How to Write a Precis?

Writing a precis doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. It’s all about understanding the key points, organizing them, and putting it all down in a neat, compact format. Here’s how: read the text, pick out the main arguments, create an outline, start summarizing, and finally, review and polish. 

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What is a Precis?

A precis is a concise summary or abstract of a text, providing a clear and condensed version of the original content while maintaining the core arguments, tone, and structure. It distills the key points and main ideas without personal interpretation or commentary, typically written in third person and present tense. A précis is often one-quarter the length of the original text and retains the original meaning and organization.

The Purpose of a Precis

The goal of a precis is simple: break down something long and complicated into a short version that hits all the important points. You’re not adding your own thoughts or opinions here. It’s all about restating the author’s message, just in a more digestible way. 

You have to make sure you don’t lose any of the original meaning while cutting out all the extra stuff. It’s about clarity, accuracy, and staying true to the author’s argument, making sure the essence of the piece is perfectly captured without fluff.

Key Elements of a Precis

Here’s what every solid precis needs:

• Main Argument: This is the big idea or central message the author is trying to get across. Think of it as the heart of the piece.
• Key Points: Grab the main supporting points that build up the argument. These are like the backbone. Without them, the text falls apart.
• Evidence: Whether it’s stats, research findings, or real-life examples, include any evidence the author uses to back up their claims.
• Conclusion: Wrap it up by highlighting how everything ties together, without adding your own spin.

Hit these four points, and your precis will be spot-on!

How to Write a Precis?

Writing a precis might seem tricky, but following clear steps makes it manageable. Start by reading the original text carefully, then pinpoint the main ideas and thesis. Create a logical outline, write your precis following it, and finally, review and edit for clarity. 

Follow these steps, and you’re on your way.

1. Read and Understand the Original Text

To write a great precis, you first need to really get what the text is saying. Here’s how to go about it:

• Read Slowly and Carefully: Don’t just skim! Read through the text thoroughly, like you’re looking for a hidden treasure. This way, you won’t miss any key details.
• Take Notes: Jot down essential points or anything that feels like a main idea. Highlight sentences that seem important or summarize the author’s argument. These will be your building blocks later.
• Underline Key Sentences: If something jumps out as a key argument or piece of evidence, underline it. This helps you keep track of what the author is emphasizing without having to reread the whole thing.
• Summarize in Your Own Words: After reading, try summarizing each paragraph in one sentence. This helps make sure you’ve grasped the content and are ready to condense it.

Approach it like you’re getting to know the text really well because once you do, writing the precis will be a whole lot easier.

2. Identify the Main Points and Thesis

Alright, now that you’ve read the text, it’s time to figure out what the author’s really trying to say. Here’s how to do it:

• Spot the Thesis: The thesis is the big idea that the author’s driving home. It’s usually right at the start or somewhere near the end of the text. Find that one sentence that sums up what the whole piece is about, like a “this is why I wrote this” statement.
• Pick Out the Key Points: Once you’ve got the thesis, look at how the author backs it up. Maybe they throw in a few supporting arguments, some data, or real-world examples. These are the key points you want to capture. If the text is all about why social media is harmful, the main points might be like this: it increases anxiety, it wastes time, and it affects self-esteem.

Just stick to what’s necessary. You’re looking for the main bones of the argument that holds the piece together. Leave out the extra unnecessary details and certain ideas that don’t really add much.

3. Create a Logical Outline

This step will save you tons of time when you start writing the good précis. An outline helps you map out the flow of your summary and ensures you don’t miss anything important.

• Break it Down: Start by listing the main ideas in the order they appear in the text. Don’t overcomplicate it and just write them out in short, simple phrases. Imagine you’re creating a basic framework that shows the overall structure of the piece.
• Add Key Points Under Each Idea: For each main idea, jot down the key points or evidence the author uses to back it up. This is like adding a few bullet points under each heading. It doesn’t have to be super detailed — just enough so you know what to include later. For instance, if you’re outlining an article about climate change, your main points might be “Causes,” “Effects,” and “Solutions.” Under “Causes,” you could add points like deforestation and carbon emissions.
• Keep It in Order: Make sure your outline follows the same order as the original text. The goal is to keep the flow natural so your precis reads like a well-structured summary, not a random collection of ideas.

With this outline in place, you’ll have a clear path to follow when you start writing. 

4. Start Writing the Precis

Alright, now comes the part you’ve been gearing up for — writing a precis. This is where your outline really pays off. Here’s how to turn that plan into a polished summary:

• Start with a Quick Introduction: Include the author’s name, the title of the text, and the main thesis right off the bat. Something like: “In The Art of Learning, Joshua Waitzkin explores the mindset needed to master any skill, emphasizing the power of focus and deliberate practice.” This sets the stage for what your precis is all about.
• Summarize Each Section: Go through each paragraph or section in your outline and summarize it in one or two sentences. Make sure you stick to the original order of the text and keep things logical. If the author presents an argument followed by supporting evidence, your summary should reflect that sequence.
• Stay True to the Text: Don’t forget, you’re here to convey the author’s message, not to add your own take. Avoid personal opinions, commentary, or anything that wasn’t in the original piece. Your precis should capture the essence of the text, showing that you understand it well enough to simplify it without losing its meaning.

Stick to what the the author's thesis statement says, keep it clear, and let your summary flow naturally from start to finish!

5. Review and Edit for Clarity

Read through your precis carefully and make sure you’ve captured the tone and meaning of the original text. If the author’s voice was formal, your precis should feel the same. If the tone was conversational, rhetorical precis should reflect that too. Look at each sentence and ask yourself, “Is this clear? Does it keep the original intent?”

Next, trim any unnecessary words. The goal is to make every sentence count. If you find yourself rambling or adding extra stuff, cut it out. Remember, a precis is about being concise and direct — no room for filler! Make sure that your summary flows logically, keeping the original structure intact.

Finally, read it out loud. This helps you spot awkward phrasing, grammar errors, or anything that doesn’t quite sound right. When your precis reads smoothly and accurately mirrors the original piece, you’ll know you’ve done a solid job. 

Sample Precis Structure

Making your precis clear and easy to read comes down to having a structure that feels natural. Here’s how to do it:

1. Break It Into Short Paragraphs: Think of your precis like a story you’re telling a friend. For longer work, split it into small, bite-sized paragraphs. Don’t cram everything into one long chunk. Each paragraph should cover a main idea from the original text. This makes it super easy for the reader to follow along.
2. Focus on What Matters: Don’t try to squeeze in every single detail. Stick to the key points. Imagine you’re explaining a movie plot — skip the minor scenes and stick to what drives the story. If the original text has three major arguments, your precis should too.
3. Use Transitions to Keep It Smooth: Instead of jumping abruptly from one point to the next, use simple transitions like “Also,” “Next,” or “Meanwhile” to guide the reader. This keeps your summary flowing naturally, like a casual chat.
4. Wrap Up Each Section Neatly: At the end of each paragraph, add a sentence that ties everything together before moving on. 
5. End with a Strong Final Statement: Your last sentence should feel like closing a book. Bring everything together with a sentence that sums up the original text’s main takeaway, so the reader feels like they’ve gotten the full picture without needing to read the entire piece.

Precis Format

Getting the format right when writing a precis makes your work look clean and professional. It’s like setting up a strong foundation before you start building your summary. Here’s a quick rundown to get you started:

Precis Example

In this section, we’re giving you a clear example published in Aeon Magazine — a go-to source for deep, thought-provoking pieces on philosophy, science, society, and culture. The essay we chose is “Main Character Syndrome” by Anna Gotlib, which tackles the trend of viewing oneself as the protagonist of life. 

Précis of Anna Gotlib’s “Main Character Syndrome”

Précis of Anna Gotlib’s “Main Character Syndrome”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Precis

Keep these tips and your summaries will come out focused and accurate every time:

1. Overloading with Details: Adding too many specifics clutters your summary. Stick to the essentials, focus on the core arguments, and leave out minor details that don’t shape the main message.
2. Changing the Author’s Intent: Remember, your job is to restate, not reinterpret. Avoid rephrasing in a way that alters the original meaning or tone. Stay true to the author’s message without injecting your own opinions.
3. Skipping the Structure: A precis needs to be as organized as the original text. Follow the sequence of the essay — don’t jumble ideas. This way, your precis will have a logical flow, just like the original.
4. Writing Without Clarity: Being concise doesn’t mean being vague. Every sentence should deliver value and make the author’s point clear. If your summary feels confusing or too broad, go back and refine your sentences.

To Sum Up

That’s the gist of writing a precis! It’s all about breaking down the original piece into a clear, concise summary: read, understand, outline, and then summarize. Keep it true to the author’s intent without cramming in too many details. 

But if academic writing is still feeling like a headache, you can always check out EssayHub’s services, whether you need a precis or essay! Let us do the heavy lifting — your time’s too valuable to be stuck writing summaries!