Précis Writing

What is a précis?

A précis is a short, clear summary of a passage that keeps its central idea and main points in your own words. It is usually about one-third of the original length. In the CSS paper, 15 marks go to the précis itself and 5 to a suitable title, so both deserve care.

A good précis is complete (no main point is missing), concise (nothing unnecessary), accurate (no distortion of the author's meaning) and coherent (a single, flowing paragraph).

Rules

• Read the passage two or three times until you understand its central idea.
• Underline or note the main points; ignore examples, illustrations, repetitions, quotations and figures of speech.
• Write in your own words; do not copy whole sentences from the passage.
• Do not add your own opinions, comments or new information.
• Use reported speech and the third person; normally keep the tense of the original (usually past or present).
• Aim for about one-third of the original length; if a word limit is given, keep to it and write the word count at the end.
• Write one connected paragraph, not a list of points.
• Avoid phrases like 'The author says that…' or 'In this passage…'; state the ideas directly.

Step by step

• 1. Read for the overall meaning.
• 2. Find the central idea and write it in one sentence.
• 3. List the supporting points in logical order.
• 4. Write a rough draft from your notes, not from the passage.
• 5. Compare the draft with the passage: add anything important you missed and cut anything extra.
• 6. Count the words, polish the language and add the title.

Choosing the title (5 marks)

• The title should express the central idea of the passage, not a side point.
• Keep it short: usually two to six words.
• Prefer a noun phrase ('The Value of Time') to a full sentence.
• Avoid titles that are too broad ('Life') or too narrow (based on one example).
• A good test: could someone guess the passage's main idea from your title alone?

Worked example: the passage (about 190 words)

Education is often treated merely as a means of earning a living, yet its true purpose is far wider. A person may acquire degrees and still remain narrow-minded, intolerant and unable to think independently. Real education trains the mind to question, to weigh evidence and to arrive at its own conclusions. It also shapes character, teaching honesty, discipline and respect for others. A society whose schools produce only clerks and technicians may prosper for a while, but it will lack the thinkers, leaders and responsible citizens it needs to solve new problems. History shows that nations which invested in broad, liberal education, rather than in narrow training alone, were better able to adapt to change and to sustain their progress. This does not mean that practical skills are unimportant; a modern economy cannot function without them. But skills without judgement and values can be dangerous, for knowledge may be used for harmful ends as easily as for good ones. The aim of education, therefore, should be to produce not only capable workers but wise and humane individuals.

Worked example: the précis (about 65 words)

Title: The True Purpose of Education

Education is commonly seen only as a way to earn a living, but its real aim is to develop independent thinking and good character. Nations that offer only narrow training lack the thinkers and responsible citizens needed to meet new challenges, while those providing broad education adapt and progress. Practical skills are necessary, but without judgement and values they may cause harm.

Common mistakes

• Copying sentences from the passage.
• Keeping examples, statistics or quotations.
• Adding personal opinions or a conclusion the author did not make.
• Writing too much or too little; ignoring the word limit.
• Choosing a title that reflects only one example or detail.