precis assignment

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write a Precis

Last Updated: July 30, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 175,821 times.

A précis is a summary of a written work, such as an article, book, or other text. You’ll objectively explain the original text’s main argument, support, and structure, without doing a critical analysis. Although it might seem challenging at first, don't get discouraged! It's simple once you understand the structure. Before you can write your précis, you’ll need to study the text. When writing your précis, use the correct structure and style guidelines.

Studying the Text

• You’ll likely need to read the text several times. You might read a novel twice, but you could read a shorter work 3-5 times.
• Skim over the text before you read it, mentally dividing it into sections. If the text has headings and/or subheadings, use these as a guide. Otherwise, you can divide it by paragraph.
• If you notice any unfamiliar words, look them up.

• If you learn well visually, use different colored highlighters to highlight the thesis, supporting arguments, and important details.
• Write notes in the margins to explain important arguments in your own words.

• In a longer text, you may need to do a close reading to find the thesis. You should consider the author's arguments and main ideas. Remember, the thesis is the author's controlling idea. For instance, a novel likely won't have a clear thesis, but you could identify what the author is trying to prove or show.
• For examples of how to do this, look at book reviews in literary journals or in major newspapers. Remember not to simply copy the thesis, which is considered plagiarism.

• Consider the length and difficulty of the text when dividing your sections. There’s no wrong way to section an article.
• For example, when writing a précis for a novel, you could summarize each chapter. If it's a journal article that's already divided into sections, you could summarize these sections. For an essay or article without sections, you could summarize each paragraph.
• Be sure to only include the key point and evidence in your summary.
• Include enough information in your summaries so that you don’t need to refer to the main text to understand them.

• The author likely won’t state their purpose, so you’ll need to determine it yourself. Consider your reaction to the text. For example, did it make you think? Do you feel differently about the subject? This can help you figure out the purpose.
• If you're writing a précis about a short story or novel, the author may be entertaining the reader, but they will also have a message behind the story. This message can help you find the purpose.
• If you're writing a précis about an article or essay, the purpose may be related to the thesis. What is the writer trying to prove? How does that connect to their purpose? For instance, the author's purpose might be to change the way you think about recycling paper. Their thesis could read, "Reusing paper before recycling it is better for the environment because it reduces new purchases of paper, produces less waste, and lowers energy expenditures by recycling programs."
• You can also look at a few published reviews of the book, which can give you good contextual information and different perspectives to orient your understanding of the purpose.

• An outline lets you see how the argument is assembled.
• This outline is just for you, so don’t worry if it’s messy.

• Remember to use your own words. However, you need to accurately portray the meaning of the original text.

Structuring Your Précis

• In rare cases, you may need to provide more information about the author, but this is only necessary if that information is necessary to understand the précis. For example, let's say an astronaut wrote a scholarly article about how being on the space station affected their research. It would be helpful to include that the author had been to space, as it adds to their credibility.
• Put the date in parentheses after the title.
• The genre refers to the type of text, such as article, short story, novel, play, etc.
• Use a rhetorical verb, such as asserts, explains, argues, refutes, proves, or disproves, to introduce the author’s argument.
• Here’s an example: Luz Ruiz’s article “The Moral Politician” (2018) asserts that policies based on morality can undermine the basis of governance.

• Comparing and contrasting of 2 or more things.
• Providing several small arguments.
• Offering 1 long chain of argument.
• Illustrating a point.
• Creating a narrative.
• Citing research.
• Defining and elaborating on the terms of the thesis.

• The purpose is the author’s motive, not the thesis.
• For instance, “Ruiz’s purpose is to present case studies in order to create an awareness in the reader of counterproductive policy making.”

• Since the author won’t directly tell you their intended audience, you’ll need to use cues from the article to determine it. Cues to watch for include the type of language used, the types of references, and the author’s background. You might compare and contrast the article to other similar articles to determine if it's more formal or informal. For example, academic or professional articles might use a lot of jargon, and they may expect the reader to understand references to other ideas in the field. However, articles written for the casual reader might use down-to-earth language and may thoroughly explain references to other ideas.
• For instance, “Based on her use of jargon and the nature of the topic, Ruiz primarily writes for an audience who understands policy debate, such as policy students, academics, and politicians.”

• This type of précis is less common than the 4-sentence structure presented above.
• You should only write a long précis if your instructor asks for it. Always check your assignment details.

• Remember, you don't need to incorporate any outside ideas or conclusions you have made, as a précis is only about the work itself.
• Keep your conclusion concise.

Revising Your Précis

• It’s a good idea to look for typos, grammar errors, or spelling issues now, but you’ll still need to proofread your final draft.

• For example, re-read the original text, then re-read your précis.
• If you can, have someone read both the original text and your précis and tell you what they think.

• For example, you might eliminate redundant text or extra words that aren't necessary.
• If you make substantial changes, it’s best to compare it to the original text once again.

• If you can, ask someone to proofread your work for you, as you might overlook some of your own errors.

Following Best Practices

• Although a précis is always concise, its length can vary depending of the length of the original work and your instructor’s preferred length. For an article, your précis will likely be 100-200 words long, but a longer work may require a few pages of text. Expect your précis to be about 1/5 to 1/6 the length of the original text. [17] X Research source
• Read over your assignment sheet carefully.

• For instance, you should write “Ruiz proves” not “Ruiz proved.”
• Make sure your verbs apply to the author, not the text. For example, “Ruiz argues” not “the article argues.”

• Stay objective throughout the writing process.

• It’s okay to quote a special term coined by the author if it’s important to the précis. For example, "freakonomics" is a special term created by economist Steven Levitt and journalist Stephen J. Dubner. It's not a normal word, so you would put quotes around it when including it in a précis.

Community Q&A

• Writing a précis is a great way to study an important text. For example, you might write one before you write an annotated biography or before including a text in your thesis or dissertation. [19] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You need to fully understand a text before you can write a précis. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/nonfictionanalysis/
• ↑ https://downloads.wlu.ca/downloads/academics/support-and-advising/documents/writing-a-precis.pdf
• ↑ https://www.monmouth.edu/resources-for-writers/documents/how-to-write-a-precis.pdf/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/nonfictionanalysis.html

About This Article

Before writing a précis, make sure that you’ve read through the text and made notes in the margins to help you identify the most important points. Afterwards, begin your precis by restating the thesis, or the author’s main argument, in your own words. Then, summarize each paragraph, section, or chapter in 1 to 2 sentences. Make sure to only include information that supports the main argument in your summary. Additionally, include enough information so that you don’t need to refer to the main text in order to understand the summary. For more advice, including how to structure or revise your précis, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Doug Widdowson

Jun 11, 2019

Did this article help you?

Vivan Dutta

Sep 27, 2018

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

How to Write a Precis - A Step-by-Step Guide

It is common for students to confuse a précis with rhetorical analysis, reflection essays, and critical analysis. We get to clarify the confusion in just a moment.

However, for what it is worth, college life prepares you for the unforgiving life that awaits after graduation. One way it does this is through regular assignments that are timed. You can never afford to submit an assignment late if you want to be classified for a college degree.

When undertaking a college education, précis writing is one of the most important yet challenging tasks. At least, from our internal survey, it emerged that 3 out of 5 students find it hard to write a précis. The students also do not understand what a précis is and how to write a précis step by step.

In this article, we have compiled important facts on how to write a précis, explained its meaning and rules, and given you links to précis examples.

What is a Précis?

It would be prudent to begin by first reflecting on what a précis contains.

Well, it entails the thesis of the author and the main message or idea of the author. So, when you are asked to write a précis, you need to write a summary of the essential ideas of a longer composition between several texts.

It's also known as a position paper, which means you create a claim based on what you see as the connections between the text. What do these texts have in common? Are there similar ideas that appear in the readings so far? What are they?

A rhetorical précis can be defined as a summary of an original piece of text that includes the main ideas, arguments, and insights of the thesis of the author in that text.

It is a clear, accurate, and concise summary of a longer text in a connected, readable, and elaborate manner. You can also refer to it as an academic summary as it involves summarizing the main argument of a piece of academic writing, such as a peer-reviewed article.

In simple terms, a précis is like a synopsis of a text, article, or literature. Précis is a term borrowed from French, which means summary or

It should never be a narrative of what the author said in sequence. Rather, it is more of providing a skeleton of the arguments in the piece of work. A précis is also not rewriting or an essay.

Qualities and Features of a Rhetorical précis

When you are assigned to write a précis, here are some important elements that must feature in your paper:

• A précis summarizes the original article or academic text's content.
• Start your précis by creating a context (setting) and stating the main idea of the piece. Then, you should begin presenting the author's method for defending this thesis.
• Formal writing reveals the meaning and value of an original text.
• A rhetorical précis gives people who have no time to read an entire text the chance to understand its main points.
• Explains the core of the text in a structural format making it easy to spot the major points without skimming through pages.
• A précis can be written on a scholarly article, published work, or dissertation.
• Always state the name of the article/document, the author, and the source (is it from a magazine, book, encyclopedia, etc.)
• It is never a critical or interpretive piece of writing.
• It helps identify areas to concentrate on when reading.
• It is meant to improve the writing skills of the writers
• Titles of texts should be put in italics OR underlined
• When writing about history, use the past tense.

Précis writing is important as it helps the writer distinguish between what is regarded as useful and what is never. It is a comprehension exercise that allows the writer to present the gist of a passage in their own words.

Rules (or Do's) of Précis Writing

There are ten golden rules when writing a précis: you can call them the Dos of précis writing.

• Read the passage/text and determine its theme . While reading, focus on the theme or major argument expressed by the author.
• Précis writing means the art of remodeling. Your précis writing should reflect your prowess in using your own words to express the meaning of a text.
• Be concise, accurate, and clear. précis writing is never complete without brevity, yet it should not come at the expense of clarity or accuracy. Throw in some economy with words, and avoid ambiguity, obscurity, and vagueness.
• It should convince even those who have not read the text.  When writing a précis, ensure it is intelligible to anyone who has not read the original text. By reading your thesis, the reader should engage with the original text.
• A précis uses your own language.  Remember that a précis does not mean paraphrasing. Read and comprehend, then write.
• Forever stick to the third person.  Begin your  précis by identifying what the author says.
• Do not give a personal opinion.  Never give your personal comments or reflection on the piece of work. You will be deviating from précis writing. It should follow the order of the original text.
• A précis, by the rule of thumb, should be a third of the original text. Academic précis writing suggests that it should be between 100 and 200 words. A précis of a 20-page book or article should be between 2-3 pages. Look at how to write a  précis for a research article .
• Balance your précis.  Make sure you are filling the space not just with words but with substance from the text.
• When statistics are involved, use discretion . Unless the statistics are inevitable and utterly important, drop them when writing your précis.

The Don'ts when writing a Précis

When writing a précis, avoid doing these:

• Never use complicated vocabulary that might make your précis complex. Simplicity always has its place in academic writing. Overcome the urge to use tough vocabulary that are otherwise fillers.
• Never use the first-person pronoun when writing a précis. You are not allowed to use I or we when writing a précis.
• Never mention additional information other than your author's thesis, methods the author uses to present the thesis, the results, and their conclusion.
• Do not use abbreviations or contractions.
• Avoid words like big, good, bad, little, and a lot. Also, do not use the phrase "throughout history." This is cliché.
• Never copy sentences as they are from the original unless you are quoting, where you must also provide the right in-text citation.
• Avoid addressing wrong figures and facts. Every fact that you reference in your précis must be from your original.
• Do not use the words "in this article." Use the style "Crane argues that the most significant contribution of the Czechs was ... "
• When looking at primary sources, you should note the document's origin, purpose, value, and limitations.)
• Count your "and."

Remember, a rhetorical précis demonstrates that you have mastered the art of writing and can express your thoughts cogently and intelligibly. Therefore, you must uphold high clarity, correctness, objectivity, conciseness, and coherence.

The Structure/Format of a Précis

Although a critical or rhetorical précis is not an essay like an argumentative or expository essay , it follows the same structure.

A précis has an  introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion .

The introduction is usually a sentence with the author's name, the title of the original piece, the date of publishing, and the author's thesis statement. You can use verbs such as argues, explains, proves, expands the argument, demonstrates, etc.

Some writing experts and professors have suggested that you start your précis with a hook and then restate the thesis of the author of the original piece.

Each body paragraph of your précis should explain different parts of the original piece. Focus on the ideas, purpose, and evidence presented by the author.  

Do  not interpret, criticize, or analyze the arguments of the author . Where necessary, use quotes or phrases from the text but intelligibly. For instance, Paulo Coelho's quotation, It's part of the human condition to want to share things, thoughts, ideas, and opinions, could become Humans want to share ideas with others.

The conclusion of your précis should restate the main idea, summarize everything, and avoid making any personal judgments about the original piece.

How to Write a Précis Step-by-Step

So, you get a prompt like this one from your English 1102 class:

OBJECTIVE: Practice summarizing evidence and conclusions of academic articles in the rhetorical précis format to, ultimately, compose an annotated bibliography using sources that pertain to a topic of your interest.

PART I: Précis

• Select 2 relevant sources for examination. Both should be scholarly/peer-reviewed.
• Read carefully, looking for the main conclusions and the evidence to support those conclusions.
• Write a short paragraph for each source following the rhetorical précis model found on pp. 212 of the Guide to First-Year Writing.

You first wonder what you should do, how you can start, and how you will complete the paper. Instead of panicking, follow these eight steps and write a rhetorical précis that appeals to your professor : one they will forever use as an example. So how do you get to do it step-by-step? Here is how to proceed with writing your précis:

First Step: Read the prompt

Like other assignments, you must begin by reading the rhetorical précis essay prompt. In most cases, the prompt specifies the number of words. For instance, your professor might require you to write an 800:1000-word essay in MLA format. The prompt will also specify the exact pages or chapters if it is a book.

Second Step: Read the original piece

Read the text on which you are to write a précis several times. If it is short, 2-5 times is recommended; otherwise, two times is the standard for long texts. Use the headings and subheadings as your guide to getting the gist of the text.

Ensure that you read the assigned readings and understand each article's essence.  In other words, what is the central argument related to the theme discussed in class?

Third Step: Re-read the original and take notes

Annotate or mark the text as you read. Here is where you highlight the major points that stick out. You can do this by underlining or highlight the most important points in the original text. If you are reading using PDF readers, you can use the power to highlight and add notes. It helps you knit together the thesis of the author.

Fourth Step: Put together the highlighted ideas

If the author or novel words use evidence, take a keen interest and look them up. Also, study the statistics used to corroborate facts in the text.

Collect these highlighted passages in point form. Write a list of two or three main ideas the essays, articles, or original pieces share.

Fifth Step: Develop the thesis

Restate the authors' thesis in your own words. When doing this, be clear, accurate, and concise. If it is a long piece, try to find the major arguments that the author is bringing forth. Write a brief outline of your argument. 

Sixth Step: Breakdown your précis (outline)

Provide one to two sentence summaries of each paragraph from the author's work. If the text is long, divide it into sections or chapters and give a summary. Division by chapter would be prudent for a précis on a novel.

Seventh Step: Write the précis

write the précis. It should feature a short introductory paragraph, usually one sentence. Develop the body paragraph as outlined in the previous sections. Conclude the précis by summarizing the facts and restating the thesis.

Think of it this way: you summarize the lecture for a friend who missed the class, and the material will be on an upcoming test. Also, you may want to include a brief statement about the article's tone, audience, or purpose.

Ensure that you do great work when citing a précis. Consistently place the in-text citations per the recommended formatting style, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago formats.

Also, ensure that at the end of your paper, you have works cited, reference, or reference list page. Likewise, have an outstanding title page .

Eighth Step: Proofread, edit, and polish

Proofread, edit, and submit the précis paper on time. Consider revising the assignment prompt/instructions. Also, compare your précis with the original text and weed out any similarities. Focus on your grammar and spelling while ensuring you maintain coherence and clarity. You can read it aloud or use a third eye, such as online editing services .

Paragraphing: The Four-Sentence Rhetorical Précis

When writing your précis, you can adopt the four-sentence rhetorical précis paragraph format. This highly structured paragraph records the essential elements of the discourse, whether spoken or written.

Notably, each of the four sentences bears specific information, as we shall see shortly. When writing with this format, the précis might have brief quotations that convey the author's sense of style, unique voice, and tone.

First Sentence

• Name of the author (if possible, a description of their credential)
• The genre (essay, lecture, research paper, book chapter, book review, editorial, etc.
• Date (in parentheses)
• A rhetorically accurate present tense verb (argues, asserts, suggests, implies, claims, questions, concurs, explains, etc.
• The THAT clause, comes before mentioning the assertion or thesis statement from the author's text.

Second Sentence

• An explanation of how the author develops or supports the thesis (narration, comparison and contrasting, illustration, listing, telling, or definition, etc.)
• Explanation in chronological order as the items of support are presented in the original text
• Uses present tense verbs

Third Sentence

• Statement of the author's purpose in the original text
• An IN ORDER TO clause that explains what the author wants the audience to feel or do after reading the piece

Fourth Sentence

• A description of the author's tone: formal, informal, condescending, sarcastic, humorous, contemptuous, etc.
• Description of the intended audience

The four-sentence précis Template

First Sentence: (Author's full name) _______________________________________,  in his/her (essay, novel, poem, article, painting, short story, etc.) _______________________ (year for APA attribution)__________, asserts that ________________________________________. Second sentence: (Author's last name) ____________________________________ supports this assertion by (showing, offering, using, citing, challenging, etc.) _______________________________examples of______________________________________________________ . 

Third sentence: His/her purpose is to __________________________________. 

Fourth sentence: He/She (establishes, creates, constructs, suggests, offers, presents, etc.)   ____________________ a/an ______________________________________________________with/for his/her audience of ______________________________________________________________________________ who _________________.

Sample four-sentence rhetorical précis

Here are some examples of well-written précis paragraphs.

Sandra M. Gilbert, professor of English at the University of California, Davis, in her essay Plain Jane's Progress (1977), suggests that Charlotte Brontë intended Jane Eyre to resemble John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress in that Jane's pilgrimage through a series of events based on the enclosure and escape motif eventually lead toward the equality that Brontë herself sought. Gilbert supports this conclusion by using the structure of the novel to highlight the places Jane has been confined, the changes she undergoes during the process of escape, and the individuals and experiences that lead to her maturation concluding that "this marriage of true minds at Ferndean : this is the way" (501). Her purpose is to help readers see the role of women in Victorian England in order to help them understand the uniqueness and daring of Brontë's work. She establishes a formal relationship with her audience of literary scholars interested in feminist criticism who are familiar with the work of Brontë, Bunyan, Lord Byron, and others and are intrigued by feminist theory as it relates to Victorian literature.

Adapted from Source

Sheridan Baker, in his essay "Attitudes" (1966), asserts that writers' attitudes toward their subjects, their audiences, and themselves determine to a large extent the quality of their prose. Baker supports this assertion by showing examples of how inappropriate attitudes can make writing unclear, pompous, or boring, concluding that a good writer "will be respectful toward his audience, considerate toward his readers, and somehow amiable toward human failings" (58). His purpose is to make his readers aware of the dangers of negative attitudes in order to help them become better writers. He establishes an informal relationship with his audience of college students who are interested in learning to write "with conviction.

Analysis of the précis paragraph

NOTE that the first sentence identifies the author (Baker), the genre (essay), the title and date, and uses an active verb (asserts) and the relative pronoun that to explain what exactly Baker asserts. The second sentence explains the first by offering chronological examples from Baker's essay, while the third sentence suggests the author's purpose and WHY (in order to) he has set out that purpose (or seems to have set out that purpose -- not all essays are explicit about this information and readers have to put the pieces together). The final sentence identifies the primary audience of the essay (college students) and suggests how this audience is brought into/connected to the essay's purpose.

Toni Morrison, in her essay "Disturbing Nurses and the Kindness of Sharks," implies that racism in the United States has affected the craft and process of American novelists. Morrison supports her implication by describing how Ernest Hemingway writes about black characters in his novels and short stories. Her purpose is to make her readers aware of the cruel reality of racism underlying some of the greatest works of American literature in order to help them examine the far-reaching effects racism has not only on those discriminated against but also on those who discriminate. She establishes a formal and highly analytical tone with her audience of racially mixed (but probably mainly white), theoretically sophisticated readers, and critical interpreters of American literature.

In her article Who Cares if Johnny Can't Read? (1997), Larissa MacFarquhar asserts that Americans are reading more than ever despite claims to the contrary and that it is time to reconsider why we value reading so much, especially certain kinds of high culture reading. MacFarquhar supports her claims about American reading habits with facts and statistics that compare past and present reading practices, and she challenges common assumptions by raising questions about reading's intrinsic value. Her purpose is to dispel certain myths about reading to raise new and more important questions about the value of reading and other media in our culture. She seems to have a young, hip, somewhat irreverent audience in mind because her tome is sarcastic, and she suggests that the ideas she opposes are old-fashioned positions.

Adopted from this  source .

Statesman and philosopher, Thomas Jefferson, in The Declaration of Independence (1776), argues that God-given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness entitle the colonists to freedom from the oppressive British government and guarantee them the right to declare independence. He supports his claim by first invoking the fact of our inalienable rights, then he establishes the circumstances under which a people can throw off an oppressive government; he next proceeds to show that these circumstances have been created by King George II whose oppressive rule now forces the colonists to the separation. The purpose of this document is to convince all readers of the necessity to officially declare independence from Great Britain in order to establish a separate independent nation, the United States of America. Jefferson establishes a passionate and challenging tone for a worldwide audience, but particularly the British and King George III.

Sample précis Questions

Here are two examples of précis homework assignment questions:

1. Write the précis of" liberation, division, and war." 

Write a précis which contains the following elements:

• What is the author's thesis
• How the author develops the thesis?
• Why you chose this reading? (If this helped you? how?)

2. Writing a précis

Lippi-Green, Teaching Children to Discriminate

Checklist of a Good précis

We cannot conclude our précis writing guide without exploring some of its great features. Here is a checklist to ensure your précis stands out.

• It should be clear, correct, objective, coherent, and concise.
• Has a mix of short and long sentences.
• The précis should have a unique title.
• Do not have irrelevant facts on the author or piece of work.
• Should only involve arguments of the author in the particular work.
• A précis that is not a critical analysis or reflection of the text.
• It is not a merely paraphrased version of the original text.
• Devoid of grammar or spelling mistakes.
• Formatted, styles, and organized in MLA, APA, Chicago, or Harvard.

Our Final Thoughts on Précis Writing

Our insights in this comprehensive guide can help you understand how to start and complete writing a précis. To be clear, no professor likes reading mediocre précis. So, make sure yours stands out.

Now that you know how to write a précis, we wish you well.

Related Read: Titling an article in an essay.

However, in modern times, students might seek help writing different essays. When you have a part-time job, no time to complete assignments, or you suck at writing, writing a précis can be torturous, so you should trust online custom writing services .

Our  paper writing service can come in handy and help you cover more work. We have professionals who are proficient in writing précis essays.

A skilled essay writer will read the text and write a précis for you. It is never a shame to seek help, as you have no other option, and failing is not an option in the competitive world.

Let us help you navigate the turbulence of college education. Above all, reading this article will inform you more about writing a précis. You are ready for the challenge; write it like a pro!

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

Precis: Types, Format, Example and How-To Guide

What is a precis.

A precis is a concise summary or abstract of a text, speech, or other form of communication. It condenses the main ideas, arguments, and key points of the original work into a shorter version while maintaining the essence and tone of the original. Precis writing requires the ability to extract the most important information from a larger piece of writing. It’s often used in academic settings, journalism, and professional writing to provide readers with a quick overview of a longer piece of content.

Table of Contents

Precis Types:

There are several types of precis, each serving a specific purpose depending on the context and requirements. Here are some common types:

Informative Precis:

Summarizes the main points and factual information of the original text without providing any personal opinion or analysis.

Explanatory Precis:

Provides a detailed explanation of the main ideas and arguments presented in the original text, often including examples or clarifications to enhance understanding.

Critical Precis:

Analyzes and evaluates the original text, offering both a summary of its content and a critique of its strengths and weaknesses.

Literary Precis:

Focuses on summarizing the themes, characters, and key events of a literary work such as a novel, play, or poem.

Rhetorical Precis:

Breaks down the structure and rhetorical strategies used in the original text, including the author’s purpose, audience, tone, and persuasive techniques.

Descriptive Precis:

Provides a detailed description of the original text, including its subject matter, tone, style, and intended audience.

Argumentative Precis:

Summarizes the main arguments and supporting evidence presented in the original text, often with a focus on analyzing the logic and persuasiveness of the author’s claims.

Precis Format:

The format of a precis typically follows a specific structure to ensure clarity and conciseness. Here’s a standard format for writing a precis:

Begin with the title of the original text, enclosed in quotation marks if it’s an article, essay, or similar work. Author’s Name: Follow the title with the author’s name.

Publication Information:

Include any relevant publication information such as the name of the journal, magazine, or book where the original text was published, as well as the publication date.

Introduction:

Write a brief introductory sentence or two that provides context for the original text and introduces the main topic or argument.

Thesis Statement:

Summarize the author’s main argument or thesis in one or two sentences.

Provide a concise summary of the main points and key supporting details of the original text. This should be written in your own words and should capture the essential elements of the author’s argument or narrative.

Evaluation:

Optionally, include a brief evaluation or critique of the original text. This may involve commenting on the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s argument, the effectiveness of their evidence, or any biases or assumptions present in the text.

Conclusion:

Conclude the precis with a closing statement that reinforces the main ideas of the original text and summarizes your overall impression or interpretation.

Word Count:

Some precis assignments may specify a word limit, so it’s important to check if there are any length requirements and adjust your precis accordingly.

Remember to maintain a formal tone and use clear, concise language throughout your precis. Avoid adding personal opinions or interpretations unless specifically requested, and focus on faithfully representing the content and structure of the original text.

How to Write a Precis?

Writing a precis involves several steps to condense a longer piece of writing into a shorter, concise summary while retaining its main ideas and tone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a precis:

Read Carefully:

Begin by reading the original text carefully to understand its main argument, key points, and supporting evidence. Take notes as you read to capture important details and ideas.

Identify the Main Points:

Identify the main points and arguments presented in the original text. Look for the author’s thesis statement or central claim, as well as the key supporting points that contribute to the overall argument.

Understand the Structure:

Pay attention to the structure and organization of the original text, including how the author introduces ideas, develops arguments, and provides evidence to support their claims.

Write an Introduction:

Start your precis with an introductory sentence or two that provides context for the original text. Mention the title, author, and any relevant publication information, and briefly summarize the main topic or argument.

Craft a Thesis Statement:

Write a concise thesis statement that captures the main argument or central claim of the original text. This statement should convey the author’s main purpose or message in a clear and succinct manner.

Summarize the Main Points:

Write a summary of the main points and key supporting details of the original text. Focus on capturing the essential elements of the author’s argument or narrative, using your own words to restate the ideas while maintaining the original meaning.

Be Concise:

Keep your precis concise and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details or tangents. Aim to capture the essence of the original text in a condensed form, while still conveying its main ideas effectively.

Maintain the Tone and Style:

Try to match the tone and style of the original text in your precis, while also ensuring clarity and readability. Use formal language and appropriate academic or professional vocabulary, but avoid simply copying phrases or sentences from the original text.

Check for Accuracy:

Review your precis to ensure that it accurately represents the main ideas and arguments of the original text. Check for any errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling, and make revisions as needed to improve clarity and coherence.

Write a Conclusion:

Conclude your precis with a closing statement that reinforces the main ideas of the original text and summarizes your overall interpretation or impression. Avoid introducing new information or arguments in the conclusion.

Proofread and Revise:

Finally, proofread your precis carefully to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. Make revisions as needed to improve the clarity, coherence, and accuracy of your summary.

By following these steps, you can effectively write a precis that accurately summarizes the main ideas and arguments of a longer piece of writing in a clear and concise manner.

Precis Example:

Below is an example of a precis.

Title: “The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture”

Author: Michael Smith

Publication Information: Published in Environmental Science Journal, May 2024

Introduction: In his article “The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture,” Michael Smith examines the effects of climate change on agricultural productivity worldwide.

Thesis Statement: Smith argues that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns pose significant challenges to global food security.

Summary: Smith begins by outlining the various ways in which climate change is affecting agricultural systems, including shifts in precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and the spread of pests and diseases. He then discusses the potential consequences of these changes, such as reduced crop yields, decreased nutritional value of food, and increased food prices. Smith also highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, particularly smallholder farmers in developing countries. Despite these challenges, Smith suggests that there are opportunities to adapt to climate change through sustainable agricultural practices and investments in research and technology.

Evaluation: Smith’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the complex relationship between climate change and global agriculture. His analysis is supported by a wealth of scientific evidence and data, making a compelling case for urgent action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food systems. However, Smith could have further explored the social and economic dimensions of this issue, including the role of policy and governance in addressing food insecurity.

Conclusion: In conclusion, “The Impact of Climate Change on Global Agriculture” underscores the urgent need for collective action to address the challenges posed by climate change to food security. By implementing sustainable agricultural practices and policies, we can work towards building more resilient food systems and ensuring food security for future generations.

This example demonstrates how a precis can summarize the main points and arguments of an original article while maintaining clarity and coherence.

Difference Between Precis and Summary:

Below are some key differences between a précis and a summary:

A precis aims to capture the main ideas, arguments, and key points of the original text while maintaining its tone and style. Unlike a summary, which provides a general overview, a precis offers a more detailed and structured summary, sometimes including an evaluation or critique of the original text. It serves to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the text’s content and may be used in academic or professional settings where thorough analysis is required.

Length and Detail:

In terms of length and detail, a precis is typically longer and more detailed than a summary. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the original text’s main ideas and arguments, often including specific examples, quotations, or paraphrases to illustrate key points. On the other hand, a summary is shorter and more succinct, focusing on capturing the essential elements of the original text in a condensed form. It may omit certain details or nuances to maintain brevity and clarity.

Audience and Context:

Precis writing is commonly used in academic and professional contexts, where a thorough understanding and analysis of the original text are necessary. It may be utilized for assignments, research papers, or presentations, catering to an audience that requires in-depth information and insights. In contrast, summaries are more prevalent in everyday contexts such as news articles, book reviews, or online content, where readers seek quick overviews without needing detailed analysis.

Structure and Format:

A precis follows a specific format comprising elements such as an introduction, thesis statement, summary of main points, evaluation, and conclusion. It aims to maintain the structure and organization of the original text while condensing its content. Conversely, a summary may have a less structured and formal format, often consisting of a brief introduction followed by a concise overview of the text’s main points. Its format may vary depending on the context and intended audience.

Related Posts

Capstone Project: Format, Ideas & Proposal Example

Peer Review: Types, Format, Process & How-To Guide

IMRAD: Format, Purpose and Structure Example

How to Write a Precis Step by Step?

19 June, 2020

14 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

Have difficulties writing a precis while submission deadline is approaching? Chill out and exhale - we know how to make your essay an eye-candy. William Shakespeare once wrote: “Brevity is the Soul of Wit”. While we all know this phrase, not everyone knows how to use the skill of conciseness in their writing. If you’re one of those who got into this trouble, there’s a way out. In this article, we’ll speak about the nature of precis essay, discuss its peculiarities, and learn how to compose a readable piece which everyone will adore.

What is a precis?

Precis comes from a French word “précis”, and is literally translated “as precise, clear, up to the point”. The precis meaning pertains to a summary of any writing piece, be it a book, an article, or a novel. What is typical for this unusual type of assignment is the outline of the main points and arguments presented in the given text. Any deep or critical analysis should not be provided in precis, but it should nevertheless objectively explain the situation narrated in this or that literary piece.

Mark Twain once said: “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead”. His claim hit the very essence of precis writing. For while it might seem easy to compose a short paper dedicated to the crystallization of story events, this is not the case with precis. It should be short, but at the same time, it might not be so easy and quick to write. Considering that precis is a type of summary, it should naturally be devoid of re-writing of the original text. Therefore, precis writing always involves critical reading and research.

Summary vs. Precis

We’ve already mentioned before that precis is basically a text summary. But in fact, there’s a fine line between the two terms. A summary is a brief statement that succinctly covers the main points of a given text. Whereas precis should have a title and be 1/3 of the total words in the original passage. Also, summary broadly discusses the main events in general, while precis focuses on every detail and deeply analyzes a particular situation. Let’s take an example to dispel your confusion on this matter. Imagine you’ve recently got a task to analyze the 2nd scene of the 1st act of Shakespeare’s play ‘Macbeth’. Which category would you classify this assignment to – summary or precis? You got it right if you chose the latter variant. This way, a precis can be defined as a brief form of an essay or a chapter in a book or an act in a play.

Precis Outline

The outline is one of the essential parts of precis writing. It allows to properly structure and organize the flow of ideas and helps to sequentially point out the main arguments of your precis. Before you start writing the outline, it’s important to boil down the list of possible topics to the main one. Then, you’ll need to decide on the purpose of your outline, which depends on the topic you chose to write about. For example, the outline can be written to entertain, reflect, or inform readers on this or that theme.

Another crucial step on the way to writing a perfect outline pertains to research. Read the material thoroughly, gather necessary information like quotes or facts. Then take notes, and assemble all the pieces together to start crafting an outline, taking some information here and there.

Once you’re done with this task, move down to brainstorming. This powerful practice of generating ideas might help you fix that genius thought that’s just spring to your mind. You can note down your brainstorm results in the form of random scribbles or create a mind map to build associations with the ideas. And in case some points don’t fit into your precis outline, you can always erase or cross them out. The next block of an outline is dedicated to thought arrangement. If you wonder how to structure an essay , remember to always formulate the information that’ll be included in the introduction, as well as in body paragraphs, and conclusion.

At the stage of finalizing, don’t forget to read your precis outline again and fill in the missing points if necessary. Also, proofread the outline before writing ideas on the assignment itself. That is, check it for typos, grammatical and spelling mistakes, and formatting errors.

How to start a precis?

For some, the phase of preparation for a precis is much harder than the process of writing it. Many questions are coming to mind at this point, like “Where do I start from?”, “What shall I do in the first place?”, “How much time do I need to prepare my precis?”. The formula to effective set-up is a proper study of the given text. At first, you’ll need to read the material. And not only do a skim-through but also make sure that you fully grasp the idea which the author conveys in the reading. For this, you’ll probably need to read the text several times. If this is a novel, you can read it twice, if it’s a short story – 3-5 times will be enough. Also, you can write down the meaning of unknown words if there are any.

While you’re reading, don’t forget to annotate your text. This process stands for underlining and highlighting focal information while making notes for yourself. Annotation comes at handy during the creation of précis, since it helps to latch onto the important text points and get familiarized with the material much faster.

How to write a precis paragraph?

Precis normally encompasses such information as author, article/book title, date of publishing, and topic in the very first sentence. Such a lead-in will briefly state what the book or novel’s idea is about. The second sentence should concentrate on the evidence that articulates the author’s method of telling their narrative. Here, you might want to dwell on several arguments, comparing and contrasting them, to illustrate the author’s point. In the third sentence, you’ll need to explain the purpose of the text. No need to invent another aim than the one you deem important: define the text’s meaning just the way you think, feel, or believe.  

The main body usually expands the supporting arguments to explain the author’s evidence, purpose, and ideas. It often takes a short paragraph to write the main body. The conclusion part encapsulates the main author’s idea of a book in 2-3 sentences. There, you’ll need to restate the thesis statement and write a concise summary explaining the author’s type of evidence.

Precis Format    

To wrap up the information mentioned above, let’s schematically define the typical format of a nicely-written precis.  

In the introductory sentence:

• Indicate the author’s name, article/book title, date of publishing in parenthesis, and topic you want to discuss.
• A rhetorical verb outlining the author’s primary purpose (e.g., “assert,” “argue,” “deny,” “refute,” “prove,” disprove,” “explain”)
• A that clause which includes the thesis statement of the book or novel

In the main body:

• Write a sentence that provides clarification of how the author formulates and further explains the main point of the reading
• Write a sentence wherein include a statement that reflects the author’s purpose. Use the “in order” phrase to develop this sentence.
• Write a sentence with a description of the presumed audience and the depiction of connection which the author establishes with readers.

In the conclusion:

• Present a finishing remark of 2-3 sentences to shed light on the author’s intended idea for the book or article
• Give a 1-sentence restatement of the major claim which the author used to develop their evidence in the reading.

What are the four steps of precis?

Writing precis is an art in itself, which, as you can see, takes a healthy dose of time and effort.

Apart from that, there is a couple of steps and requirements you should comply with to create an A+ precis. So to make it easier for you not to get lost in a bunch of lengthy processes, let’s break them down for convenient and effortless navigation.

The first step of precis lies in studying the text. The second one – in structuring your précis. The third phase is dedicated to revision and proofreading. As for the fourth step, we’d like to share the best practices for writing a worthy precis to guide you in the right direction. First, always strive to consult with your instructor regarding the formatting requirements. These might be specific for a specific precis. Therefore, the format can depend greatly on the text lengths. For example, a precis for a short article will, as a rule, be 100-200 words long. Whereas long books require a precis that can expand to several pages.

Another proven practice of proper precis writing has to do with the style of composing it. The most typical mistake the majority makes is the incorrect tense usage. Specifically, past tense is not a rare occasion when it comes to writing a precis. However, it’s important to stick to the present tense so that the instructor could follow your text smoothly. Also, remember to ascribe your evidence to the author rather than to the book or article. For instance, write “Brown argues,” instead of “the book argues.”

Besides, you should avoid personal opinions of any kind, since they might distort your precis with excessive subjectivity. The very purpose of precis is to stay objective, so avoid making claims from your own perspective if you want to get positive comments from the instructor. Because ultimately, the approach of expressing personal thoughts might result in a lower grade for your precis.

How long should a precis be?

There’s no universal rule for a precis length, because it can vary significantly depending on the assignment. For example, your precis can range from 100-200 words when the given reading is an article to 2-3 pages if the assigned material is a big book. Whatever the length for your precis, it’s essential to take into account that it should be one-fifth to one-sixth of the original reading’s length. At any rate, you should ask your professor to give you length specifications, and only then start writing a precis.

How to Make Precis Writing Perfect?

A precis is a great way to show your writing skills to instructors and demonstrate the ability to think critically and logically. Besides, working on such task will allow you to develop a new skill of writing short summaries with accurate data and text details. Hence, the secret weapon of any successful precis is about following the qualities needed to make your precis unforgettable. Wonder which these are? They include clarity, correctness, objectivity, coherence, and conciseness. While all these attributes of a perfect precis exist in isolation, they are closely interconnected and aimed at helping you solve possible difficulties with regard to precis writing.

If your precis is clear, it means that your reader can fully comprehend the idea, meaning, and purpose of the author’s work. If your precis is correct, it means that it is devoid of spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes and is easy to digest. Also, it means that you’ve used all the facts, figures, and dates in a way proper to precis writing.

Objectivity here stands for the neutral voice of book or article summary, in which any opinion from the first person is omitted. Coherent precis pertains to the consequent interrelation of the main text’s ideas. This point is important because your readers will want to see the logical flow of concepts and notions without losing their interest while reading your precis. Finally, conciseness denotes the ability to state the ideas clearly while avoiding useless details in your precis. Of course, you should never abstain from facts, but keep yourself away from lengthy and vague expressions, repetitions, and generally-known expressions.

Long story short, writing a precis is quite a challenging task that involves different stages and requirements. It might seem easy in theory, but as you write, you’ll notice how complicated and time-consuming this process actually is. However, with the right level of preparation and enough knowledge of how to accurately organize the text, your precis will become a writing piece that your professor will definitely remember. So the next time you’ll experience hardships writing your own precis, follow our guide and learn how to compose a high-rated work which both your instructor and parents will compliment you for.

Feel free to buy essay online with our top-level essay writers .

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Rhetorical Precis Guide

How To Write A Precis

Last updated on: Jun 9, 2023

How to Write A Precis: Step-by-Step Guide

By: Nova A.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Aug 17, 2021

You’re sitting in class daydreaming, and suddenly you hear the Professor assigning homework.

He’s talking about writing a precis.“What is a precis?”If you’re on the internet trying to figure out how to get your assignment done, then congratulations, you are at the right place.

"A precis is a summary of an article or book. It should summarize the main points and include any major themes, ideas, or conclusions."

Do you want to know how to write a precis? If so, keep reading! This post will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

On this Page

Definition of Precis

What is a precis? It is derived from the French word précis, which means “a concise summary.” Thus, the literal meaning of the term is precise or cut short.

Unlike a summary that condenses and presents the main ideas only, a precis presents every detail and should be one-third of the original text. It is a clear and to-the-point summary of the key ideas of a passage, but it is more detailed than a summary.

It isn’t merely a paraphrased text. When asked to write a precis summary, ensure that the key points are reflected along with its tone and mood, etc.

The key to writing a précis is simplicity. You may be given an scholarly article or dissertation summary, but your job isn't just about summarizing.

Instead, you need to analyze and present the main points concisely in your words so that readers can make up their own minds with what they read!

Let’s move on to the next section to see how to write a precis?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Characteristics of a Precis

Following are the characteristics of a precis:

• It is a critical summary of a published piece of writing.
• Not a re-written version of the original piece.
• Written in your own words and not in words from the original piece unless you are quoting it.
• Its length is 1/3rd of the length of the original piece unless you are told otherwise by the professor.
• A precis format includes the thesis that the original author supports, methods he used, results and conclusion.

Qualities of a Precis

A precis is a critical piece of writing. Make sure that yours has the following qualities.

• It should be well-written so the reader can easily understand what you are trying to convey. Use clear and simple language.
• It must be correct and error-free, add correct facts and figures, and check for grammatical and punctuation mistakes.
• Stay objective; only provide useful information and not your personal opinion.
• It should be coherent with the original text.
• Keep it concise; avoid adding unnecessary information.

Elements of Precis

Following are the essential elements of a precis:

A reader should understand what the writer wants to say. A precis is a short summary of the story. It should be easy for people to understand.

• Correctness

When you write a precis, you should look for punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure mistakes. You should also double-check all of the dates, addresses, facts, and figures that were used.

• Objectivity

Being objective means telling the truth about your information. It means that you should only talk about facts and not give your opinion.

• Conciseness

When you are writing a summary, you want it to be concise. Therefore, you should avoid repeating things and using unnecessary words.

Coherence is making sense. Say what you want to say, but make it clear. Your audience does not want to get lost or confused when they read. Use strong words that help them understand better.

Precis Format

Precis outline is similar to an essay; it consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

• Introduction

The introduction consists of information about:

• Publishing date within parenthesis
• A verb to represent the thesis
• The thesis statement

The body of the precis has separate paragraphs dedicated to each section of the original piece of work where you present the author’s thoughts, ideas, and purpose.

Don’t forget that you can’t give your own opinion or interpretation. Instead, your focus should be to analyze the author’s take on the main idea or issue.

With your conclusion, simply restate the main idea without any personal statements.

PRECIS TEMPLATE (PDF)

How to Write a Rhetorical Precis?

Before starting the writing process, keep in mind that your precis should be able to make the reader understand the original work without having read it.

As with any other academic writing, start by conducting thorough reading and research. Just because it is a small piece of writing doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be easy or quick.

The essay writing process can be divided into examining the original work, creating a structure, and the writeup itself.

To find out how to write a precis, let us discuss the steps in detail:

1. Read the Content

To write a good rhetorical precis, you need to read the original text. You can do this in two ways. First, skim over the text but try to remember it all. Second, look at where it was published and what section is most important.

Take notes about what is said in the title and figure out what the document’s content might be about. Then, when you are done skimming, take notes with key ideas and respond to those ideas with strategies that the author used to persuade people.

2. Draft an Outline

An outline makes it easier to write. It also helps readers understand what you are writing about. Once you get all the information, put it in four sentences that have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

3. Write your Precis

After creating an outline, start writing the precis. Make sure to follow the format discussed above. Start with the introduction paragraph, then provide supporting body paragraphs, and at last provide a conclusion.

Make sure to follow your outline while writing so that you do not miss any important detail.

4. Proofread

Take a break from writing your precis to make sure it is free of mistakes. Once you are done, read it again and fix any errors before submitting the document to your instructor. Your credibility will be reflected in how accurate your work is.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

How to Write a Precis - Example

It is important to go through examples before you start writing it yourself, as it will give you an idea of how to start writing your own precis.

PRECIS EXAMPLE (PDF)

RHETORICAL PRECIS WORKSHEET

RHETORICAL PRECIS SAMPLE

Precis Writing Tips

To write a winning rhetorical precis, follow the tips mentioned below:

• Read the text under critical analysis carefully and note down the essential points and arguments. Then, try different reading practices to better understand the work.
• Focus on what the author is trying to communicate through his work.
• Point out the evidence and appeals used by the author.
• Restate the thesis stated by the author in your words according to your interpretation. Remember to keep it short and to the point.
• The key is to describe the original piece in your own words.
• Go through the summary again to ensure you haven’t missed any important points and used a logical structure.
• Before handing in your document, make sure that it is clear and concise without any grammatical errors.
• When it comes to writing a precis, you need to cite the attributes taken directly from the piece under analysis.
• Also, keep in mind that teachers only assign a precis to check how well students can communicate their thoughts and want them to develop critical thinking and writing skills.

So now that you have read this blog, we hope that you found the answer to your question "How to write a precis?" If not, then there are other ways of getting help. You can get professional essay writing service from 5StarEssays.com .

Our  expert writers  will help you come up with an exceptional precis worthy of impressing your professor of English and literature at the most affordable rates.

Place your  order  now!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to write a precis.

Precis is a summary of something complex. A good precis can be written as follows:

• Read the information and note down the important points
• Summarize those points in simple words
• Polish it to make a final draft

How long is a precis?

A precis is about 100-200 words. It is a shortened version of the original text. Sometimes, your teacher will tell you the word count for a precis or give other instructions on writing it.

In which person, a precis is written?

Precis writing is a third-person account of the subject matter. It starts with the author says and includes paraphrases instead of direct quotes. As a result, it’s easier to read for someone who may not know how to quote directly in an argument or essay.

Thesis, Marketing

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• Learn How to Write a Rhetorical Precis Like Experts

People Also Read

• dissertation vs thesis
• types of sentences
• writing personal statement
• essay writing old
• writing conventions

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

• Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Precis Writing: How to Summarize Complex Ideas in Simple Terms

Table of contents

• 1.1 Summary vs Précis
• 1.2 Rhetorical Précis Structure Parts
• 2 Key Elements of a Précis
• 3.1 Step 1: Read the Original Text
• 3.2 Step 2: Start Brainstorming Ideas
• 3.3 Step 3: Make an Outline
• 3.4 Step 4: Re-read the Original Text
• 3.5 Step 5: Write a précis
• 3.6 Step 6: Proofread and Edit
• 4 Precis Format
• 5.1 Do’s
• 5.2 Dont’s
• 7 Brevity With Brilliance

While many students will not know the term, precis is important in academic writing, research studies, and the composition of scientific reports. The word “precis” comes from French, which translates as precise or to the point . College professors tend to ask for it to evaluate students’ writing skills and ability to write concise summaries. Let’s continue learning about the evaluation criteria.

By completing this article, you will learn how to write a precis and master the following aspects:

• The purpose of a precise writing.
• Explanation of rhetorical precis.
• Key elements of a precis and steps to composing a perfect precis.
• Formatting rules.
• A precise writing example.

What is a précis?

Precis represents a short synopsis of another written piece, like a book or a scholarly article. The purpose is to summarize the principal ideas without turning them into a critical analysis. Still, you must provide your target audience with the summary of specific ideas from the original piece with the help of your précis writing, simply making it clearer and using brevity as the driving force.

When composing a precis, you must summarize the author´s argumentation instead of craft an article summary of the original piece. The trick is to use the same level of precision that you implement when writing an essay. A precis should represent a logical sequence where you convey each vital point in a logical flow of ideas. Avoid including irrelevant details or information from external sources, as it´s not the purpose here. Remember that precis writing is always composed in the third person, making explaining important details more objectively and less biased easier.

Summary vs Précis

Although composing a precis might remind you of a summary, it is not the same. A summary always aims to explain the main points of a given content in bullet-like points. It also provides a general idea and description of the work.

A precis has a different function because you should go beyond the generalization of the article in your own words. The key difference is that you must write about a particular narration part as you summarize. It can be a book chapter or a play in a dramatic scene. This way, you must focus on that segment’s specifics and outline all the important information.

Rhetorical Précis Structure Parts

When asked to write a rhetorical precis, students usually face certain difficulties. In this case, the structure is usually shorter and must be narrowed down to a single paragraph. One should not mix up a rhetorical precis with a rhetorical analysis writing. The main purpose here is to explain the main idea presented by the author and provide a brief analysis of how the main arguments have been presented. It must be done in no more than four sentences.

A rhetorical precis writing process must include the following elements:

• Bibliographical information that includes the author´s name, the title of the original piece, and the publication date.
• The main statement explains the author´s methodology as you summarize things in your own words.
• Details regarding how the author has developed their main argument.
• Explanation of how the reader´s attention has been captured.

Key Elements of a Pr é cis

Start writing a precis only after studying the original content. Remember that your sentences should be concise without being overly complex. Think about eliminating unnecessary details by proofreading your precis more than once. Don’t start with the word count when writing an essay , but simply ensure that certain ideas’ core information is presented correctly.

Keep these guidelines in mind when writing:

• A title must describe the content properly.
• A precis is always written in the third person.
• The sentences have a natural flow and explain the author´s ideas clearly and logically.
• A precis is mostly written in the present tense. Still, the past tense is more appropriate when discussing past or historical events.
• A precis must be 1/3 or 1/4 of the original content presented for analysis.
• Your arguments, in your own words, must be unbiased, objective, and logical.
• Proofread things twice to eliminate grammar and spelling mistakes.

6 Steps for Precise Writing

Now that we have explored the theoretical part, it’s time to learn how to write a precis correctly by focusing on the practical steps. Unless you have been provided with precise instructions, the following six steps should suffice:

Step 1: Read the Original Text

Sometimes, a college professor will provide you with a piece you must read, but in most cases, you are free to choose the original writing. If you have the freedom to find something to write about, choose something that motivates and inspires you. It will help you complete the work for your precis much faster. It will also be much easier to research things if you write about something compelling compared to a subject you know less about.

As you explore and look through the original piece, remember to take lots of notes and write down precise words. The quotes that stand out usually represent´ the author´s key points and ideas. It should help you analyze things and develop the key paraphrasing elements.

Step 2: Start Brainstorming Ideas

Brainstorming is the creative part of coming up with a strong précis paper. This is where you can write down all that comes to mind and use your notes and quotes that you have previously written down. Once your mind is free to brainstorm and think, the key is to outline your ideas and pick the most important based on your reading. It is even possible to write a short essay using your notes and important points you have discovered.

The most important is to develop a clear statement as you look through ideas. Some students find using paper notes to create a mind map helpful. Others find it helpful to reflect and write down several thesis statements. Even if some important points you come up with don’t fit the precis format, you can simply eliminate them or use different wording.

Step 3: Make an Outline

Now it´s time to combine your research work with the quotes and facts you collected from the original author´s work. Ensure that your outline structure is precise and reflects only the facts the author has mentioned. These points that you outline must be conveyed to the target audience.

Step 4: Re-read the Original Text

Returning to the original piece to re-read and check whether you have all the vital information and facts already mentioned is crucial. Check for supporting arguments in case you need any. If the original text is too complex for comprehension, you may consider turning to a trained expert who can write a literature review for you without breaking the bank. Ensure that all the points you have outlined for your precis are supported by at least one piece of evidence.

Step 5: Write a précis

The next step will depend on whether you have been given précis assignment guidelines or must remain within the classic structure. If you have a grading rubric, check the rules twice before you start. All of the adjustments must be made during the outline stage. As you write, these bits must be addressed:

• Ensure that every basic idea that you mention is unbiased and objective.
• Keep the personal opinion out.
• Come to your conclusion based on facts, all the details, and evidence in the original passage.

Helpful Tip: Check the formatting section below before composing your precis!

Step 6: Proofread and Edit

Once done with the previous steps, you must edit and proofread your precis. While the editing part is mostly clear to an average student, proofreading stands for reviewing your text and checking for grammar and spelling mistakes, among other things. Many students tend to use grammar and spell checkers, especially if English is not their native language. It´s also possible to consider showing your work to a trusted friend who may check it for you. You may consider PaperOwl writing service for text editing and composition work when all else fails. After all, it never hurts to have an expert have a look at your freshly composed precis assignment!

Precis Format

While the precis formatting rules may differ between diverse subjects, there are universal bits that will work in most academic scenarios. The structure may appear somewhat limited, yet it´s more of an advantage than a shortcoming. You won´t have to wander around looking for different options and can narrow things down more easily and follow the formatting.

In most precis assignments, you will encounter a standard essay format that includes an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. The practical applicability will depend on the provided instructions and the length of the original piece. Composing a precis based on a short story will differ from a precis related to a lengthy novel. If you find it hard to start, you can make an essay order and receive assistance from academic research professionals. Whether it´s inspiration or assignment writing, help is out there.

Helpful tip: Always ask your academic advisor if something is unclear before diving into specifics. They might provide you with a precis layout or a helpful writing template.

Without a doubt, if the text is several pages long, your precis must be longer than four sentences. Here is the typical format for a four-sentence precis:

Introductory sentence: the first sentence should have the author’s name and title of an article or book. You may include rhetorical parts and outline the author´s purpose using comprehensible words.

Body sentences: Here is where you summarize the author´s purpose by explaining every vital point clearly made by the author. Think about how the claims have been made. You may implement an “in order” phrase to develop the sentence. If you are limited to only four sentences, the third should discuss the audience and the elements that capture the reader’s attention. Think and write about how the connection with the readers has been established.

Conclusion: Start with a restatement of the author’s thesis, like in a classic essay structure. Provide brief and final comments about the main arguments if you find them helpful.

Do’s and Dont’s

Narrowing things down after knowing the necessary steps is never easy, which is why you should focus on these tips and tricks that help you keep your precis optimized.

• Keep the structure concise by focusing on facts supported by evidence.
• Provide the author´s background information, including name, content title, and publishing date.
• Make the flow of your concise summary passage feel natural and within the same tone.
• Your writing should become a short representation of the original text. Readers must have a good idea of what the original passage is about.

Dont’s

• Don’t add your opinion and criticism to your precis.
• Avoid posing any questions.
• Do not exceed the volume of the original passage.
• A precis is NOT a summary of the prior research.
• Avoid assumptions and provide only the facts.
• Your passage interpretation is not necessary.
• Do not focus on a single idea unless the original passage reflects that.
• Use quotes wisely with quotation marks, and do not overdo that.

Here is an example of a typical four-sentence precis that uses all of the rules and formatting conventions mentioned above:

In Martin Luther King´s ‘I Have a Dream´ speech (1963), the author stresses that all Americans should be given equal rights regardless of their skin color and/or heritage. He distributes his points by using powerful anecdotes and metaphors that clearly portray the inequality in the United States at the given time period. He also repeats the signature words “I have a dream” as a goal that all people must strive for and aims to persuade his audiences that the rules enforcing segregation are wrong and lead to conflicts in our society. King’s tone is earnest and sincere as he addresses the usual American people and government officials.

Brevity With Brilliance

The main purpose of precis writing is to show whether you can focus on the main points of a subject or a prompt. Creating a unique precis is difficult, yet the trick here is to find the precise passage meaning and express your ideas and thoughts clearly in simple words. Focus on essential information and proofread it aloud to evaluate how it sounds. While there are many practices for creating a unique precis, the key is to avoid critical analysis but offer a summary of the principal ideas and author’s thesis statement in a written piece.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Writing a Summary or Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

Download this Handout PDF

Academic writers across all disciplines analyze texts. They summarize and critique published articles, evaluate papers’ arguments, and reflect on essays. In order to do these things, they have to read complex texts carefully and understand them clearly.

This page is about how you can read and analyze nonfiction texts. When you’ve read a text well, you can then discuss it in class, think critically about it, incorporate it into your writing, consider it in light of other texts, and advance or push against its ideas. We believe two productive strategies for approaching this kind of reading and analysis are active reading and rhetorical précis writing. This page provides a guide to these strategies and practical ways to help you evaluate, compare, and reflect upon nonfiction texts.

Active Reading

Introduction to the rhetorical précis, parts of a rhetorical précis, using a rhetorical précis to guide analysis.

Active reading requires you to slow your reading down, engage more intentionally with the text, think about it, and focus your attention on its ideas. When you read actively, you can’t just flip pages and daydream about tomorrow’s plans. Much has been written about active reading, but generally we recommend that when you read you:

• Skim over the text before reading it. Look to see how long it is, where it’s published, how it may be divided into sections, what kind of works cited list it has, whether there are appendices, etc. Use the title to help you predict what the text is about and what it argues. This overview will help you to understand the context, genre, and purpose of this piece as well as help you gauge how long it will take you to read it and how it might be relevant to your class, paper, or project.
• Take notes about the text’s key ideas and your responses to those ideas. Depending on the text and your preferences, these notes could be made on your copy of the text or article or in a separate place. Notes will help you remember and process what the text is about and what you think about it.

In addition to these strategies, we firmly believe that one of the best ways to understand a book, article, essay, blog post, etc. is to write a summary of it. Specifically, we recommend that you use your reading to generate a rhetorical précis.

“Précis” is French for “specific” or “precise.” It’s also a particular kind of writing. When you write a précis you have to exactly and succinctly account for the most important parts of a text. If you write a successful précis, it is a good indication that you’ve read that text closely and that you understand its major moves and arguments. Writing a précis is an excellent way to show that you’ve closely read a text.

Disclaimer: There are different kinds of précis for different contexts. A legal précis is different from what we’re talking about here. Some précis are longer or shorter than others. If you are writing a précis as a course assignment, be sure to follow your instructor’s guidance on what this should consist of and how it should be formatted.

Sometimes rhetorical précis writing is a course requirement. However, even if you aren’t required to write a précis for a class, writing one can help you in a number of ways. Writing a précis guides your reading and directs your attention to the key aspects of a text. Précis writing prepares you to discuss a text and sets you up for that important next step: analysis. A rhetorical précis can even help you structure your annotated bibliography annotations or provide you with summary sentences to include in a paper as you account for your sources.

A rhetorical précis, as developed by Margaret K. Woodworth and described in her 1988 article “The Rhetorical Précis” (published by Rhetoric Review), consists of four dense but direct sentences.

• The first sentence identifies who wrote the text, where and when it was published, and what its topic and claim are.
• The second sentence explores how the text is developed and organized.
• The third sentence explains why the author wrote this, her purpose or intended effect.
• The fourth and final sentence describes the “for whom” of the text by clarifying who the intended or assumed audience of this text is.

Let’s look more closely at those four parts.

First Sentence: Who, Where, When, and What?

Start by identifying the author and offering any information that might help clarify who this person is in relation to this text. Is this a scholar? If so, what is her field? Is she a public official or a prominent blogger? Is he a public intellectual? A reporter? A spokesperson? Has he written other stuff? Locate a bio in the journal or the book cover. Do a quick internet search. Figuring out who the writer is will help you understand some of the texts’ context.

Next up, the publication. What is its title? Is it a book in a series or an article in a special collection? Does it appear in the leisure section of a local newspaper? Sometimes the title of the journal is self-explanatory, but at other times it’s unfamiliar or not clearly connected to a specific discipline. Explain it as necessary. Add the date in parentheses after the title of the text. Unless it’s a newspaper, magazine, or time-sensitive online article, usually just the year will suffice.

The rest of the sentence should be about the article’s topic—what it is about. In order to make this part particularly precise, use a rhetorically strong verb to describe the author’s claim. For example, the author may suggest, argue, analyze, imply, urge, contrast, or claim something.

Second Sentence: How?

In this sentence, provide a very condensed outline of how the author develops, structures, and supports the argument. What kind of evidence does the article draw upon? How is the case built? Perhaps by comparing and contrasting, illustrating, defining, or providing context? Perhaps the text starts out with a narrative and then moves into a description of several research studies? This sentence should account for all the most important moves made across this piece.

Third Sentence: Why?

What does the writer want the reader to do, believe, feel, or think about all this? What was the purpose of this text? In the first sentence, you told us what that author is arguing; now it is time to consider why the author has done all of this. Use an “in order to” phrase in this sentence to very clearly indicate the purpose.

Fourth Sentence: For Whom?

In the final sentence, identify the author’s intended audience and offer some rationale for how you know that to be the audience. Look back at the publication and think about who is likely to read this kind of magazine, journal, or book. Pay attention to the language used in this piece and how much background the writer provides. What does the writer assume readers believe, know, or value? Identifying the audience helps you consider how rhetorically effective this text is.

An Annotated Sample of a Rhetorical Précis

Take a look at this annotated précis of William Cronon’s 1995 article “The Trouble with Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” It closely follows the précis structure outlined above.

In “The Trouble With Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature” (1995), the opening essay of the edited collection Uncommon Ground: Rethinking the Human Place in Nature, renowned environmental historian William Cronon [Comment: The information about who Cronon is was very easily located at the end of the article and through a quick internet search.] critiques the romantic idolization of supposedly untouched, vast wilderness and argues that such a perspective of wilderness negatively affects humankind’s relationship with nature. Cronon builds a historical case for wilderness as a human construct, explores the cultural and literary foundations for the belief that wilderness is a sublime frontier, identifies the problematic paradoxes inherent in this belief, and outlines the detriments of and possible paradigm–shifting solutions to this environmental problem. [Comment: One of the challenges of the second sentence is to decide what not to include. In this case, more could be said about what those paradoxes and detriments are, but since the focus here is on the “how” instead of the “what,” they have been left out. If those kinds of unidentified details are important enough, there is room to mention them more thoroughly in the third sentence.] Cronon opposes the perspective of wilderness as an idealized, non–human space in order to persuade his readers to live rightly in relationship to nature and embrace the reality that “home” as a welcoming, responsibility–requiring place encompasses both “wilderness” and “civilization.” [Comment: Often there is more than one “why,” so be on the look out for this as you actively read.] According to his specific identification, scholarly presentation, and publication venue, Cronon’s primary audience includes American environmentalist academics. [Comment: In the later third of this essay, Cronon uses the pronoun “we” to identify himself and his assumed readership. Often authors aren’t this useful in helping to identify an audience.]

Writing a good précis is a lot of work. It takes dedicated time and consideration. But, it can be useful in and of itself and productive in the development of additional academic writing. Of course, the most obvious application of a précis is connected to its function as a summary. In academic writing, we summarize sources all the time. Once you have written a précis, you can incorporate some of its sentences or ideas into your writing when you need to quickly account for a text’s argument, content, or purpose.

But a rhetorical précis is even more powerfully useful for writing analysis.

Etymologically, “analysis” comes from the Ancient Greek terms for “throughout” and “loosening.” When you analyze something, you deconstruct it, extract its parts, peer inside to see how everything fits together. You thoroughly loosen it in order to understand it better. When you’ve used a précis to lay out the primary elements of this text (the author; the argument’s what, how, and why; and the audience) in front of you, you’re ready to move on with your analysis. Analysis of nonfiction texts can take several forms, but three common ones are: evaluation and critique, comparison, and reflection.

Evaluation and Critique

Evaluating a text requires you to use your analysis to consider and critique the strengths and weaknesses of that piece of writing. Look back at the argument and audience and ask yourself some of these questions:

• Is this a persuasive argument for this group of readers?
• How well is the author’s argument developed and clarified through the structure of the text?
• Where does the logic of the argument and its supporting evidence cohere or fall apart?
• Do the author’s background, tone, evidence, and assumptions foster credibility?
• Does the piece achieve what the author intended?

Detailed answers—with examples—to any of these or similar questions could generate enough material for a close, analytical evaluation. Make sure that you are connecting your assertions about what works and doesn’t work in this text to the author, the argument’s development and purpose, and the audience. Make sure that you are looking deeply at how and why various elements of the text and its argument succeed or falter.

Through comparison, you bring together an analysis of more than one text. Start by writing a précis for each piece you have to compare. Then look at each précis side–by–side and ask yourself about how a sentence in one précis relates to the corresponding sentence in the other précis. Here are some questions to guide your thinking:

• Are all texts addressing a parallel idea?
• Are they making similar or different arguments?
• Have they employed similar methods to arrive at their arguments?
• Are they using the same kind of structure to develop those arguments?
• What is different about their intended audiences?
• Is one more or less successful or persuasive than the other?

Let what you identify as being similar and different about these texts guide your comparative analysis.

Reflection provides you with space to analyze a text in light of your experiences, perspectives, and ideas. In this kind of writing, you get to talk about yourself. In a way, a reflective analysis is kind of like a comparative analysis where the second text is you. Look back at that rhetorical précis and ask yourself questions like these, or other questions that connect what you know and have experienced with the text you have read:

• What else have you read or experienced that furthers or complicates the argument made by this text?
• How do you see that these ideas fit into the larger context of what you’ve been studying in this course?
• Why do you have a particular opinion or response towards this piece of writing?
• Moving forward, how can this text, its argument, or its presentation be influential in shaping your thinking or research?

In order to analyze a text, you need to understand key elements of it. Closely reading that text and summarizing it through a rhetorical précis can help you understand it better. In large part, the quality of your analysis will be dependent on the quality of your comprehension. So, give yourself the time you need to read carefully, think deeply, and analyze effectively.

Works Cited

Cronon, William. “The Trouble with Wilderness: Or, Getting Back to the Wrong Nature.” Environmental History , vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 7–28.

Woodworth, Margaret K. “The Rhetorical Précis.” Rhetoric Review , vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 156–64.

Academic and Professional Writing

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Analysis Papers

Reading Poetry

A Short Guide to Close Reading for Literary Analysis

Using Literary Quotations

Play Reviews

Writing a Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts

Incorporating Interview Data

Grant Proposals

Planning and Writing a Grant Proposal: The Basics

Additional Resources for Grants and Proposal Writing

Job Materials and Application Essays

Writing Personal Statements for Ph.D. Programs

• Before you begin: useful tips for writing your essay
• Guided brainstorming exercises
• Get more help with your essay
• Frequently Asked Questions

Resume Writing Tips

CV Writing Tips

Cover Letters

Business Letters

Proposals and Dissertations

Resources for Proposal Writers

Resources for Dissertators

Research Papers

Planning and Writing Research Papers

Quoting and Paraphrasing

Writing Annotated Bibliographies

Creating Poster Presentations

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Thank-You Notes

Advice for Students Writing Thank-You Notes to Donors

Reading for a Review

Critical Reviews

Writing a Review of Literature

Scientific Reports

Scientific Report Format

Sample Lab Assignment

Writing for the Web

Writing an Effective Blog Post

Writing for Social Media: A Guide for Academics

Please wait...

Home » Bank Exams » Guide for Precis Writing

Precis Writing: Check Format, Examples & Samples with Answers

Precis Writing

Precis writing is an integral part of various MBA exams & Bank, Government Exams like UPSC, SSC, NABARD, SEBI, SIDBI, SBI PO, etc. It tests your ability to read, understand, and present text in a clear, crisp, and concise manner.

The following article explains precis writing in detail and also provides steps to help you write your own precis:

What is Precis writing?

‘Precis’ (pronounced ‘ Preisi ’) is an old French word meaning ‘ Cut short ’. Precis is a concise summary or a miniature version of a passage, which includes all the essential points, mood, and tone of the author, and the main idea or gist o f the passage. In short, Precis is a condensed version of a bigger passage.

Why is Precis Writing Helpful?

Writing a precis trains the writer to read passages carefully with concentration. It also helps you develop the skill to distinguish essential and non-essential parts of passages and forces you to pay close attention to what you’re reading.

Precis writing also improves one’s overall writing skills, like the construction of sentences in a logical order, and helps in expressing thoughts concisely, effectively, and clearly, by choosing words carefully.

Steps to Write a Precis

Step 1: Read the given passage carefully. Underline or highlight the important points and keywords or make a note of them (whichever is convenient). If you’re making a note of the important points, note them down in the same order as given in the original passage.

Step 2: After reading, make a note of the central theme/main idea/gist and the tone of the author of the passage.

Step 3: Re-read the article and compare it with your notes or check if you have missed underlining any crucial point.

Step 4: Provide your precis with an appropriate title (you can also do this after you finish writing your precis).

Step 5: Draft a precis based on the notes you have taken down or points you have underlined. Keep the following points in mind while writing your precis:

• A Precis isn’t simply the abstract of the passage, nor is it a mere selection of important sentences of the passage. A Precis needs to convey the main idea of the original passage , including all the important points, the author’s facts, opinions, ideas, and thoughts , with absolute clarity, in the precis writer’s own words.
• The main idea of the passage needs to be conveyed as accurately and as briefly as possible in the precis. Do not add long sentences or garrulous thoughts in your precis.
• The precis should be written in the precis wr iter’s ow n words (no copy-pasting) and should include all the essential points and the gist of the original passage, so that, the reader will be able to understand the idea behind the original passage without having to go through it.
• The language used to write precis should be clear, crisp & concise .
• Include a statement that explains why the research was conducted (in case it’s research) or why the piece of writing was written (in case of an article)
• Discard the non-essential parts of the original passage and do not include them in your precis.
• Precis is always written in the third person and in a reported speech. Any history-related fact in a precis is to be written in the past tense.
• A precis needs to be objective. It doesn’t offer evaluations or critical analysis. Hence, refrain from including your opinions, subjective interpretations, personal reactions, wishes, remarks, or criticisms in your precis.
• Do not include abbreviations or contractions in your precis.
• A Precis should make logical sense and follow the chronology of events in the same way as the original passage.
• Officials mentioned in the precis need to be provided with designations instead of names or titles. In case the designation is missing, you can use their personal name.
• There are no rigid rules to how lengthy your precis can be, but as a general rule, your precis should be not more than one-third of the total number of words in the original passage.
• The precis needs to make logical sense and have the exact same logical structure, chronology, proportions, order, ideas, facts, and thoughts as that of the original passage.
• The precis needs to read smoothly. Precis is a connected whole. The precis reader needs to be able to sift from one point to another in a smooth manner.

Step 6: Review your precis. It’s important to review your precis to confirm that you have included all the essential points, supporting evidence, and the gist from the original passage and to ensure coherence, and correctness with respect to grammar and spelling, and clarity. Post-review, count the number of words of the precis and put them down in a bracket at the end.

A Good Precis Format | Precis Writing Samples with Answers

• Is Clear, Concise, Coherent, and Precise
• Is written in the precis writer’s own words
• Contains all the essential points, the author’s tone, facts, opinions, thoughts, and the main idea of the original passage
• Is well-knit and makes logical sense and follows a logical order
• Won’t contain details not found in the original passage
• Is well-structured has no language errors and makes a meaningful passage

Precis Samples with Answers

Here’s a sample Precis for your reference:

The Length of a Precis

1. A precis must always be much shorter than the original passage. An ideal precis would not contain more than one-third  of the number of words in the original text.

2. Generally, the number of words is given at the end of the paragraph. All you need to do is divide the number by three.

3. Be sure to count all the words in the paragraph. Some guides do not include the articles and prepositions in the count, while most do.

4. It is time-consuming to count the words in the time given for all segments in the descriptive paper in the exams, so an approximation would be okay until the summary is less than one-third of the original text.

Quick tip: You can count the words in one line and then multiply the count with the number of lines in the paragraph to get a fairly accurate number of words.

Approach for Precis Writing

To write a good precis, read the passage given in question carefully . It is advisable to read the passage  multiple times and thoroughly understand the paragraph. After you finished reading the passage, think of a suitable title for your precis. While you write a precis, follow a logical sequence of events as given in the original passage. Avoid phrases like “In my opinion”, “In my view” etc. 

The precis should be written in past tense and indirect speech. Use easily understandable language. 

Ask yourself questions like

• What is the basic theme of the passage?
• Which are the most important points in the passage?
• Which are the points that I can eliminate?

A good practice would be to make a rough note of these points.

Precis Writing Example 1

• Read the passage carefully and write a summary of the same in your own words. No paraphrasing/rephrasing is allowed.

Nigeria spends an average of US $22 billion each year on food imports. Its major food imports include wheat, sugar and fish. Another big import, rice, accounts for about US$1.65 billion. Most of the country’s rice is imported from Thailand and India. This has led analysts to predict it will be the world’s second-largest importer of rice after China in 2019.

There are a few reasons that Nigeria’s demand for rice is so high. Among them is rapid urbanisation; people who arrive in cities and seek out cheap, nutritious, filling food invariably turn to rice. More traditional coarse grains like sorghum and millet have become less popular over the years. This, according to research, is because rice is “a more convenient and easy staple to prepare compared to other traditional cereals across income levels in the urban areas”.

Now Nigeria’s government is trying to stem the tide of imported rice. Towards the end of 2018, it announced its intention to halt rice imports entirely. In doing so, it hopes to save a great deal of money. But is this plan realistic?  Unfortunately, it’s not. Nigeria’s agricultural sector simply isn’t equipped to produce the amount of rice to meet demand. It is battling natural and climatic factors, a lack of funding and training for farmers, and a dearth of government support.  To turn this around, the government needs to invest heavily in rice farmers.

Precis Writing Answer

Nigeria and its Import of Rice

There are reasons for the high demand for rice in Nigeria, which makes it to import $1.65 billion worth of rice out of a total $22 billion food imports each year and is predicted to become world’s second-largest importer of rice after China in 2019. Rapid urbanization, cheapness and nutritional value are some of the reasons for its high demand. The choice of rice is because of its convenience and easiness to prepare. 

The Government is putting a blanket ban on rice imports as announced towards the end of 2018 in order to save money. But the plan is unrealistic by design since Nigeria’s agricultural sector is not prepared to meet its rice demand. On top of that, Nigeria is battling other factors too of natural and climatic nature, dearth of funding and farmers’ training. To solve these problems, the Government should invest in rice farmers aggressively. 

Precis Writing Example 2

2. Read the passage carefully and write a summary of the same in your own words. No paraphrasing/rephrasing is allowed.

Recently, the National Health Authority (NHA) and the All India Transporters Welfare Association (AITWA) have announced a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to provide healthcare services to around 10 million truck drivers under the Ayushman Bharat (AB)-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). The NHA and the AITWA will work together in order to identify truck drivers and employees of transport companies who are eligible for the scheme. The Common Service Centres (CSCs), which comes under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, will work toward facilitating the verification of drivers using the NHA’s Beneficiary Identification System. This collaboration will help thousands of eligible families access in-patient care for serious illnesses at a nationwide network of 19,002 government and private hospitals empanelled under the PM-JAY. After the verification, the eligible drivers can get their AB PM-JAY e-cards at the nearest AITWA Highway Hero Centres. In the first phase, a pilot project will be conducted at key locations under the AITWA and the AB PM-JAY. This will be expanded to other towns across the country. Eligible drivers and employees of different transport companies will be able to avail themselves of the benefits after getting the PM-JAY cards. NHA officials will work closely with the teams of the AITWA and the CSCs to conduct the drive to identify beneficiaries. Title: Healthcare Services for Truck Drivers under Ayushman Bharat

Summary: To identify and provide healthcare services to 10 million truck drivers employees of transport companies under the AB PM-JAY, the NHA and AITWA announced a partnership through a MoU. In-patient care will be accessible to thousands of eligible families at around 19,002 government and private hospitals. The first phase aims to conduct a pilot project at key locations. The eligible drivers can obtain their AB PM-JAY e-cards at the nearest AITWA Highway Hero Centres and avail the benefits after their verification using NHA’s Beneficiary Identification System is done by the CSCs.

We hope the above tips help you write better precis. We wish you all the very best!

The most comprehensive online preparation portal for MBA, Banking and Government exams. Explore a range of mock tests and study material at www.oliveboard.in

  Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series

• Download IRDAI Assistant Manager PYQs
• Monthly Current Affairs 2024
• Download RBI Grade B PYQ PDF
• Download IFSCA Grade A PYQs
• Download SEBI Grade A PYQs
• Attempt Free SSC CGL Mock Test 2024
• Attempt Free IBPS Mock Test 2024
• Attempt Free SSC CHSL Mock Test 2024
• Download Oliveboard App
• Follow Us on Google News for Latest Update
• Join Telegram Group for Latest Govt Jobs Update

Leave a comment Cancel reply

How to Write a Precis: Definition, Guide, & Examples

A précis is a brief synopsis of a written piece. It is used to summarize and analyze a text’s main points. If you need to write a précis for a research paper or the AP Lang exam, you’ve come to the right place.

In this comprehensive guide by Custom-Writing.org , you’ll find:

• explanations of different précis formats,
• a step-by-step writing guide,
• 4 précis samples,
• answers to frequent questions.
• 📚 Précis Definition
• 📝 Format Types
• ✅ Step-by-Step Guide
• 📋 Précis Examples

🔍 References

📚 what is a precis.

Précis is a type of writing that represents crucial ideas of the text and has a fixed structure. It’s close to an essay in format, but it consists of only 4 sentences with specific content:

• Author’s name, genre, and title of work. It also contains the thesis statement (what the author claims or suggests.)
• How the author reveals the thesis. It’s usually discussed in the same order as in the original text.
• Explanation of the text’s purpose. This part answers the questions “why?” and “what for?”
• Description of author’s tone and the audience. This sentence discusses who the author appeals to.

Writing a précis can be helpful in many cases, such as:

• preparation for complex text analysis,
• creation of an annotated bibliography,
• writing of a research paper summary,
• improvement of critical thinking and analytical skills.

Difference between Summary and Precis

Even though “ summary ” is a synonym of “précis,” there are some crucial differences between these two things. The main distinction lies in structure: a précis always consists of 4 sentences, while a summary’s structure can vary. Have a look at the comparison below.

📝 Precis Format Types

Now you know what a précis is, but that’s not all of it. There are also different formats of précis writing: critical, rhetorical, research, and literary . In this section, we will examine their features and structure.

Critical Precis Definition & Structure

A critical précis focuses on an argument and reveals the text’s reasoning. It’s also the most common précis format. While working on a critical précis, follow these writing rules for each sentence:

• Formulate an argument expressed in the original piece of writing.
• Point out the author’s reasoning and its essential steps.
• Analyze the evidence on how this reasoning supports the author’s argumentation.
• Discuss what kind of audience the author appeals to.

Rhetorical Precis Definition & Structure

A rhetorical précis is an analytical review of the original text’s content and persuasion methods. It reveals the most crucial points of the paper and shows how it works rhetorically. This format is one of the AP Lang assignments.

Each of the 4 elements of a rhetorical précis structure expresses specific information:

• Background information and thesis statement .
• The author’s argument used to support the thesis.
• Explanation of the text’s purpose .
• Analysis of the rhetorical devices the author uses to persuade the audience.

Research Precis Definition & Structure

Research précis is similar to the critical one, but it’s aimed to give a brief structured synopsis of a research paper. The 4 elements of this précis type are as follows:

• Description of the research’s purpose and issues raised by the author.
• Summary of all the methods used by the researcher.
• Summary of the research results and findings .
• Explanation of the research’s significance .

Literary Precis Definition & Structure

Literary précis is an argumentative summary of a text with attention to its literary devices. The purpose and contents of this type differ from other précis types. Have a look at this format’s structure:

• The text’s title, genre, and central theme .
• Plot summary : the principal characters, place and time of the narration, and the main conflict.
• The text’s overall purpose : what thoughts and feelings the author wants to evoke in the minds of their audience.
• The analysis of literary devices the author uses to achieve the desired effect.

✅ How to Write a Precis Step by Step

Now, let’s see what exactly you need for writing an excellent précis.

We’ll start with the pre-writing stage . As soon as this stage is done, the writing will be far more manageable. The following tips can help you with it:

• Start with reading the original text thoroughly and note down the essential information.
• Summarize each paragraph in a single sentence.
• Don’t forget to mention the text’s central thesis, methods, and purpose in your notes.

It can be beneficial if you use the mind mapping method for organizing the main ideas from the reading. Putting all the main points to the chart or diagram helps you organize your thoughts and create a good plan for your essay. When you do this, you only need to connect the points you’ve already outlined. Check out this article by the University of Kansas to learn more about mind mapping and other pre-writing techniques .

Precis Outline

Below you’ll find a detailed outline that explains how to write a précis. Check it out to make your writing process easier:

Step #1. Give some background information about the text.

• State the text’s title and the author’s name. You can also add some publishing information, such as the number of the edition.
• Mention the text’s central idea or theme.

Step #2. Show how the author develops their arguments and supports the thesis.

• Focus on the evidence used by the author rather than the specific details of their reasoning.
• When writing the literary précis, focus on literary devices the author uses to develop the theme.

Step #3. Clarify the purpose of the work.

• If you’re writing a rhetorical or critical précis, build your sentences using the phrase “in order to.”
• Avoid repeating the thesis. Instead, analyze the author’s motive and goals.

Step #4. Demonstrate what type of audience the author appeals to.

• To detect the intended audience, analyze the text’s theme, thesis, and tone.
• The type of audience usually depends on the author. For example, scholars typically appeal to their colleagues interested in the topic. Writers of fiction can appeal to any social group or society as a whole.

Rhetorical Precis Template

To help you structure your précis, we’ve created a sample template that you can download in PDF format below. All you need to do is to print it out and fill in the blanks.

• [Name of the author] in his/her [type of the text] titled [the text’s title] argues that [the text’s main argument].
• The author supports his/her arguments by [evidence presented by the author].
• The author’s purpose is to [what the author wants to achieve] in order to [the text’s intended effect on readers].
• The author writes in a [description of the text’s tone] tone for [the type of audience].

Rhetorical Precis: Verbs & Sentence Starters

Want to make your précis stand out? You can do it by using certain clichés and rhetorically accurate verbs. They will help you describe the writer’s reasoning precisely.

Check out this list of common précis words and sentence starters that you can use:

Precis Format Tips

When you finish the writing, it’s time to start proofreading your text. Proofreading means looking for grammar and spelling errors in your text, and it helps you improve your text and correct all the mistakes. Here are some tips for proofreading your text successfully:

• If you have doubts about the sentence structure, it’s better to use simple sentences.
• Check the spelling errors. If you can’t use a dictionary, it’s better not to use words that you barely know.
• Give your text to someone else to check if everything is correct.
• You may also use grammar and spell checkers.

It’s also crucial to format your text correctly. Be sure that you’re following style requirements:

• Use 12 font size and double space intervals and at least 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Write your name at the end.
• Write in the author’s voice instead of reporting their words indirectly.
• Keep the same order of ideas as in the original text.

Precis Writing Checklist

Now you’re all set to start working on your précis. To make things even easier for you, we’ve prepared a checklist you can use while writing:

📋 Precis Examples: Different Types

We’ve prepared for your high school and college examples of different précis to help you write one of your own. Feel free to use them as inspiration.

Critical Precis Example

Rhetorical Precis Example

Research Precis Example

Literary Precis Example

Precis Essay Topics

• Précis of Everyday Use by Alice Walker
• Write a summary of COVID-19 related articles
• Synopsis of On the American Working Class
• Create a précis of Wearables by Linnie Greene
• Present a brief summary of Overview of the Immune Response
• Write a synopsis of 3 lung cancer articles
• Précis of an article by Douglas C. Engelbart
• Summary of the article Maternal Stress and Sensitivity: Moderating Effect of Positive Affect
• Write a concise synopsis of Consider the Lobster
• Present a précis of a journal article
• Summary of the article Coming to the Aid of Women in U.S. Prison by D.S. McClellan
• Come up with a synopsis of an article in Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry
• Summary of the article The HR Challenges Shaping the Healthcare Industry
• Write a synopsis of a research paper on evidence-based interventions for anxiety
• Make a précis of the study Practice Nurse Use of Evidence in Clinical Practice
• Present a short summary of the article Robotic Kidney Transplantation: One Year After the Beginning
• Create a synopsis of an article critique
• Short summary of the film The Great Debaters
• Summary of the article Breast Cancer and Exercise
• Write a synopsis of the article Assessment and Management of Sexual Dysfunction in the Context of Depression
• Précis of the article Maternal Stress and Sensitivity: Moderating Effect of Positive Affect
• Make a reading summary of two social articles
• Summary of Examining Evidence-Based Interventions to Prevent Inpatient Falls
• Short synopsis of the article You Know Nothing, John Doe!
• Précis and analysis of the article My Turn: $15 an Hour Minimum Wage Would Slow Economy
• Summary of McCallum’s Followership
• Present a comparative synopsis of Woolf’s and Brady’s feminist articles
• Précis of Business Careers with High Pay
• Summary of Women Should Have to Register for the Draft
• Write a synopsis of The Spirit in Creation by D. Williams
• Précis of sports and organizational conflict articles
• Write a summary and analysis of the article New Bases of Competitive Advantage
• Synopsis of Asleep on the Job
• Précis of Sleep, Health, and Wellness at Work
• Summary of Leadership Characteristics and Digital TransFormation
• Present a synopsis of Tweeting Social Change by Guo & Saxton
• Précis of the article The Nature of Things: Biomimicry
• Summary of How to Develop a Strategic Mindset
• Synopsis of Coalition Brings Pressure to End Forced Uighur Labor
• Write a précis of 2 gender inequality articles
• Present a summary of Chopin’s The Story of an Hour
• Synopsis of The Necklace
• Make a précis of The Garden Party by Catherine Mansfield
• Summary of Zika Virus Disease: A Public Health Emergency of International Concern
• Write a synopsis of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House
• Create a short précis of Letter from Birmingham Jail
• Make a summary of Seven Jewish Children by Caryl Churchill
• Synopsis of A Rose For Emily by Faulkner
• Present a précis of Googling Your Date by Martha Irvine
• Write a summary of Get Your Bonds Ready for a Fed Rate Boost

Now you’re ready to write your précis! Use this guide every time you need to write a task for college or if you need to prepare for AP Lang exams. We wish you best of luck with your writing assignments!

Further reading:

• How to Write an Abstract Step-by-Step: a Guide + Examples
• How to Write a Reflection Paper: Example & Tips
• How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
• How to Write a Personal Essay: Topics, Structure, & Examples

❓ Precis Writing FAQs

1. Write the author’s name and title of the text. Briefly recap the thesis 2. Write a summary of the text. 3. Explain the text’s purpose. 4. Describe what rhetorical devices the author used to persuade the readers.

In British and American English, the word “précis” is pronounced as pray-see (with the stress on the 2nd syllable.) It comes from the French language. Originally this word meant “summary,” and it’s related to the word “precise.”

Précis size can vary depending on the format and original text. According to précis writing rules, the rhetorical format should consist of 4 sentences, each being a separate paragraph. A précis is supposed to be about 100-200 words long. Sometimes it can be 1/5 of the original text’s length.

Rhetorical précis is a type of writing used to summarize and analyze a text. Rhetorical précis represents both the content and method of the analyzed text. This type of précis differs from the summary as it shows how the text works rhetorically.

The word “précis” has plural meanings. It can be a synonym for “summary” or a separate type of academic writing. A précis represents crucial ideas of the text and has a specific structure. This word is derived from French and originally means “precise.”

• A Review of Critical Reading Skills: Palomar College
• Writing a Summary or Rhetorical Précis to Analyze Nonfiction Texts: University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Rhetorical Précis: Lumen Learning
• Writing a Useful Précis for a Research Article: University of Washington
• Précis: Texas A&M University
• How to Write a Précis: Monmouth University
• Writing a Précis: Wilfried Laurier University
• Mapping: Gallaudet University
• The Rhetorical Précis: Folsom Cordova Unified School District
• All about Précis Writing: Purdue University
• Share to Facebook
• Share to LinkedIn
• Share to email

A synthesis essay requires you to work with multiple sources. You combine the information gathered from them to present a well-rounded argument on a topic. Are you looking for the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide by our custom writing team,...

Do you know how to make your essay stand out? One of the easiest ways is to start your introduction with a catchy hook. A hook is a phrase or a sentence that helps to grab the reader’s attention. After reading this article by Custom-Writing.org, you will be able to...

A critical analysis essay is an academic paper that requires a thorough examination of theoretical concepts and ideas. It includes a comparison of facts, differentiation between evidence and argument, and identification of biases. Crafting a good paper can be a daunting experience, but it will be much easier if you...

Process analysis is an explanation of how something works or happens. Want to know more? Read the following article prepared by our custom writing specialists and learn about: So, let’s start digging deeper into this topic! ♻️ What Is Process Analysis? A process analysis describes and explains the succession of...

A visual analysis essay is an academic paper type that history and art students often deal with. It consists of a detailed description of an image or object. It can also include an interpretation or an argument that is supported by visual evidence. In this article, our custom writing experts...

A character analysis is an examination of the personalities and actions of protagonists and antagonists that make up a story. It discusses their role in the story, evaluates their traits, and looks at their conflicts and experiences. You might need to write this assignment in school or college. Like any...

The difference between an argumentative and persuasive essay isn’t always clear. If you’re struggling with either style for your next assignment, don’t worry. The following will clarify everything you need to know so you can write with confidence. First, we define the primary objectives of argumentative vs. persuasive writing. We...

You don’t need to be a nerd to understand the general idea behind cause and effect essays. Let’s see! If you skip a meal, you get hungry. And if you write an essay about it, your goal is achieved! However, following multiple rules of academic writing can be a tough...

An argumentative essay is a genre of academic writing that investigates different sides of a particular issue. Its central purpose is to inform the readers rather than expressively persuade them. Thus, it is crucial to differentiate between argumentative and persuasive essays. While composing an argumentative essay, the students have to...

Exemplification essays, also called illustration essays, are one of the easiest papers to write. However, even the simplest tasks require experience and practice. It is a good idea to find and analyze free exemplification essay examples. You can also ask your teacher to give you some sample exemplification essays from...

During their school years, students may not always have the opportunity to select a topic for their essay or research paper. Instructors tend to assign one or offer a list of ideas that might not seem engaging. Moreover, even the topic that you choose yourself can sometimes end up being...

Do you have to write an essay for the first time? Or maybe you’ve only written essays with less than 1000 words? Someone might think that writing a 1000-word essay is a rather complicated and time-consuming assignment. Others have no idea how difficult thousand-word essays can be. Well, we have...

How to Write a Precis in 6 Steps

Most students don’t know a lot about this type of assignment until they are forced to complete it. Don’t be surprised if you just recently heard about this type of assignment for the first time; most students are confused about it and end up with so many questions: “What is a precis itself?”, “Where can I start”, and “How do I write a precis?”. Luckily, our paper writing service is here to give you the answers. In this article, we will discover what this type of work is and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to write it.

Definition of Precis and Its Purpose

According to the precis definition, the word “Précis” comes from the French language and means “precise” or “to cut brief”. A precis is a brief synopsis of another work—for example, a dissertation or a scholarly article. The main purpose of a precis is to sum up any ideas that were stated in the piece, explain the main message, and give readers an idea of how the original piece was structured.

If you don't know how to write an essay and have some troubles structuring your essay, our service is here for you. Leave us a notice and we'll help asap.

What Kind of Papers Can Contain a Precis?

In a nutshell, a precis is a separate written piece that is not attached to other academic works. Typically, a precis is written in an article – either scholarly or non-scholarly – or any other academic work. Its length can vary, depending on the length of the original piece.

Often, students confuse a precis with another form of writing – a critical analysis. However, they are quite different. Unlike a critical analysis, a precis should not contain your personal opinion in regards to the original piece.

A good precis has to be short and straight to the point. Yet, what are the other characteristics of this type of writing? Here are the key things to keep in mind:

• A precis is a short summary, yet not a paraphrased copy of the original piece.
• The text should be precise and clear.
• A precis should be written in your own words, but it is allowed to use some quotes from the original piece (though not too many, only the ones that bring real value).
• It should not reflect your personal opinion.
• It should convey only the most important information and omit secondary ideas.
• The key points should be covered as comprehensively as possible.
• The information in a precis should be conveyed in a logical sequence, with clear connections between all parts of the text.
• It should not contain any details from other sources.
• A precis should not include any irrelevant or secondary details.
• A precis is always written in the third person, so the use of first person pronouns is not appropriate here.

Apart from a regular precis, there is also another form of this assignment called a rhetorical precis. The essence of this task is the same. However, it is usually much shorter and, thus, harder to write. A rhetorical precis also requires you to sum up core ideas from the original piece, but it has an additional focus on the delivery of the information in the piece. Thus, a rhetorical precis blends a summary and a brief analysis of how the author has conveyed his/her ideas.

The biggest pitfall in writing rhetorical precis is that you should fit everything normally into four sentences. Here is a sample of what needs to be included in a rhetorical precis:

• The bibliographical information of the original piece, such as the title, author’s name, date, and other relevant data.
• An explanation of how the writer of the piece has developed and supported his/her core ideas.
• A statement of the author’s purpose.
• The delivery: How the author captures the reader’s attention. Who his/her target audience is. How he/she caters those ideas to readers.

This is the core information that should be present in a rhetorical precis. Additionally, you are expected to use short quotes from the original piece to give your readers a sense of the author’s tone and style. Here is a good rhetorical precis example that you can examine:

Rhetorical precis example: Barry, Dave. “The Ugly Truth about Beauty.” Mirror on America: Short Essays and Images from Popular Culture. 2nd ed. Eds. Joan T. Mims and Elizabeth M. Nollen. NY: Bedford, 2003. 109-12. Dave Barry, in his work “The Ugly Truth about Beauty” (1998), claims that “…women generally do not think of their looks in the same way that men do” (4). Barry illuminates this discrepancy by juxtaposing men’s perceptions of their looks (“average-looking”) with women’s (“not good enough”) by contrasting female role-models (Barbie, Cindy Crawford) with male role-models (He-Man, BuzzOff) and by comparing men’s interests (the Super Bowl, lawn care) with women’s (manicures). He exaggerates and stereotypes these differences in order to prevent women from so eagerly accepting society’s expectations of them; in fact, Barry claims that men who want women to “look like Cindy Crawford” are “idiots” (10). Barry ostensibly addresses men in this essay because he opens and closes the essay by directly addressing men (as in “If you’re a man…”) and offering to give them advice in a mockingly conspiratorial fashion; however, by using humor to poke fun at both men and women’s perceptions of themselves, Barry makes this essay palatable to both genders and hopes to convince women to stop obsessively “thinking they need to look like Barbie” (8).

Why Are Students Assigned to Write Precis?

This form of academic assignment generally has several purposes. First of all, it helps professors see how well you can summarize, think critically, as well as detect and highlight essential information. Such a task also demonstrates students’ writing skills, their ability to express their thoughts clearly, their intelligibly, and their ability to write with precision. Finally, writing a precis is an effective way to learn new material.

If a precis is a brief summary of an original text, then how is it different from paraphrasing you may wonder? Unlike a paraphrased piece, a precis is not just a restatement of the original text in your own words. It does not require you to mention all of the details provided in the original piece, but rather sum up the main ideas from it. Another distinctive feature that differentiates the two is that paraphrasing is mostly used to refer to certain ideas or statements given in another work, while precis have the purpose of guiding readers through a piece they haven’t read.

Conquering the Art of Conciseness?

Turn complex ideas into crisp, clear précis with our expert help. Embrace brevity without losing essence!

Precis Format

When writing a precis, whether a rhetorical or regular one, make sure that your paper has these 5 key qualities:

1. Conciseness. Unless your professor provides another word count, a precis should be about ¼th the size of the original piece. It has to be concise and straight to the point; thus, you should avoid repetition, wordy expressions, wateriness, and unnecessary details. 2. Objectivity. A precis implies providing an objective construal of the essential information given in the original piece, without including your personal opinions. 3. Coherency. You must provide information in a logical sequence. 4. Clarity. A precis should be easy to read and understand. The main goal of this work is to make the reader understand the original piece and the ideas the author conveyed in it, without the reader even having to read it. Thus, use simple structure and language. 5. Correctness. A precis should deliver accurate details, figures, facts, dates, and should have proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

• Precis Title: Précis of [Author's Name]'s "[Name of Work/Article]"
• Font Size: 12 point
• Spacing: Double
• Margins: At least 1 inch from all sides
• Name and Pledge: Place them at the end of your precis
• Tone of Voice: Stick to the the author’s voice in the original piece
• Direct Quotations: Put quotes in quotation marks, include a page number in parentheses after the quote
• Order and Organization: Stick to the order of the original article

So, how do you write it step-by-step? Here is a comprehensive guide to help you succeed with writing a precis:

Step 1: Pick the article, work, or story you will write a precis on Unless you were assigned to write your precis on some specific material, you will have to choose the original piece yourself. In this case, be sure to choose an article or work that is publicly available in its full length, so that you can read the whole thing.

Step 2: Read the original piece Take your time to read the entire piece carefully and without rushing, to make sure you understand it fully.

Step 3: Re-read it and take notes Go back to the original piece after you’ve already read it and grasped the general idea. Now, your goal is to interpret the author’s core ideas—take notes.

Step 4: Make an outline Based on your notes, list all of the key details and arguments you found. This will help you see if you have everything important covered. Then, make a clear and well-structured outline for your precis. To make an outline, feel free to use a precis template given under the steps section of this article.

Step 5: Write a precis When writing a precis, be sure to follow your professor’s guidelines and the outline you have. Use simple language and structure, and keep an eye on the size of your precis.

Step 6: Proofreading and editing Make sure you include all of the important details in your text. Also, check to make sure it does not contain any unnecessary details. Finally, check your draft for any mistakes—including punctuation, grammar, style, and any other errors. Carefully polish it until it looks good.

You might also be interested in discovering HOW TO WRITE A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ESSAY

Following the steps mentioned above, you should be able to handle writing a precis with ease. To give you an even better understanding of how the finished piece should look, here is a precis sample template:

• Name of the author of the original piece, [a few words describing the author (optional)], the title of article and genre, date of publication in parentheses (if you need to include additional publishing information, put it in parentheses); a rhetorically accurate verb like “claims,” “suggests,” “argues,” “asserts,” or other; THAT – followed by the author’s thesis statement.

Example: Antoine Gara, Forbes expert in the fields of Banking and Insurance, in the article The Forbes Investigation: Inside The Secret Bank Behind The Fintech Boom (Dec 17, 2019), suggests that a tiny FDIC-insured bank – Cross River – can give a much more accurate glimpse into the future of banking than Manhattan’s and Silicon Valley’s financial districts.

• A brief and clear explanation of how the author develops and supports his ideas throughout the piece, usually in chronological order.
• A statement of the author’s purpose, usually followed by “in order to” and a brief explanation of what he/she wanted to achieve/what message was conveyed with his/her work.
• A short explanation of the author’s tone of voice, style, target audience, etc.

You can always find custom essay writer at EssayPro writing service.

Citing a Precis

In-text citations.

When writing a precis, you need to provide the author’s name, the original work’s title, and the publication date in the first sentence of your text.

Example: Dave Barry in his work “The Ugly Truth about Beauty” (1998), claims that…

Since the author’s name is already stated, you do not need to repeat it in parentheses after any in-text citations. Instead, if you quote anything from the original piece, include the page number where it can be found in the parenthesis after the quote.

Example : He exaggerates and stereotypes these differences in order to prevent women from so eagerly accepting society’s expectation of them; in fact, Barry claims that men who want women to “look like Cindy Crawford” are “idiots” (10).

Works Cited

In the works cited page you will only have to cite the original source according to the chosen format and the type of the source. If it is an article, like in our example, the citation will look like this:

Example: Barry, Dave. “The Ugly Truth about Beauty.” Mirror on America: Short Essays and Images from Popular Culture. 2nd ed. Eds. Joan T. Mims and Elizabeth M. Nollen. NY: Bedford, 2003. 109-12.

Things to Remember

Writing a precis can be challenging. They require attention and precision, as well as solid writing skills and the ability to grasp the core ideas of the original piece. However, with the help of our detailed guide, we hope that you will be able to handle such a task with ease.

To wrap-up everything that was mentioned before, let’s once again recap key things to keep in mind when writing a precis:

• A precis is a short summary of an article or other work, but not a paraphrased copy or a critical analysis.
• It should be concise (about ¼th of the original source’s volume).
• It should only focus on main ideas, arguments, facts, and details.
• A precis should include basic information about the original source, such as its title, author, and date.
• A precis does not contain a students’ personal opinions.
• It has to be easy to read, clear, and well-structured.
• There should be no details or other information from other sources.
• A precis is written in the third person.

Read also about IEEE Format to become even more experienced.

Precis Writing Puzzle You?

Let us transform your lengthy texts into concise summaries. Perfect précis writing is just a click away!

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Examples Of Precis Writing

Raj is a software engineer with excellent technical skills. But he’s not an efficient communicator. One of his biggest weaknesses…

Raj is a software engineer with excellent technical skills. But he’s not an efficient communicator. One of his biggest weaknesses is the inability to speak or write with precision. This is why Raj keeps failing in the interview rounds as well as in placement exercises that involve language, as in the case of precis writing.

To test precision writing in candidates, there is no better challenge than precis writing, which technically means a summary of a passage of text. Let’s take a closer look at this popular recruitment exercise and explore some precis writing samples.

The Key Elements of Precis Writing

Tips to remember during precis writing, precis writing examples with solutions, perfect the art of precis writing.

Precis writing samples with answers can only be appreciated properly when you’re aware of what exactly characterizes a precis:

Clarity doesn’t mean that you oversimplify the original passage or try to insert your own interpretations. It means that you retain the essence of the passage without making your precis an exact but shortened copy of the original.

Improvisation

If you look at some of the best examples of precis writing, you’ll see the authors have invariably improvised on the vocabulary. This improvisation means that you use words that can substitute the words in the passage most effectively, as you can’t copy exact sentences or words into your precis.

When you study precis writing samples with answers, notice how each of these examples of precis writing maintains a compact structure that caters to all the crucial parts of the original passage.

Precis writing examples with solutions tell you what to do, but not always how to do it. This part about “how to do it” can be best understood by going through the list of tips for mastering precis writing instead of merely looking at examples of precis writing:

Make the precis one-third of the original passage in size

Before writing your precis, make a list of the important points you want your precis to cover

Try to retain any statistics or figures mentioned in the passage in your precis

Always use indirect speech in your precis

To better understand how the best examples of precis writing manage to extract the main substance from a larger passage, let’s go through the following precis writing examples with solutions.

Original Text: (The Myth of Freedom by Yuval Noah Harari, The Guardian, September 14, 2018)

Liberalism is founded on the belief in human liberty. Unlike rats and monkeys, human beings are supposed to have “free will”. This is what makes human choices the ultimate moral and political authority in the world.

If you happened to be amid the riots in Washington on the day after Martin Luther King was assassinated, or in Paris in May 1968, or at the Democratic party’s convention in Chicago in August 1968, you might well have thought that the end was near. While Washington, Paris and Chicago were descending into chaos, the Soviet system seemed destined to endure forever. Yet 20 years later it was the Soviet system that collapsed. The clashes of the 1960s strengthened liberal democracy, while the stifling climate in the Soviet bloc presaged its demise.

Precis Writing Sample

Human liberty defines liberalism. The concept of “free will” is exclusive to humans and gives us moral and political authority.

During the 1960s, liberalism was undergoing a crisis in the West. Contrasted with the chaos in liberalism, the illiberal system in the Soviet Union seemed to be flourishing. However, in a matter of two decades, it was the Soviet system that collapsed, while liberal democracy strengthened by adapting itself.

Original Text (Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex von Tunzelmann, pg 277)

On 28 July, Mountbatten held a reception at which he, Patel and V.P. Menon joined forces to bully the princes. The Maharajas stood around nervously to watch this daunting triumvirate at work. Mountbatten would not be able to provide Patel with a completely full basket of apples, but it is striking that he managed to secure as many as he did.

Most of the princes would disappear quietly into estate management or gin palaces, as they pleased. But an impressive number of exceptions ran for office in the new democratic India. Whatever may be said about Mountbatten’s tactics or the machinations of Patel, their achievement remains remarkable. Between them, and in less than a year, it may be argued that these two men achieved a larger India, more closely integrated, than had 90 years of the British raj, 180 years of the Mughal Empire, or 130 years of Ashoka and the Maurya rulers.

Precis Writing Sample:

Mountbatten held a reception with the purpose of bullying the princes in tandem with Patel and V.P. Menon. As the princes speculated, Mountbatten went about persuading them, providing Patel with far more accessions than he should have been able to.

Many princes became irrelevant after accession, but some ran for office in independent India. But between themselves, Mountbatten and Patel achieved something remarkable, constituting an India at the time of independence that was greater and more closely integrated than ever before.

Some examples of precis writing, as cited above, demonstrate that precis writing is no simple skill. At Harappa , the Writing Proficiently course is tailor-made to cater to the development of skills like precis writing. Through this course, you will learn how to structure your precis, summarize arguments, and achieve precision through the best examples of precis writing. Enroll today for the Writing Proficiently course and join employees from organizations like Airtel, Uber, Standard Chartered, etc. in becoming perfect precis writers.

Explore topics such as What are  Written Communication  Skills, the Significance of  Writing Skills , Different Types of  Writing Styles , Examples of  Descriptive Writing  & Common  Persuasive Writing  Techniques and learn to draft well-crafted messages to convey your ideas and intentions. 

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

Critical Précis: Definition, Format, Examples, How to Write

by  Antony W

June 9, 2024

A critical précis is one of the academic writing assignment that your instructor will ask you to work on. Unfortunately, it can be hard to write if you don’t know what it is and what steps to take. That’s why in this guide you’ll learn how to write a critical précis fast and score good grades.

By the end of this written lesson, you should have learned:

• What a précis is
• The characteristics of a good précis
• The structure of a précis
• The step-by-step guide to write the précis from start to finish and

Let’s get started.

What is a Précis?

In academic writing, a critical précis is an assignment that requires you to summarize a text, its ideas, and arguments in 400 to 1,200 words.

 A précis is NOT an essay and you shouldn’t treat it as one.

The goal here isn’t to tell but to give a clear summary of an original. Instead, you must to provide an author’s information in a condensed format so that your target audience can learn and understand the significance of an author’s thesis.

A good summary should be short and direct to the point. In addition to being concise, it should present a logical summary of the passage while maintaining only the essential ideals in that specific passage.

After reading your précis, your audience should get a clear idea on the meaning of a piece of written work even before or without reading the abstract.

Writing a summary isn’t about picking words from the piece of text and putting them together in a random sequence that makes logical sense.

You have to write a summary in your own words without losing the initial meaning of the text under evaluation. However, you are welcome to use some quotes from the source whenever appropriate.

Characteristics of a Good Critical Précis

You want to make the first best impression with your précis so that you can score high grades.

Your professor should look at the paper and nod in agreement because your work meets the attributes of a good précis. If anything, your summary should:

• Length: A précis should be a quarter of its original length except in the case where your instructor states otherwise.
• Format: You have to follow the standard format when writing the condensed version of an original work. You have to mention the thesis, indicate the methods used, state results, and have a conclusion.
• Correct: Your précis should be factual, meaning the figures, dates, and statistics should be accurate. It also helps to check your work for spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Clarity: In a few words, tell a reader what an author intended to communicate. Avoid an ambiguous language and use simple words, phrases, and sentences instead.
• Coherence: There should be a logical flow of information and a good connection of the ideas from the original text. Your readers should see the connection and not lose an interest in reading.
• Objective: Your construction of information should be candid. In other words, your summary should be free of personal opinion and focus on the work of the author in question instead.
• Concise: Go straight to the point. Make sure you provide the most important detail without omitting facts.

Why Do Students Write Critical Précis?

Professors ask students to write critical précis to assess whether they understand the meaning of an original text enough to explain its value in a condensed format.

It comes down to critical thinking and how good you’re at summarizing information so that only the most crucial information is in the document that you submit for review.

In addition to improving your writing skills and enhancing your critical thinking, writing the précis give you an opportunity to learn something new that you wouldn’t otherwise.

How to Write a Comprehensive Thesis

Now that you know what a well-written précis must include, it should not be difficult to work on this type of an academic assignment.

To write a good précis that your professor will like:

• Read the original text carefully and thoroughly
• Identify the central theme of an author’s argument and the evidence they provide to support their claim
• Look at what’s new in their work, including the appeals that they’ve used
• Examine how they author has conveyed the meaning of their work and restate their thesis
• Write a maximum of two sentences of each section of the original work, making sure you use your own words for the description
• Read the original piece of work again and compare is with your summary

What’s the Structure of a Critical Précis?

The structure of a critical précis is the same as that of a normal essay. You will need to have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

In a précis, an introduction should be one sentence. What to write include an author’s name, the title of their work, date of their publication written in brackets, power verbs, and the thesis statement.

The number of paragraphs in the body section will depend on the length of the original work.

Each paragraph should be a unique explanation of its own, one that condenses a section of an original piece.

Make sure you include evidence, ideas, and purpose exactly as presented by the author.

Refrain from interpreting the author’s arguments in your own point of view. Remember, this isn’t argumentative writing . 

Your goal is to analyze the stand of the author on the issue they’re trying to present and then leave it at that.

The concluding paragraph of the précis should be short and direct to the point.

Don’t introduce a new idea in this section. State the main one instead.

Summarize your work well, making the section as interesting to read as possible.

Refrain from adding personal statement or making subjective comments about the original piece. Doing so will ensure you end up with a comprehensive critical precis that’s easy and interesting to read.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

• Visit Our Blog about Russia to know more about Russian sights, history
• Check out our Russian cities and regions guides
• Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to better understand Russia
• Info about getting Russian visa , the main airports , how to rent an apartment
• Our Expert answers your questions about Russia, some tips about sending flowers

Russian regions

• North Caucasus
• Chechnya republic
• Dagestan republic
• Ingushetia republic
• Kabardino-Balkaria republic
• Karachay-Cherkessia republic
• North Ossetia republic
• Stavropol krai
• Map of Russia
• All cities and regions
• Blog about Russia
• News from Russia
• How to get a visa
• Flights to Russia
• Russian hotels
• Renting apartments
• Russian currency
• FIFA World Cup 2018
• Submit an article
• Flowers to Russia
• Ask our Expert

Stavropol Krai, Russia

The capital city of Stavropol krai: Stavropol .

Stavropol Krai - Overview

Stavropol Krai is a federal subject of Russia located in the central part of Ciscaucasia and on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus in the North-Caucasian Federal District. Stavropol is the capital city of the region.

The population of Stavropol Krai is about 2,780,200 (2022), the area - 66,160 sq. km.

Stavropol krai flag

Stavropol krai coat of arms.

Stavropol krai map, Russia

Stavropol krai latest news and posts from our blog:.

12 January, 2020 / Wooden Church of the Nativity of Mary in Rozhdestvenskaya .

2 December, 2019 / Tsvetnik - the Oldest Park in Pyatigorsk .

16 June, 2019 / Abandoned Uranium Mine in the Stavropol Region .

6 May, 2019 / Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Stavropol .

30 September, 2011 / Beautiful nature of Stavropol krai .

More posts..

News, notes and thoughts:

11 January, 2021   / The Kochubeevskaya wind farm with an installed capacity of 210 MW, the largest in Russia, has been commissioned in Stavropol Krai. With a total area of about 200 hectares, it includes 84 wind turbines, each 150 meters high, the length of the blades - 50 meters.

History of Stavropol Krai

The most ancient archaeological finds date back to the 4th millennium BC. The territory of the present Stavropol region was successively part of the state of the Scythians (the 7th - 5th centuries BC), Sarmatians (the 3rd century BC - the 3rd century AD), Huns (the 4th - 5th centuries AD).

Later, from 620 to 969, this territory was part of the ancient state called the Khazar Khaganate. Approximately in the 8th century, with the weakening of the Khazar Kaganate, the medieval state of the Alans appeared here. In 1238-1239, a significant part of the plain Alania was captured by the Mongols, and this state as a political entity ceased to exist.

In 1556, the Russian troops took Astrakhan and opened the way to the North Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. In Ciscaucasia, the interests of Russia, the Ottoman Empire, the Crimean Khanate, and Iran collided.

In 1777, according to the decree of Catherine II, the Azov-Mozdok defensive line was founded, which gave rise to colonization of the Ciscaucasia and the North Caucasus. The territory of the Stavropol region became part of Astrakhan oblast. In November 1777, the fortress called Stavropolskaya was founded. In 1782, about 500 retired soldiers lived there.

More historical facts…

In 1785, in connection with the development of Ciscaucasia, the Caucasian guberniya (province) was created that included the Caucasian and Astrakhan regions. Since that time, Stavropol officially became one of the six county-level towns of the Caucasus region.

With the development of the Ciscaucasia, Stavropol was gaining an increasing importance as an important trade and transit center. It became a kind of the main gate of the Caucasus. In 1822, the Caucasian province was transformed into an oblast and Stavropol became its center. After the defeat of the Decembrist uprising, a lot of its participants were sent here. In 1837 - 1841, Mikhail Lermontov, exiled to the Caucasus, visited Stavropol several times.

In 1847, the Caucasian oblast was reformed into Stavropol gubernia. With the formation of the Kuban and Terek Cossack regions and the end of the Caucasian War, the military-political and economic importance of Stavropol significantly reduced.

In 1919, the Stavropol province was occupied by the Bolsheviks and included in the territory of the North Caucasian Soviet Republic. As a result of the Second Kuban campaign the region went under the control of the Volunteer Army.

In October 1924, the North Caucasian region was formed and Stavropol gubernia was reformed into a district within the region. On January 10, 1934, the North Caucasian Krai was divided into the Azovo-Chernomorsky and North Caucasian. The town of Pyatigorsk became the center of North Caucasian Krai. In March 1936, North Caucasian Krai was reformed and, on its territory, Ordzhonikidze Krai with the center in Ordzhonikidze (Stavropol) was formed.

During the Second World War, from August 1942 to January 1943, the region was occupied by the German troops. In 1943, Ordzhonikidze Krai was renamed Stavropol Krai. In December 1956, the first part of the Stavropol-Moscow gas pipeline with a length of 1,300 km was commissioned (at that time, it was the longest gas pipeline in Europe).

During the 1970s-1980s, 56 new enterprises were opened in the region, among them the Prikumsky Plastics Plant - the largest chemical plant in the region, four power units at the Stavropol power station, and new capacities at the Nevinnomyssk enterprise “Azot”.

On July 3, 1991, Karachay-Cherkess Autonomous Region withdrew from Stavropol Krai and became the Karachay-Cherkess Soviet Socialist Republic. On April 21, 1992, it became the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia of the Russian Federation.

Steppe landscapes of Stavropol Krai

Stavropol Krai landscape

Author: Valeriy Kharchenko

In the fields of the Stavropol region

Author: Dvornikov Mikhail

Stavropol Krai nature

Author: Zhukova Elena

Stavropol Krai - Features

Stavropol Krai stretches for 285 km from north to south and 370 km from west to east. The climate is temperate continental. The average temperature in January is minus 5 degrees Celsius (in mountains - down to -10), in July - plus 22-25 degrees Celsius (in mountains - +14).

The main natural resources are natural gas, oil, polymetals containing uranium, building materials. Mineral medicinal waters are a special riches of the region.

The Caucasian Mineral Waters is Russia’s largest resort region, which has no analogues in the whole of Eurasia for the richness and diversity of mineral waters and therapeutic mud. The healing properties of “narzan”, one of the popular local mineral waters, are known throughout Russia. The name can be translated into Russian as “Hercules’ beverage”, “Water of Hercules”.

The largest cities and towns are Stavropol (458,200), Pyatigorsk (145,500), Kislovodsk (127,300), Nevinnomyssk (114,400), Yessentuki (117,200), Mikhailovsk (94,500), Mineralnye Vody (72,400), Georgievsk (64,400), Budennovsk (59,600).

Stavropol Krai - Economy

The main industries of Stavropol Krai are engineering, production and processing of oil and natural gas, electric power industry, food (winemaking, butter, sugar), chemical (mineral fertilizers in Nevinnomyssk), building materials (glass in Mineralnye Vody), light (wool in Nevinnomyssk, leather in Budennovsk).

Agriculture specializes in growing grain and sunflower, the leading role in livestock breeding belongs to cattle breeding, fine-wool sheep breeding. Horticulture, viticulture, poultry farming, pig breeding, beekeeping are widespread. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors of the local economy, which employs more than 156 thousand people.

The main highway M29 “Caucasus” passes through Nevinnomyssk, Mineralnye Vody and Pyatigorsk. There are international airports in Stavropol (Shpakovskoye) and Mineralnye Vody. This region has a very dense and extensive network of pipelines.

Attractions of Stavropol Krai

A large number of various interesting places are concentrated on the territory of the Stavropol region. Here are just a few of the most famous sights:

• Proval - a lake and a natural cave on the southern slope of Mount Mashuk in Pyatigorsk. The cave is a cone-shaped funnel with a height of 41 m, at the bottom of which there is a karst lake of mineral water of pure blue color;
• Monument to Lermontov in Pyatigorsk at the place where the poet was fatally wounded during the duel;
• Lake Tambukan (Black Lake), located near Pyatigorsk, is known for its unique healing mud;
• Therapeutic park, mineral springs, Balneary mud baths named after Semashko in the resort city of Yessentuki;
• Resort park in Kislovodsk is very popular with tourists. The territory of the park is huge. Here you can find a drinking gallery, ponds, grottoes, and the famous valley of roses. Plants growing in the park make the air unusually clean and healthy;
• Koltso (Ring) Mount near Kislovodsk. Under the influence of natural factors, a ring with a diameter of 8 meters was formed in the center of the rock;
• Pushkin Gallery (1901), the Emir of Bukhara Palace, the Cave of Permafrost, Zheleznaya Mount in the resort town of Zheleznovodsk.

Stavropol krai of Russia photos

Stavropol Krai scenery

Paved road in Stavropol Krai

Author: A.Kostin

Winter in Stavropol Krai

Author: Kabatov V.

Small river in the Stavropol region

Author: Alex Stanin

Pictures of Stavropol Krai

Beautiful nature of Stavropol Krai

Author: Sergey Shevchenko

Author: V.Buturlia

Cathedral in Stavropol Krai

Author: Bulgakov Pyotr

• Currently 2.96/5

Rating: 3.0 /5 (204 votes cast)