Of Precis-writing
All kinds of writings need
practice. It is like swimming; more you swim, more you learn to keep yourself
afloat; more you write, more you learn to be prolific. Practice whets the
skill
By Mukesh Sharma
A goldsmith knows how to make alluring ornaments using pure
gold and other metals, and he also knows how to separate pure gold from the
other metals to work out the price of an ornament. In the same way, a well
articulated and balanced write-up is also an amalgamation of main idea or skeletal
idea and the supporting details, endorsing it. And of course the art of précis-writing
lies in separating main ideas from inconsequential or ornamental details and
get to the crux of the matter.
Precis-writing is an important and compulsory question in
English paper at academic level as well as in competitive exams for A & B
categories of government services. However, it appears rather a tough question to
answer correctly and confidently for the students from Hindi medium with
poor knowledge of English language.
Mind you, such question can’t be attempted with
rote-learning – sheer knowledge of grammar rules, translation and so-called
mugged up vocabulary. It requires good understanding of English language - English syntax and practical use of standardized phrases (English is a language
of phrases) i.e. which ‘verb’ collocates with which noun. In other words, only a
well-read man can write well; reading leads to writing, and hearing leads to
speaking in the acquisition of a language. Here this blogger seeks to suggest
the students the easiest way to attempt the questions on précis-writing.
 |
| Of Precis-writing |
What is a précis? Précis is a French word which is
pronounced as ‘precees’ and it means ‘summary’, and précis-writing is summarizing.
Grammatically speaking, it is an exercise in comprehension and compression; it
is an ability to grasp quickly and accurately what is read or heard, and
reproduce it quickly and concisely.
Before, précis-writing is discussed practically, it is necessary
for the students to know certain ground rules:
1. A student is supposed
to compress the given passage to one third. It means, if there are twenty
lines, it must be reduced to six lines.
2. A précis should be
written in own words. It should not be a patch work, a usual pitfall for the
students.
3. It must be
self-contained and completed. In other words, it must convey the main idea or
message fully and clearly. If one reads it, one should not feel that something
is amiss or need to refer to the original.
4. There is no need to
follow the original order of thought as described in the original passage. One
can come up with one’s own thought sequence provided there is no digression
from original context.
5. Indirect speech is
preferred to direct speech – no inverted coma statement/sentences.
6. If possible, make use
of one-word substitution to shrink a detailed thought.
7. Look for the leading
sentences or outline of paras to summarize the passage.
8. While writing a
précis, omit examples, comparisons, contrast, digression and other
inconsequential details given in original passage.
9. Read and re-read and
suggest a suitable title asked to your drafted précis.
Specimen:
Secret of Success
Despite hard work,
majority of candidates are not able to crack UPSC and the success remains a mystery,
and the cause of failure is attributed to unpreparedness of candidates. One of
the successful candidates says that right knowledge of question paper's format,
ability to answer quickly to the point and acquirement of special knowledge
related to subject, matter a lot. Further success is 90% hard work and 10% luck.
Passage
To
majority of UPSC aspirants, the exam which is rated as toughest, remains a
mystery. Despite firm determination, and incessant hard work, the candidates
are not able to crack the exam, and usually the buck is passed on the failed aspirants
for their unpreparedness and incomplete studies.
“A thorough study of
past years papers and its format, helps one to work out a probable trend for
the next paper, and it means 30% preparation has been completed” says a
successful candidate. “Next 20% count for your ability and capability to answer
question to the point with good time management and rest 40% depends on
tactical acquirement of special knowledge related to the particular subject,
and of course 10% is left for luck,” adds a successful candidate.
Success is 90% perspiration and 10%
inspiration. Nothing is impossible. Hope never dies and possibilities never end.
Précis
Secret of Success
Taking clue from the example, students may try précis-writing
on the questions asked in previous years of exams.
It is not only in exams but also in practical life, the art
of précis-writing is of great value. Lawyers use it for taking briefings from
client. Businessmen use it for jotting down important points. Government official
use it for taking notes. Journalists use it to ink interviews/press meetings.
All kind of writings need practice. It is like swimming; more you swim, more you learn to keep yourself afloat; more you write, more you
learn to be prolific. Practice whets your skill.
