Writing a Précis: Key Concepts and Techniques
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of writing a précis?

The primary goal of writing a précis is to retain the essential points and the tone of the original passage while presenting it in a concise manner.

Name three characteristics of a good précis.

A good précis is marked by clarity, brevity, and precision.

How should one start a précis?

One should start a précis by highlighting the main idea of the passage.

What should a précis avoid including?

<p>A précis should avoid simply summarizing, abstracting, or lifting sentences from the original text.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do linking devices play in a précis?

<p>Linking devices help maintain coherence and logical flow among the ideas presented in the précis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is diction important in précis writing?

<p>Flawless diction is important because it contributes to clear and effective communication in the précis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of including a title in a précis?

<p>A title provides an immediate understanding of the main topic or theme of the précis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a précis and the original passage?

<p>A précis functions as a miniature version of the original passage, presenting key ideas without extraneous details.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus when creating a précis?

<p>The primary focus is to remove superfluous information and retain the core essence of the work.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to write about history in the past tense?

<p>Writing about history in the past tense is essential for maintaining accuracy and clarity regarding events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one thing you should avoid when writing a précis.

<p>You should avoid expressing your own opinions or criticisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to ensure the clarity of the argument in a précis?

<p>Ensure that the general idea of the argument is conveyed with absolute clarity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should essential points from the original passage be treated in a précis?

<p>All important points must be included while leaving out non-essential information.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What grammatical rules should be followed when writing a précis?

<p>The précis should be written in third person, indirect form, and appropriate past tense.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of note-taking during the précis writing process?

<p>Note-taking helps identify key points and arrange them logically for the précis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main enemy mentioned in the passage?

<p>The main enemy mentioned is the earth itself, specifically through earthquakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advisable to provide designations of officials instead of their names in a précis?

<p>It is advisable to use designations for clarity and objectivity in maintaining a formal tone.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What actions are scientists currently undertaking regarding earthquakes?

<p>Scientists are working to find ways to combat earthquakes and protect humanity from their effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do earthquakes affect modern cities compared to primitive villages?

<p>They cause similar levels of destruction, resulting in significant damage regardless of the city’s development level.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What were some consequences of an earthquake hitting a city?

<p>Consequences include gas mains bursting, explosions, fires, building collapses, and infrastructure damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes an earthquake as a threat to mankind?

<p>An earthquake strikes without warning and affects all individuals regardless of nationality or political affiliation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical earthquake is mentioned, and what was its impact?

<p>The 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed the city entirely and killed 450 people.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can earthquakes impact modern cities geographically?

<p>An earthquake can reduce a modern city to rubble, effectively diminishing its infrastructure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was notable about the 1968 earthquake in Alaska?

<p>It was one of the most powerful quakes and moved the entire state over 80 feet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical examples illustrate the destructive nature of earthquakes?

<p>The 1755 Lisbon earthquake killed 450 people, while the 1970 Peru earthquake resulted in 50,000 deaths.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What precautionary measures can be taken in the face of earthquakes?

<p>Precautionary measures include trying to pinpoint where an earthquake might strike to save lives and property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant geographical change occurred during the 1968 Alaska earthquake?

<p>The subcontinent was moved 80 feet into the Pacific Ocean.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theme sentence summarizes the danger of earthquakes?

<p>Earthquake - the deadly enemy of mankind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitations do scientists face in dealing with earthquakes?

<p>Scientists cannot prevent earthquakes but can predict their point of origin to facilitate precautions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways are scientists looking to combat the effects of earthquakes?

<p>Scientists are exploring methods to understand and predict earthquakes to protect people and property.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the power of an earthquake compare to that of man-made weapons?

<p>The power of a quake is greater than that of any man-made weapon of destruction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What precaution can be taken due to scientists' ability to predict earthquakes?

<p>Precautionary measures can be implemented to save man and property from potential destruction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant way earthquakes differ from man-made weapons?

<p>Earthquakes strike without warning and possess greater power than any man-made weapon of destruction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of destruction can occur in modern cities due to earthquakes?

<p>An earthquake can reduce a modern city to rubble, causing widespread devastation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How have scientists responded to the threat of earthquakes?

<p>Scientists are researching ways to predict earthquakes to take precautions and minimize damage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What evolutionary purpose does the emotion of fear serve?

<p>Fear serves as an evolutionary adaptation, helping organisms react to threats for survival.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotion is specifically linked to a mother’s bonding with her offspring?

<p>The emotion of love, referred to as 'filial emotion,' is linked to the bond between a mother and her offspring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is disgust considered an interesting human emotion?

<p>Disgust is tied to immune responses, motivating people to avoid potentially harmful substances.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do emotions like anger and fear function in social interactions?

<p>Emotions like anger and fear act as manipulative strategies that can influence social dynamics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect distinguishes adaptive memory related to disgust from other behaviors?

<p>The encoding triggered by disgust-related problems is stronger than any other behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What roles does home play in the lives of young individuals according to the first passage?

<p>Home provides shelter, trains the inexperienced, and serves as a source of affection and memories.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage describe the connection between home and education?

<p>Home is characterized as a centre for elementary education and a place for learning essential life lessons.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a teacher as stated in the second passage?

<p>A teacher is responsible for moulding the character of young children.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the second passage, what qualities must a teacher possess to effectively teach students?

<p>A teacher must lead a life of simplicity, purity, and rigid discipline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the passage describe the effect of teaching on a teacher's own life?

<p>Teaching keeps a teacher young and happy, providing relief from personal worries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What emotions does the notion of home evoke according to the first passage?

<p>Home evokes feelings of fondness, nostalgia, and rest for a weary mind.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way is the teacher described as a role model for students?

<p>The teacher serves as a living example of the virtues they wish to instill in their students.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage imply about the impact of a college in relation to home?

<p>A college mirrors the attributes of home by providing education and a supportive environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Precis Writing - What is a Precis?

  • A precis is a concise summary of a passage, capturing the essential points and author's tone.
  • It should not include the writer's personal interpretations.
  • The writing style should be clear and precise, avoiding rambling sentences.
  • Diction should be flawless.
  • The coherence of the views presented matter, ensuring a smooth transition between points.
  • It should make logical sense.

Features of a Good Precis

  • Marked by clarity, brevity, and precision.
  • Not a direct copy of the original but expressed in the writer's own words.
  • A miniature version of the original passage.
  • A logical order with well-connected ideas.
  • Employing transitions words (so, therefore, because, etc.) to improve coherence.
  • Following the original's idea order.
  • Including a title.
  • Written in reported speech.
  • Contains only details found in the original passage.

Do's and Don'ts of Precis Writing

  • Do's:
    • Start by highlighting the main idea of the passage, creating context.
    • Compress and clarify lengthy passages, retaining key information.
    • Remove unnecessary details, focusing on core concepts.
    • Use past tense for historical or writing-related details.
    • State the purpose of the passage (if relevant).
  • Don'ts:
    • Express personal opinions, wishes, or criticisms.
    • Include questions.
    • Use abbreviations or contractions.
    • Present a disorganized or jerky structure.
    • Be vague or offer a general summary.
    • Include a disconnected list of facts and statements.
    • Include an outline of the passage.

Writing a Precis - Steps

  • Thoroughly read the passage.
  • Identify the main idea of the passage.
  • Summarize the main points.
  • Maintain a concise tone.
  • Use your own words.
  • Ensure that the precis is logically organized and accurate.

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Precis Writing PDF

Description

This quiz explores the essential elements of writing a précis, including its main goals, characteristics of a good précis, and common pitfalls to avoid. Understand the importance of clarity, diction, and how to effectively summarize an original passage while maintaining its core message.

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