Luther Seminary - What is a Precìs?

Writing a Précis

What is a précis? A précis is a short summary of the essential ideas of a longer composition; the basic thought of a text or passage is reproduced in miniature, retaining the mood and tone of the original text. No interpretation or commentary should be interjected by the writer. The précis must possess clear, emphatic diction and effective sentence construction. Its unity and coherence should be emphasized through smooth, unobtrusive transitions. Your summary must be intelligible to a reader who has not read the original text and should have solid compositional worth.

A précis is not your personal interpretation of a text or an expression of your opinion or ideas about the content of the text, it is rather a short summary of the work in which you re-present the whole argument.

Why prepare a précis?

To help improve your in-class writing skills.
To give you experience in interpreting texts.
To help you in note-taking and studying.
To note and study the MAIN points of a book, article, or lecture.

How to write a précis

Write an outline of the main ideas – those you see as most important. Think of it this way – you are summarizing the book for a friend who missed the class and the material will be on an upcoming test.
Put your outline into sentence/paragraph form.
Count the number of words (if there is a word limit for the assignment) and make necessary changes.

Do’s and Don’ts of précis writing

Start your précis by asserting the context (setting) and stating the main point (thesis) of the text. Then, begin presenting the method the author used to defend his/her thesis. (i.e. Martin Luther, in The Freedom of a Christian, asserts a two-part thesis. He makes two distinct assertions, and then proceeds to defend them thusly…)

Always state the name of the book/article, the author and the source (is it from a book, journal, encyclopedia, etc.)

Always use the past tense when writing about historical events, etc.

When looking at primary sources, you should make note (for yourself) of the origin, purpose, value, and limitations of the document. (i.e. when was the text published, who translated it, who is the author, etc.)

All titles of texts should be put in italics OR underlined.

Do not use abbreviations, contractions, slang or idioms.

Do not preface citations with, “in this article,” or, “in this chapter.” Instead, employ the style: Luther asserts/states/writes, etc., “A Christian is perfectly free lord of all, subject to none…”

Beware the subordinating conjunction! Avoid over-use of that, which, however, and, but, then, therefore, hence, therewith, furthermore, herewith, nevertheless, thence, etc.

Abstain from using adjectives such as big, good, bad, little, a lot, etc.

When you finish writing, RUN A SPELL CHECK!!!

D.Riley 2004