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