Writing a Precis
A précis is a written summary of the key points or ideas of a longer text
(article, study, book chapter etc.). As such, it provides a concise
overview of the essential points, arguments, and/or statements that were
discussed in the text. Your goal is to restate the author’s central ideas
after you have assimilated them in your own mind. Writing a précis is a
challenging but valuable assignment.
A précis should usually include brief descriptions of the topic or thesis,
the purpose of the study, methods that were used, and results and
insights (implications) that were gained.
Keys to a Good Precis:
1. Try to restate the author’s central ideas.
2. Compress and clarify the writing while retaining important key
words and data.
3. Include a brief description of key terms.
A completed précis should clearly state the following:
1. What was studied (argued, discussed).
2. How it was done.
3. What was learned.
4. What it means.
Remember, a précis is not a personal interpretation of a study or an
expression of your opinion. It should me more like miniature replica of
the study.
Your assignment for your first précis is to write a 2-page (double
spaced) précis of Ms. Ferrara’s study on Gifted Girls Self-Perceptions.