Tag: Critical Précis Characteristics

When assigned to write a critical précis, make sure you understand its characteristics which are:

1. A précis is a critical summary of writing abstracts.
2. A précis is NOT re-writing or interpretation of the original.
3. It is NOT written with words from the original, though you are welcome to use some quotes if appropriate.
4. It summarizes the content of the original.
5. A précis reveals a meaning of the original and explains its value.
6. As a rule, a précis is 1/4 of the original in length, except as noted.
7. It follows the standard format: an author’s thesis and methods he uses to represent it, results, and conclusion.