Precis writing has many applications in different fields. In precis Writing, you generally shorten a lengthy paragraph without removing its main theme. In this article You are going to read about
What is Precis Writing?
Sometimes you read a lengthy paragraph and want to condense that paragraph. Precis writing is the gist of a passage expressed in as few words as possible.
Precis Writing is the summary of a paragraph in as much few words as possible. It is a shorter copy of a paragraph. It covers all the important points of the paragraph in brief. Precis is in simple term, the representation of all of the important ideas and theme of the passage into as much shorter paragraph as it is possible.
Difference Between Paraphrasing and Precis Writing
However, it is different from paraphrasing. In paraphrasing writing, we have to write all the important information of the passage in a descriptive manner. It may or may not more lengthy than the original passage. Here, you have to write a passage so that others can understand it . While, in precis writing, you have to explain the passage in minimum words. You can ignore some of the points which are not necessary. A precis explains the passage briefly.
Precis writing is the formal way of writing. You can not mention your personal opinions and suggestions in precis writing. So never add your personal opinions..In short, a precis is the summary of all important ideas and main points of their text. Its ideal length should be one-third of the original passage. In addition , paraphrasing is to describe, simplify and clarify the passage well. It can be more lengthy than the original passage
Avoid being jerky. As it may cause an increase in the length of precis and also it shows that you did not understand well the passage. It Should also have an suitable title.
All ideas should be original and explained in simple words. In paraphrasing, you are supposed to cover all the important points of documents. However, in precis writing, you have to include all the important points of the passage. However, precis should give all essential points. So that anyone reading it will be able to understand and analyze. The idea expressed by the original passage should be clear.
Steps to write a Precis
Read the paragraph
Firstly , Understand the theme of the passage It is the first and most important step to write a Precis. If you will not be able to understand the passage well, then it will not be possible for you to explain it in simple words.
Prioritize Your Facts
To write a precis you have to first prioritize all the facts correctly. So that you can write a very good precis with a proper timeline.
Explain it in your words
Do not try to copy the words and sentences from the original passage. As it would make your precis of without meaning and of less clarity. Always first understand the passage, and then explain it in your own words.
Clarity and Straight forward
Precis should be straight and clear. It is also one of the most important points of the precis writing. As less clarity would affect the quality of your precis. Firstly, plan, analyse and then write it in a straight- forward manner.
Be formal
Include only formal Language in precis . As precis writing is the formal way of writing, so it should include as much formal words as it can carry.
Be original
Precis should be original and include all of the important points of the passage. You can not add extra points in precis, which are out of the passage. Adding unnecessary points in precis, will make your precis a complete waste. Because, a precis contains only content from passage. So be aware about that .
Include indirect speech
You can’t explain a precis in direct speech. To convey the message to readers efficiently, you should include only indirect speech. Indirect speech will represent your precis simpler and in the more formal way.
Include Facts
When you are writing precis of any passage ,then always include facts and important points from the passage. As, it would be more easy to understand the theme of your precis for readers.For example, you can see the part of a precis here,
“E-NAM helped to connect the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission with digital India. It expanded through 18 states and 3 UT’s and 1000 markets. India’s different climatic and geographical conditions gave it the advantage to become self-dependent in agriculture.”
This part of precis is enriched with the numerical data which is making it more effective and easy to understand.
Size
Size of precis is also one more factor that matters a lot when you are writing precis. As in precis writing you are explaining a passage, including all its important points. So, it is also necessary, that you should express it in minimum length.
The ideal length of a precis should be one third of the length of the passage.
Do’s of Precise Writing
You should remember some of the important points when you are writing a precis, these points are :
- Be precise and clear with the main theme of the passage. Read the passage carefully, and after that make important points of the passage.
- Prioritize the facts and ideas. They should be arranged in a well manner. Arrange them according to timeline.
- Use your own words and creativity in precis. They should not be copied from the passage.
- Your precis should represent the main idea of your passage. The precis would be a complete waste of time if it is not representing the main theme.
- Always be formal and use simple words to explain the main theme of the passage. Using difficult words will make it difficult for readers.
- Use more statistics and data to make it more precise and clear. As data reflects the clarity of the precis. So always focus on data rather than un-necessary facts.
- A precis should be short from the passage.It is also one of the main characters of the precis . A precis should be nearly one – third of the original passage.
- Instead of copying from the original passage, make your sentences that fit into the precis.
Don’ts of Precis writing
Do not use informal language. As it is a formal way of writing and it should be shorter. If you would go to explain a point more than others, it would create a discontinuity in your precis.
Do not include your personal opinions. Maybe you have understood the passage well, but then also do not include your ideas.
Precise writing should include all the important points of passage,not anyone’s personal opinion. You cannot insert your own remarks and criticism in a precis.
Always take the fact and data that is given in the paragraph only.
For a precis writing, avoid using contractions and abbreviations. Write the full form of any given words only.
Do not be jerky. This will show that you have not understood the passage. Try to be straight forward.
Do not make it discontinuous with facts. The facts and points you have included should be connected in a logical manner.
Uses of Precis Writing
It is useful in grasping the idea of passage, extract or book.
It helps in summarizing a long passage into only its important points.
Precis writing improves writing skill and teaches the art of expressing a long extract into some simple words.
Precis writing is a good exercise in writing a composition. It teaches one’s thoughts clearly and concisely.
Precis writing can be used to describe a chapter so that students get the gist of the basics.
Precis writing is used in companies for job descriptions, meeting highlights, etc.
The use of precis writing is also seen in movies to describe the main events or plot of the film.
Precis writing is also used in scientific reports and researches to give the gist of its content.
The importance of precis writing cannot be underestimated, especially for those who are involved in technical and summary writing.
Example of Precis Writing
Passage for Precis
Atma Nirbhar Bharat: Making of a New India through Biodiversity and Agricultural Prosperity
India is one of the most leading countries in the field of agriculture production. A big part of the GDP of India is based upon agriculture and that’s why it is self-dependent on its foods and raw materials and also a big supplier of food to the World. India is one of the biggest exporters of rice, sugar, Wheat, pulses, and vegetables. In India agriculture is not only a profession but it is filled with respect and patriotism and that’s why India’s ex-Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the slogan -‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’.In India primary importance is given to farmers and soldiers. India is growing vigorously and it is showing great development in the field of agriculture and research in India Government and state government is trying to improve the condition of farmers to make them self-reliant and self-dependent.
There are new startups that are setting up day by day to facilitate the farmers. Central or state-funded Agriculture Institute are stabilizing by the government of India which are creating new records and government is working for improving conditions for farmers government has launched schemes such as Kisan Kalyan Yojana and e-name and in India.
There is a distinct department for the farmers- Agriculture Department, which teaches new skills and how to increase the production rate by using technology.
Precis Writing
India is a leading country in the export and production of agricultural products. India is one of the largest exporters of rice, sugar, weight, pulses, and vegetables.
The government has also launched schemes such as Kisan Kalyan yojana and E- Nam to facilitate the farmers.
The production of pulses and vegetables is also a key factor for such a large agriculture system in India. Atma Nirbhar Bharat prevailed in 2020 by prime minister Narendra Modi under the package of Rs. 20 lakh crores. The Ministry of Agriculture also launched 3 Landmark reforms on 5th June for the benefit of the farmer’s community.
E-NAM also connected the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission with digital India and expanded through 18 states and 3 UT’s and 1000 markets. India’s climatic and geographical conditions gave it the advantage to become self-dependent in agriculture.
Frequently Asked Questions( FAQ)
- What is precis writing?
Ans.:In simple terms, Precis writing is to summarise a passage without changing its original theme. Although, in summarising you have to carefully mention all of the different important points from the passage. For example, if you are writing a precis of a machine guide. Then you should carefully mention all of the methods and precautions while running it. Precis writing is to shorten a paragraph without changing its theme.
- Why is precis writing important?
Ans.: Precis Writing is very important in today’s world. Nowadays, no one has time to read the full passage, and so precis writing reduces its reading time. Nearly All of the industrialists , film directors and famous personalities prefer the precis writing as it reduces wastage of time.
Precis writing has also a great application in technical writing and research.As it reduces the stuff of passage and makes it easy to read.
5. What are differrent steps of precise writing?
Ans. The steps of precis writing are:
- Read : The first step of precise writing is to read the passage carefully. Without reading it , you can never make an effective precis.
- Analyse: You should make the short notes of the passage so that precis would have analysing the important point of the passage becomes easy.
- Collect Data : After, above two steps, now you have to collect data from the passage to write it in the precis.
- Write : After reading, analysing and collecting data, now you have to write a precis using your own creativity and flow of sentences.
Conclusion
For creative writing , you have to prepare your mind to think in a creative manner. For that , you should practice everyday. You can start simply by writing your daily experiences in a diary. You can write on various current issues as well as different social problems.
For a creative writer, you also have to be a creative reader, and that is what which is Podium School is doing in the best way. You can read daily blogs of Podium School and learn various topics of creative writing different articles like this article on Precis Writing. learning daily articles on Podium Blog will increase your knowledge and will increase your creativity. Visit Podium School for information. Stay Tuned..
Share with your friends
