✍️ How to Write a Précis: A Clear and Simple Student Guide

Ever been told to summarize a long passage in your own words—but make it sharp, accurate, and professional? That’s where précis writing comes in.

Writing a précis isn’t just about shortening a passage. It’s about capturing the essence of a text—its argument, tone, and core message—in a fraction of the length, all while using your own words.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to write a précis, step by step. We’ll also share examples, formatting tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a high school student, a college scholar, or preparing for exams like GRE or IELTS, this guide will help you write better, faster, and smarter. 🧠💡

📌 What Is a Précis?

A précis (pronounced preh-ssee) is a brief summary of a passage, article, or speech that retains the original meaning, tone, and structure—but in fewer words.

📖 Definition: A précis is a concise and clear summary of a longer text, rewritten in the writer’s own words without inserting personal opinions or interpretations.

🔎 Key Features of a Précis:

Summarizes main ideas only (no fluff)
Stays objective and neutral
Uses your own words
Maintains the tone and intent of the original author
Follows chronological or logical order

🎯 Why Précis Writing Is Important

Learning to write a good précis builds skills that help you:

Improve critical reading and comprehension
Strengthen your academic and professional writing
Prepare for standardized tests like GRE, UPSC, IELTS, or SAT
Sharpen your ability to condense and simplify complex information

It’s a core skill in journalism, research, education, and even workplace communication. 🧾✍️

🧠 How to Write a Précis in 6 Easy Steps

Writing a great précis is a process. Here’s how to do it right:

✅ Step 1: Read the Text Carefully (Twice!)

First, read for general understanding. Then, go back and highlight:

The thesis or main argument
Supporting points or evidence
Keywords and tone

✅ Step 2: Identify the Structure

Ask yourself:

What is the purpose of the original text?
How does the author build their argument?
Is the tone persuasive, descriptive, or informative?

✅ Step 3: Write a One-Sentence Summary

Craft a sentence that captures the author’s main point, including:

Author’s name
Title of the work
Central claim or message
Tone (optional)

Example:
In “The Power of Habit,” Charles Duhigg argues that habits, when understood and reshaped, can dramatically improve personal and professional life.

✅ Step 4: Draft the Précis

Now write the précis in your own words. Keep it:

Concise (usually 1/4th the length of the original)
Chronological or logical
Neutral (don’t add your opinion!)

✅ Step 5: Revise for Clarity

Review your draft to ensure:

No repetition
No personal input
Only the essential ideas are included

✅ Step 6: Proofread

Check for grammar, flow, spelling, and formatting.

💡 Tip: If you can summarize a 500-word article in 125 words without losing its essence, you’ve nailed it!

🧾 Sample Précis Example

Original Passage (100 words):
The internet has revolutionized communication, allowing people across the globe to connect instantly. While it offers unprecedented access to information and social interaction, it has also introduced new challenges, such as cyberbullying and misinformation. As users become more reliant on digital platforms, it becomes crucial to educate people on responsible internet usage and digital literacy.

Précis (Approx. 30 words):
The author highlights how the internet has transformed global communication, while also warning about emerging risks like misinformation and urging the need for responsible usage and digital literacy.

✅ Objective
✅ Concise
✅ Clear

✍️ Format of a Précis (Template)

Use this basic structure:

[Author’s Name], in [Title of Work], argues that [Main Idea] by [explaining/supporting points]. The tone is [analytical/persuasive/informative], and the message highlights [overall impact/significance].

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Inserting your opinion
Changing the author’s intent
Copying phrases word-for-word
Leaving out key ideas
Adding unnecessary details or examples

🛠️ Bonus Tools to Help with Précis Writing

Grammarly – for grammar & clarity
Hemingway Editor – for readability
Google Scholar – for finding reliable texts
QuillBot – to paraphrase without plagiarizing
ChatGPT – to practice summarizing and refining your draft 😉

✅ Précis Writing Checklist

✔️ Clear, one-sentence thesis summary
✔️ Key points captured without fluff
✔️ No opinions or analysis
✔️ Accurate tone and structure
✔️ Short, precise, and polished
✔️ Proper grammar and flow

🚀 Need Help Writing or Editing a Précis?

Pressed for time or not sure if your précis hits the mark? We’ve got you covered!

👉 Click here to get expert précis writing help on Study Doll

We’ll help you:

Summarize complex articles
Refine your draft
Edit for clarity and tone
Submit precise, professional writing — every time