Précis Writing

Précis writing basically means to write a summary with a limited number of words as specified in the question. The number of words may vary from 40 —100. In the ICSE examination, you are required to write a précis of 60 words. The following points should be kept in mind while answering the compulsory précis questions.

• According to the number of words specified in the question, two sets of lines and columns (meaning two grids) should be drawn first.
• Each line and column has to be numbered accordingly.
• Only one word is to be written in each box as has been shown to you.
• After the grids are ready, the headings ‘Rough Précis’ and ‘Fair Précis’ should be written above each grid.
• While completing the Rough Précis, words may exceed the number specified in the question. E.g. If you are asked to write a précis in not more than 60 words, the rough précis may exceed the number to 65 or 68.
• Keeping the question in mind. Choose the points needed for your answer from the passage. Details not asked should be left out.
• Do not lift or copy exact sentences from the passage. The précis should be in your own words, just like the answer to all the comprehension questions and should be written in indirect speech.
• After completing the Rough Précis, you will have to read through it to check and see where you can fit in the important words by cutting out useless words in the Rough Précis. All corrections will be done by you only in the Rough Précis.
• After making all the necessary changes in the Rough Précis, copy the corrected précis into the fair grid already numbered by you.
• Most important- After writing the Rough Précis, draw a diagonal line across the Rough Précis to ensure that the examiner corrects and marks on the right précis.
• Do not erase the lines and columns drawn and numbered by you.