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Precis or Abstract Writing

The document provides information on writing precis and abstracts. It defines a precis as a short summary that is one-third to one-fourth the length of the original text. An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper that appears at the beginning. Writing precis is valuable for improving writing and reading comprehension skills, as it requires understanding content and conveying it concisely using one's own words. A precis focuses on the main points while omitting unnecessary details and rephrasing in the writer's own voice from the perspective of the original author.

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Jules Gajes
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71 views

Precis or Abstract Writing

The document provides information on writing precis and abstracts. It defines a precis as a short summary that is one-third to one-fourth the length of the original text. An abstract is a brief summary of a research paper that appears at the beginning. Writing precis is valuable for improving writing and reading comprehension skills, as it requires understanding content and conveying it concisely using one's own words. A precis focuses on the main points while omitting unnecessary details and rephrasing in the writer's own voice from the perspective of the original author.

Uploaded by

Jules Gajes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Precis or Abstract

Writing
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
A précis is a short summary, no more
than one-third as long as the original
passage, and perhaps only one-
fourth as long.
The Precis
Often, you will be asked to edit your
précis to a specific number of words.
Really, it is a fancy way of saying
“summary”.
 In research writing, An abstract is a brief
summary of the paper, and is used by the
reader to quickly ascertain the paper's purpose
(it is usually created after the paper is written.
What is an  An abstract always appears at the beginning of
Abstract? the paper, even before the essay’s outline.
 In our major research essays, the abstract
appears on page one (after the four
identification lines (name, course, etc.) and
before the essay begins). It is single-spaced.
It is valuable training in writing and
researching.
Since you must be clear and concise, you
must choose your words carefully to get
Why do Precis the most meaning with those chosen
Writing? words.
It’s valuable practice in reading as well. To
summarize another’s writing in your own
words, you must understand the content
thoroughly.
 A précis gives only the “heart” of the passage.
 It omits repetition and such details as
examples, illustrations, and adjectives unless
they are extremely important.
 A précis must be written entirely in your own
Precis words. Avoid the temptation to lift sentences
Requirements or long parts of sentences from the original.
 A précis is written from the point of view of the
author whose work is being summarized. Avoid
such expressions as “The author says” or “This
paragraph means”. Also, your opinion is not
requested.
Steps in Precis Writing
FROM READING TO WRITING
Read the original passage
carefully.
Try to grasp the main point.
Step One Look up the meaning of
words you don’t recognize.
Make notes/Underline key
passages.
Write the main points in your own
words.
Except for key words which are too
important to omit (indispensible),
use your own wording throughout.
Step Two
Remember, though, not to add
opinions or ideas that are not in the
original.
Revise until your précis reads
smoothly and is the required length.
Précis Example
FROM ETIQUETTE FOR EVERYBODY (1952): CHAPTER 4 -
CONVERSATION
 Compliments are sometimes a pitfall for the tactless. Some people
can‟t say a simple thing like “What a smart dress you’re wearing!”
without sounding as though they thought all your other dresses
were horrors. Or they will say, “I’ve always loved that dress of
yours,” in such a way as to suggest to the others present that
you’ve been wearing it since World War One. Graceful
compliments are a source of pleasure. Even awkward ones are
kindly meant. When given a compliment, accept it appropriately.
Original Piece Don’t say, “Oh, this old dress? It doesn’t even fit properly!” There’s
a subtle difference between “You have such beautiful hair!” which
of Writing is praising a gift of Nature, and “Your hair always looks so lovely!”
which praises the owner’s care and skill. Some people are
embarrassed by any reference to their appearance, no matter how
well-meant or justified. Everyone, however, enjoys hearing that
he’s looking well. No one (except a hypochondriac) likes to hear
that he looks tired, pale, or ill.
 Total Words = 166 (First paragraph = 65; second paragraph = 31;
third paragraph = 70) Optimum Précis Length = 55 words (1/3 of
original)
Tactless people have trouble
delivering compliments effectively.
They state them in a manner that
instead renders them insults. (18
Précis words)
Accept compliments with the
graciousness with which they are
granted. (10 words)

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