on the earth.
Solution
Peace on Earth : Message of all religions
All religions across the globe have one common teaching, Peace on Earth. The religious
scriptures and ceremonies aim towards eliminating war and spreading the cause of
humanity. The realization happened little too late, only after the occurrence of major
destructive events like world war and nuclear bombings.

Passage 6. (MTP March 2019)

After years of questioning the potential health hazards of second hand cigarette smoke, a
growing number of scientists and health officials are becoming persuaded that the dangers
are real, broader than once believed and parallel those of direct smoke.
It has long been established that smoking harms the health of those who do the smoking.
Now new epidemiological studies and reviews are strengthening the evidence that it also
harms the health of other people nearby who inhale the toxic fumes generated by the
smoker, particularly from the burning end of the cigarette. Such indirect, or second hand,
smoking causes death not only by lung cancer, but even more by heart attack, the studies
show. The studies on passive smoking, as it is often called, also strengthen the link between
parental smoking and respiratory damage in children.
What has swayed many scientists is a remarkable consistency in findings from different
types of studies in several countries with improved methods over those used in the first
such studies a few years ago. The new findings confirm and advance two landmark reports

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in 1986 from the Surgeon General, who concluded that passive smoking caused lung
cancer, and from the National Research Council, which said passive smoking is associated
with lung cancer.
"The links between passive smoking and health problems are now as solid as any finding in
epidemiology," said, an expert in the epidemiology of smoking at the University of
California at San Diego.
Solution
Hazards of Passive Smoking (Title)
A lot of research and studies have concluded that second hand smoke, or passive smoking
as it is commonly called is equally hazardous to health as is active smoking. Consistent
results show that passive smoking causes lung cancer; also a study brings out a link
between parental smoking and damage in children.

Passage 7. (CA FOUNDATION : May 2018 : 5 Marks)

Write a precis and give appropriate title to the passage given below:
Teaching is the noblest of professions. A teacher has a scared duty to perform. It is he on
whom rests the responsibility of moulding the character of young children. Apart from
developing their intellect, he can inculcate in them qualities of good citizenship, remaining
neat and clean, talking decently and sitting properly. These virtues are not easy to be
imbibed. Only he who himself leads a life of simplicity, purity and rigid discipline can
successfully cultivate these habits in his pupils.
Besides a teacher always remain young. He may grow old in age, but not in spite. Perpetual
contact with budding youths keeps him happy and cheerful These are moments when
domestic worries weigh heavily on his mind, but the delightful company of innocent
children makes him overcome his transient moods of despair.
Solution
Possible Titles: A teacher remains immortal / A Teacher never grows old / Teaching: a
selfless and noble profession / Teaching is constant learning and practicing
Teaching is a selfless job which goes on even when the teacher gets old. He/she is
constantly learning, no matter how old one grows. From imparting education to discipline
to mannerisms, a teacher is a role model. He leads a simple life, of virtues and morals and
inculcates the same in his students. The pleasant company of students removes a teacher’s
personal worries and refreshes his mind.

Passage 8. (CA FOUNDATION : Nov 2018 : 5 Marks)

Trees give shade for the benefit of others, and while they themselves stand in the sun and
endure the scorching heat, they produce the fruit of which others profit. The character of
good men is like that of trees. What is the use of this perishable body if no use is made of it
for the benefit of mankind? Sandalwood, the more it is rubbed, the more scent dies it yield.
Sugarcane, the more it is peeled and cut up into pieces, the more juice dies it produce. The
men who are noble at heart do not lose their qualities even in losing their lives. What
matters whether men praise them or not?
What difference does it make whether they die at this moment or whether lives are
prolonged? Happen what may, those who tread in the right path will not set foot in any
other. Life itself is unprofitable to a man who does not live for others. To live for the mere

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sake of living one's life is to live the life of dogs and crows. Those who lay down their lives
for the sake of others will assuredly dwell forever in a world of bliss.

Solution
Possible Titles: Good/Great Men/Souls never die /
Good/Great Men/Souls live forever Good men like trees, live for others. As trees, who face
the heat of the sun themselves but bear fruits for others, good men serve others. They do
not lose their character, even if they have to lose their lives. They are not bothered whether
they are praised or not, or whether they live long or are short lived. They live forever in
eternal bliss.

Passage 9. (CA FOUNDATION : May 2019 : 5 Marks)

India has witnessed great expansion of educational opportunities since the attainment of
independence.
However, the disabled children have not yet benefited in any substantial manner from the
growth in educational facilities.
Education of handicapped children, ultimately become more dependent and non
productive. It is therefore believed that scarce national resources should not be wasted on
them. Further, it has been our misconceived notion that the education of handicapped
children requires highly specialized people and as such, it must essentially be very costly.
Maybe, precisely for these wrong notions we have not been able to involve clinical and
educational specialization programmers of training and education exclusively 'meant 'for
handicapped children. It is encouraging to note that the new National Policy on Education
has recommended the placement of such children in Regular schools so as to provide them
integrated education along with normal students.
The integrated education will take care of the different needs of various categories arid
types of disabled children. The objective is to place the disabled children in ordinary
schools for imparting education in the help of special teachers, aids and other resources.
For fulfilling this objective an array, of the necessary infrastructure by way of training of
teachers, provision of equipment and book etc. are some of the basic pre-requisition.
Hopefully, the parents and their handicapped children will be greatly relieved when the
latter are transferred to regular schools.

Solution
Education for handicapped children
Education opportunities for handicapped children are sparse as compared to the normal
children. Expenditure on their education is treated as a wastage and rather non-productive.
The view that education for handicapped requires higher costs and specialized people has
led to discouragement towards development of measures towards the same. The National
Education Policy recommends integrating the education for handicapped with the normal
children with the help of specialized teachers and other aids. Training of teachers and
necessary infrastructure shall help the handicapped children and shall relieve their parents
regarding worries about their education.

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Passage 10. (CA FOUNDATION : Nov 2019 : 5 Marks)
DNA degrades quickly· after an: animal dies, so researchers once believed it impossible to
find ancient genetic material. The search for primeval vestiges of DNA took off in the late
1980s after the. development of a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which
copies minute quantities of DNA. Armed with PCR, scientists could look for tiny fragments
of DNA that might have weathered the millennia unharmed.
In recent years, researchers have isolated DNA from 20-million-year-old magnolia leaves
and extracted DNA from a 135-million-year-old weevil found in amber. Recently, a team
extracts DNA from bone dating back millions of years for the first time. In the frenzied hunt
for ancient DNA, microbiologist Scott R. Woodward may have bagged the biggest quarry.
Drawing on lessons learned while growing up among the fossil-rich rocks of eastern
Utah, Woodward and his team became the first people to find genetic material belonging to
a dinosaur.
Woodward, whose grandfather was a coal miner, knew that mines in the area often
contained dinosaur traces.
After six months of looking Woodward pulled two bone fragments from a Cretaceous
siltstone layer directly a top a coal seam. Impeded by an unstable mine roof) Woodward's
team could not recover any more bone samples.
The siltstone apparently inhibited fossilization and preserved much of the original cell
structure in the bone.
Researchers isolated strands of DNA from both fragments and used-PCR to copy a segment
that codes for a protein called cytochrome b. Once they had made many copies, they ·could
determine the DNA sequence.
Throughout their work, the biologists took precautions to avoid contaminating the samples
with modern DNA or ancient material found within the coal. According to Woodward,
circumstantial evidence indicates that the bone fragments belong to one or two species of
dinosaurs. Dinosaur tracks are abundant in this 'coal formation, and the bones visible in the
mine were larger than those of a crocodile the biggest non-dinosaur known in these rocks.

Solution
Exploring ancient DNA: Innovations and Findings Contrary to their earlier belief, in the late
1980s, scientists/researchers could search for remnants of DNA that existed in the
primitive era/times after the development of the PCR technique (Polymerase Chain
Reaction) that could copy minute quantities of DNA.
More recently, researchers have isolated DNA from 20-million-year-old magnolia leaves
and successfully extracted DNA from a 135-million-year-old weevil found in amber.
Microbiologist Scoot R. Woodward with his team were the first to find genetic material
belonging to a dinosaur. He pulled two bone fragments from a Cretaceous siltstone layer
from the top of a coal seam from which researchers isolated strands of DNA and used
PCR to copy a segment that codes for a protein called Cytochrome b. DNA sequence was
determined from the copies. Due care was taken to avoid contamination of samples with
modern DNA. Evidence indicated that the samples found belonged to one or two dinosaur
species.
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