English Writing Practice Test: Precis Writing — Flashcards

A precis is a summary of a passage or paragraph. It should include the main points of the original text, while avoiding the writer's opinions. Precis writing should be concise, using simple language and indirect speech. 

Here are some tips for writing a precis:
Understand the passage: Carefully read the passage to identify its main theme and main and ordinary points.
Create an outline: An outline helps organize the flow of ideas and identify the main arguments.
Use an introduction, body, and conclusion: The introduction should explain the text's subject and importance. The body should summarize the text's main points. The conclusion should briefly summarize what has been covered.
Avoid direct quotations: Convert direct quotations and speech into indirect speech and integrate them into the sentences. 

Here are some other tips for writing a precis:
Stick to the main points
Avoid adding your opinions
Keep it short
Use simple language
Make sure it's an accurate summary 

A rhetorical precis is a shorter form of a precis that should include:
Bibliographical information
How the writer developed and supported their ideas
The author's purpose
How the author engages the reader