Master the art of precis writing for competitive exams, academic research, and professional communication. Learn to condense lengthy passages while preserving essential meaning, style, and tone.
✅ Recommended for: Class 11-12 (Senior Secondary) | Competitive Exams (UPSC, SSC) | Research Summaries | Executive Communications | Academic Writing
1. What is Precis Writing?
The Challenge: Students often confuse precis with paraphrasing, summarization, or abstract writing, missing the specific requirements of preserving the original passage's essence in a condensed form.
Competitive Exam Importance: UPSC, SSC, and other competitive exams test precis writing to assess comprehension, analytical skills, and concise expression—critical abilities for administrative services.
A precis (pronounced pray-see) is a clear, concise, and coherent summary that captures the essential ideas, tone, and structure of a longer passage. Unlike a summary, a precis maintains the author's voice and perspective while reducing length by approximately two-thirds.
Key Distinctions:
Summary: Brief overview of main points (can be in your words)
Paraphrase: Restatement in different words (similar length)
Abstract: Structured overview of research (specific format)
Precis: Condensed version preserving style and essence (⅓ original length)
Essential Characteristics of a Good Precis:
- Conciseness: Typically ⅓ of original word count
- Clarity: Ideas expressed clearly and logically
- Completeness: Includes all essential ideas
- Coherence: Smooth flow between ideas
- Objectivity: No personal opinions or interpretations
- Faithfulness: Accurately represents original
- Proper Structure: Complete sentences, paragraph form
2. Precis vs Other Condensed Writing Forms
Understanding precise distinctions is crucial for competitive exams.
| Aspect | Precis | Summary | Abstract | Paraphrase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length | Exactly ⅓ of original | Variable (usually shorter) | Fixed (150-300 words) | Similar to original |
| Tone/Style | Preserves original author's voice | Neutral, in summarizer's words | Formal, structured | Changes wording but not style |
| Purpose | Test comprehension & expression | Provide quick overview | Research paper overview | Clarify or simplify |
| Structure | Complete paragraphs,连贯的 | Bullet points acceptable | Structured sections | Follows original structure |
| Examples | UPSC mains, SSC exams | Book blurbs, article recaps | Academic journals | Legal documents, translations |
3. The ⅓ Rule & Word Count Management
Mastering length control is essential for precis writing success.
| Original Length | Precis Target | Tolerance | Paragraph Strategy | Exam Marks Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 words | 100 words | 90-110 words | 1 paragraph (6-8 sentences) | ±5%: No penalty ±10%: -1 mark ±20%: -3 marks |
| 450 words | 150 words | 135-165 words | 1-2 paragraphs | Strict adherence required for competitive exams |
| 600 words | 200 words | 180-220 words | 2 paragraphs | UPSC deducts 0.5 marks per 10-word deviation |
| 750 words | 250 words | 225-275 words | 2-3 paragraphs | Practice with word counter essential |
Word Count Calculation Formula:
1. Count original words
2. Divide by 3 = Target precis length
3. ±10% tolerance range
Example: 327 original words ÷ 3 = 109 target words
Acceptable range: 98-120 words (109 ± 10%)
Always write word count at end: (109 words)
4. The 7-Step Precis Writing Process
Follow this systematic approach for consistently excellent precis.
| Step | Action | Time Allocation | Key Questions | Output |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Read | Read passage carefully 2-3 times | 5 minutes | What is main idea? What is author's purpose? | General understanding |
| 2. Underline | Mark key sentences, main ideas | 3 minutes | Which sentences carry essential meaning? | Highlighted passage |
| 3. Outline | List essential points in order | 4 minutes | What are the supporting arguments? How are they connected? | Point-form outline |
| 4. Draft | Write first version without word limit | 8 minutes | How to express ideas concisely? How to maintain flow? | First draft (usually 50% longer than target) |
| 5. Condense | Reduce to ⅓ length | 6 minutes | Which words can be removed? Which sentences can be combined? | Condensed version at target length |
| 6. Polish | Improve language, coherence | 3 minutes | Is the flow smooth? Is the language precise? Any grammatical errors? | Polished precis |
| 7. Verify | Check against original, count words | 2 minutes | Does it capture essence? Is word count correct? Any omissions? | Final precis with word count |
5. Essential Techniques for Effective Condensation
Master these techniques to reduce length while preserving meaning.
| Technique | How It Works | Before | After | Word Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eliminate Examples | Keep only one representative example | "For instance, in Japan, Germany, and Sweden..." | "As in developed nations..." | 5-10 words |
| Use Strong Verbs | Replace weak verb+adverb with strong verb | "walked quickly" | "hurried" | 1 word per phrase |
| Convert Phrases to Words | Replace descriptive phrases with single words | "in a careful manner" | "carefully" | 3-4 words per phrase |
| Combine Sentences | Merge related ideas into compound sentences | "The economy grew. Employment increased." | "Economic growth boosted employment." | 2-3 words per merge |
| Remove Redundancies | Eliminate repetitive ideas | "free gift" "future plans" | "gift" "plans" | 1 word per redundancy |
| Use Abbreviations (if established) | Use standard abbreviations after first mention | "United Nations" (repeated) | "UN" after first mention | 1-2 words per use |
6. What to Include vs Exclude in a Precis
Strategic inclusion/exclusion decisions determine precis quality.
| Category | INCLUDE (Essential) | EXCLUDE (Non-essential) | Reason | Example Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis/Main Idea | Central argument, primary claim | Minor supporting details | Core of author's message | Include explicitly in first sentence |
| Key Arguments | Major supporting points (2-3) | All examples for each point | Shows logical structure | Include one strongest argument per point |
| Evidence | Representative evidence types | All statistical details | Demonstrates basis for claims | "Studies show..." not "Smith (2020) found 47.3%..." |
| Conclusion | Author's final position, implications | Rhetorical flourishes | Completes the argument | Restate conclusion concisely |
| Tone/Emphasis | Author's attitude (critical, supportive) | Emotional language | Preserves author's perspective | "The author criticizes..." not angry words |
| Structure | Logical flow between ideas | Transitional phrases | Maintains coherence | Show connection with "therefore," "however" |
7. Complete Precis Writing Example
Original Passage (327 words):
"The digital revolution has transformed education in unprecedented ways. In the past, learning was confined to physical classrooms with limited resources. Today, digital platforms offer access to global knowledge repositories. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera and edX provide university-level education to anyone with internet access. This democratization of education has broken geographical and financial barriers that previously excluded millions from quality learning opportunities.
However, this digital transformation presents significant challenges. The digital divide persists, with rural and low-income students lacking reliable internet access or devices. According to UNESCO, approximately 40% of households in developing countries remain unconnected. Furthermore, online learning requires self-discipline that many students lack without traditional classroom structures. The absence of face-to-face interaction may hinder social skill development and collaborative learning experiences.
Effective integration of technology in education requires balanced approaches. Hybrid models combining online resources with in-person instruction show promising results. Teachers must transition from information providers to learning facilitators. Governments should invest in digital infrastructure while developing pedagogical strategies that leverage technology's strengths while mitigating its limitations. The future of education lies not in choosing between traditional and digital methods, but in synthesizing the best of both worlds to create inclusive, effective learning environments for all."
Model Precis (109 words - ⅓ of original):
The digital revolution has democratized education through online platforms, breaking geographical and financial barriers. However, challenges like the digital divide and lack of self-discipline in online learning persist. Effective integration requires hybrid models combining digital and traditional methods, with teachers transitioning to facilitator roles. Governments must invest in infrastructure while developing pedagogical strategies that leverage technology's strengths. The future lies in synthesizing both approaches for inclusive, effective education.
(109 words)
Analysis:
• Preserved: Main argument (digital transformation), key challenges, solution (hybrid models), conclusion
• Condensed: Specific examples (Coursera, UNESCO statistics), repetitive phrases, descriptive details
• Maintained: Author's balanced perspective, logical structure, formal tone
8. Common Precis Writing Errors & Corrections
| Error Type | Wrong Example | Correct Version | Why It's Wrong | Marks Lost (UPSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Word Count Deviation | 200 words for 300-word original | 100 words (⅓ of original) | Violates fundamental precis requirement | 3-5 marks (major error) |
| Personal Opinion | "I believe the author is correct..." | "The author argues that..." | Precis must be objective, not interpretive | 2-3 marks |
| Omission of Key Points | Missing author's main argument | Including central thesis clearly | Fails to capture passage essence | 3-4 marks |
| Copying Phrases | Direct quotations without condensation | Expressing ideas in own concise words | Shows lack of comprehension/paraphrasing skill | 1-2 marks |
| Poor Coherence | Disconnected points without flow | Smooth transitions between ideas | Lacks readability and logical structure | 1-2 marks |
| Informal Language | Slang, contractions, casual tone | Formal, academic language | Inappropriate for precis writing | 1 mark |
🎯 Precis Writing Challenge
Practice precis writing with passages of varying lengths and complexities.
1. Short Passage (Target: 80 words)
Original (240 words): "Artificial intelligence represents both tremendous opportunity and significant risk for employment markets. On one hand, AI automates repetitive tasks, increasing productivity and creating new roles in tech sectors. Studies estimate AI could contribute $15 trillion to global economy by 2030. On the other hand, automation threatens 40% of current jobs, particularly in manufacturing and clerical work. The solution lies in reskilling workforces for AI-augmented roles and implementing social safety nets during transition periods. Governments, educational institutions, and corporations must collaborate to ensure AI benefits are broadly shared while minimizing displacement impacts."
AI presents dual employment impacts: opportunities through productivity gains and new tech roles, but risks through automation threatening many jobs. Addressing this requires reskilling workers for AI-augmented positions and social safety nets during transition. Collaborative efforts among governments, education, and corporations are essential to distribute benefits widely while minimizing displacement effects.
(80 words)
Preserved: Dual nature, solutions, stakeholders
Removed: Specific statistics ($15 trillion, 40%), examples (manufacturing, clerical)
2. Medium Passage (Target: 120 words)
Original (360 words): "Climate change mitigation requires urgent global cooperation. The Paris Agreement established frameworks for national commitments, but implementation gaps persist. Developed nations, historically responsible for most emissions, must lead reduction efforts while supporting developing countries through technology transfer and climate financing. Renewable energy adoption has accelerated, with solar and wind becoming cost-competitive with fossil fuels. However, political resistance from fossil fuel interests and short-term economic priorities hinder progress. Individual actions like reducing consumption and adopting sustainable practices contribute, but systemic change through policy and innovation is essential. The recent IPCC report emphasizes that limiting warming to 1.5°C requires halving emissions by 2030—an ambitious but necessary goal demanding unprecedented international collaboration and political will."
Global cooperation is urgently needed for climate change mitigation. While the Paris Agreement provides framework, implementation gaps remain. Developed nations should lead emission reductions while assisting developing countries. Renewable energy has become competitive, yet political and economic obstacles persist. Individual actions help, but systemic policy changes are crucial. The IPCC stresses that halving emissions by 2030 to limit warming to 1.5°C requires unprecedented international collaboration and political determination.
(120 words)
Key Techniques: Combined related ideas, used stronger verbs ("stresses" vs "emphasizes"), removed specific examples (solar, wind), maintained all main points
3. Identifying Errors
Original (300 words): "The renaissance of public libraries in the digital age demonstrates society's enduring need for communal learning spaces. Despite predictions of obsolescence, libraries have transformed into multimedia hubs offering digital resources, maker spaces, and community programs. They provide internet access to digitally excluded populations and quiet study spaces in increasingly noisy urban environments. However, funding challenges threaten these services, with many libraries operating on reduced hours and budgets. Sustainable support requires recognizing libraries not as mere book repositories but as essential community infrastructure for education, digital inclusion, and social cohesion."
Flawed Precis (150 words - too long): "I think libraries are really important in today's world. They have lots of books and computers. People use them for studying and internet access. Some libraries have money problems though. We should support them because they help communities."
1. Word count: 150 words (should be 100 for 300-word original)
2. Personal opinion: "I think" (should be objective)
3. Omissions: Missing transformation, specific services, funding challenges
4. Vague language: "really important," "lots of," "money problems"
5. Incomplete: Missing conclusion about community infrastructure
Corrected Precis (100 words):
Public libraries have transformed into multimedia community hubs despite predictions of digital obsolescence. They provide digital resources, internet access, and quiet spaces, serving digitally excluded populations. However, funding reductions threaten these services. Sustainable support requires recognizing libraries as essential community infrastructure for education, digital inclusion, and social cohesion, not merely book repositories.
(100 words)
9. Competitive Exam Specific Tips
Precis writing in exams has specific requirements and constraints.
| Exam | Typical Length | Time Allotted | Special Requirements | Scoring Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC Mains | 600→200 words | 60 minutes | Title required, word count strictly enforced | 60 marks (Paper I) |
| SSC CGL | 450→150 words | 45 minutes | Precis must be in one paragraph | 50 marks |
| Bank PO | 300→100 words | 30 minutes | Emphasis on clarity and conciseness | 25 marks |
| State PSCs | Varies (usually ⅓) | Varies | Often include précis from regional language passages | 40-60 marks |
UPSC Precis Strategy:
1. First 10 minutes: Read passage 3 times, underline key points
2. Next 20 minutes: Write rough draft without word limit
3. Next 15 minutes: Condense to exact ⅓ length
4. Last 10 minutes: Write fair copy, count words, add title
5. Final 5 minutes: Review for errors, ensure coherence
Always write word count in brackets at end
10. Precis Writing Quick Checklist
Before Writing:
✓ Read passage multiple times for comprehension
✓ Identify main idea and supporting arguments
✓ Calculate target word count (original ÷ 3)
✓ Determine author's tone and perspective
✓ Note structural flow of arguments
While Writing:
✓ Use your own words (no direct copying)
✓ Maintain original tone and perspective
✓ Include all essential ideas
✓ Ensure smooth transitions between points
✓ Write in complete, grammatical sentences
✓ Monitor word count during condensation
After Writing:
✓ Verify word count is exactly ⅓ of original
✓ Check that all key points are included
✓ Ensure no personal opinions added
✓ Read for coherence and flow
✓ Correct any grammatical errors
✓ Add title and word count in brackets
✓ Compare with original for accuracy
📝 Practice Precis Writing
Master precis writing with exercises of varying lengths, complexities, and subject matters!
Go to Precis Writing WorksheetIncludes 25+ precis writing passages • Step-by-step guidance • Model precis with analysis • Error identification exercises • Competitive exam pattern questions
