What is a Precis?
- A precis is a concise and condensed summary of a larger passage or text, capturing the main points, ideas, and arguments while maintaining the original tone and meaning.
- It demonstrates the ability to comprehend and communicate effectively while emphasizing key information.
Steps to Write a Precis:
- Read the Passage Carefully:
- Before you start writing, read the given passage carefully and understand the central theme and supporting ideas.
- Pay attention to the author’s tone, style, and any significant examples or evidence provided.
- Identify the Main Points:
- Highlight or underline the main points, arguments, and key supporting details in the passage.
- Focus on the central message and the author’s intent.
- Comprehend the Tone and Style:
- Analyze the author’s tone, whether it is persuasive, informative, or argumentative.
- Note the writing style, such as formal or informal, and maintain the same tone while writing the precis.
- Determine the Length:
- Check the prescribed word limit for the precis. NABARD Grade A exam may have specific guidelines, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words.
- Ensure your precis fits within the word limit.
- Structure of the Precis:
- Begin the precis with an introductory statement that includes the title and author of the original passage, along with its main theme.
- Use a thesis statement to capture the primary argument or idea of the passage.
- Writing the Precis:
- In the first sentence, paraphrase the main points of the passage, providing the essential context.
- Use your own words and maintain coherence and clarity.
- Avoid direct quotes from the original text.
- Write in the third person and the past tense, as a precis is always written in the past.
- Summarize Supporting Points:
- In subsequent sentences or paragraphs, summarize the supporting points and evidence used by the author.
- Be concise and clear, ensuring the logical flow of ideas.
- Maintain the Original Order:
- Preserve the sequence of ideas presented in the original passage while writing the precis.
- Avoid Personal Opinions:
- A precis is an objective summary and should not include any personal opinions, interpretations, or evaluations.
- Write a Concise Conclusion:
- Conclude the precis with a brief statement that summarizes the overall message or conclusion of the original passage.
Tips for Writing an Effective Precis:
- Practice regularly to improve your precis-writing skills.
- Focus on clarity and coherence of ideas.
- Revise and edit your precis to eliminate grammatical errors and maintain word limit.
- Use formal language and avoid colloquial expressions.
- Avoid excessive verbiage and redundant information.
- Develop a good understanding of diverse topics to handle various types of passages in the exam.
Remember, writing a precis requires practice, so invest time in honing this skill. Regularly practice with different types of passages to become proficient at writing clear, concise, and effective precis for the NABARD Grade A Exam.