Introduction
One of the biggest lessons I learned as a student was that writing less can often say more. This is exactly what precis writing teaches us. Instead of filling a page with extra words, it challenges us to capture the heart of a passage in just a few lines.
At first, I found it tough—I would either cut too much or keep unnecessary details. But with practice, I discovered that precis writing examples and solved passages are the best way to master the skill.
In this guide, I’ve collected carefully chosen precis writing practice samples with answers that show how long passages can be transformed into sharp, meaningful summaries.
Each passage is reduced to around 100 words, making it easy for students to learn the format, summary writing, and solution techniques step by step.
If you want to score better in exams or simply improve your English expression, these examples will definitely help.
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Passage for precis writing
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| precis example |
Write a precis of the following passage
Most human beings possess five senses-those of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell-which enable them to establish I contact with the outside world and to interpret it.
If for some reason we do not possess or lose possession of one of these senses-if we are blind or deaf-our contact with that world will not be as complete as will that of other people who possess them all.
The knowledge of the world possessed by a blind person will obviously be less complete than that of a person who is able to see, however imperfectly, even though a blind person may develop a very keen sense of touch or of hearing.
All animals possess to a greater or lesser degree the same senses as Man, but the importance of the senses vaies from animal to animal.
To Man the most importance sense is that of sight; the next in importance is touch, followed by hearing, smell and taste in that order.
For a dog, for example, the order is different, since for it the most important sense is that of smell; it interprets the outside world by its sense of smell.
A dog can percieve smells of which a human being is unaware, just as it can hear sounds that the human being cannot.
But, on the other hand, a dog's vision is not so good as a man's, neither is its sense of touch or taste.
Both dogs and men belong to a class of being khown as vertebrates, which are beings with a backbone, Beings which do not possess a backbone-the invertebrates-lack the sense of hearing, as we normally understand it, while possessing the other senses.
They do not have ears and most of their sensory mechanism is in their antennae. The lower invertebrates lack the ability to hear, while their senses of touch, taste and sight are not very highly developed.
Precis answer
Precis writing examples title:- Difference in Sense Perception.
Human beings keep contact with the world outside with their sense of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell.
Those who are blind have less knowledge of the outer world than others. A man's eyesight is his most important sense to keep contact with the world.
Though animals possess all the sense which men possess, the importance of their sense differs from those of men.
For a dog the most important sense is his smell. Next to it is his hearing. Both dog and men have backbones.
Hence they are vertebrates. Snakes and reptiles who are invertebrates have no sense of smell.
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Precis writing format
Precis Summary:
The author presents a nuanced view of work and happiness. They don't argue that all work leads to happiness, but that work, especially when not excessive, provides a valuable structure and purpose that many people need for their well-being.
The absence of work, particularly if not coupled with the ability to constructively use leisure time, can lead to boredom and unhappiness.
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| Passage Practice |
Writing precis
The subject of whether labor is a contributing factor to happiness may be viewed as dubious. There is undoubtedly a lot of work that is quite annoying, and too much work is always extremely painful.
However, I believe that even the most boring job is less uncomfortable for most people than idleness, so long as there isn't an excessive quantity of it.
Depending on the nature of the task and the worker's skills, there are all levels of enjoyment in the workplace, from simple relief from boredom to the deepest joys.
Even if the majority of the job that most people must perform is not particularly engaging, there are still some significant benefits to it.
First of all, it occupies a significant portion of the day without requiring one to make decisions about what to accomplish.
When given the freedom to spend their time whatever they like, most people find it difficult to come up with something enjoyable enough to be worthwhile.
They are also bothered by the thought that anything else would have been more agreeable, regardless of what they ultimately pick.
Few individuals today have attained the last outcome of civilization, which is the ability to sensibly fill spare time. Furthermore, choosing is a tiring process in and of itself.
As long as the instructions are not too unpleasant, being told what to do at all hours of the day is positively acceptable, with the exception of those who exhibit unusual initiative.
The majority of the wealthy and idle suffer from unimaginable boredom as a result of their freedom.
They may occasionally find solace in flying around the world or hunting large game in Africa, but these experiences are few and far between, particularly after youth has passed.
Precis answer
Title: On the choice of work.
The narrator thinks that the dullest work will always be preferred to idleness. Though most of the works which people. do are not interesting, they at best keep one engaged.
Most people like to be told what work they are to do. It is annoying for them to exercise a choice in doing work.
Only people with extra ordinary initiative independently choose that work they do. Most of the rich people have no necessity of doing any unpleasant work.
Yet they feel bored as they have unlimited leisure Though they often engage themselves in sensational pursuits, such pursuits are not unlimited.
Passage for precis writing
Write a precis of the following passage in about 100 words:
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| Childhood and Youth precis sample |
Childhood is characterized by a lack of significant responsibilities, making life relatively uncomplicated.
When a child is fortunate enough to have supportive parents, they receive nourishment, care, and affection regardless of their actions.
It is unlikely that they will experience such unconditional support again in their lives without having to reciprocate.
Furthermore, childhood is filled with novel experiences that may no longer captivate adults due to their familiarity.
A child delights in simple pleasures, such as playing in the rain or snow, and their first trip to the seaside is an extraordinary adventure.
However, childhood is not devoid of challenges; children often feel constrained by rules and face reprimands for their actions, which can detract from their overall happiness.
As a young adult begins to earn a living, they gain freedom from the constraints of school and parental oversight, yet they must also embrace new responsibilities.
They can no longer rely on others for their basic needs and must work to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
If they choose to spend their time frivolously, reminiscent of their childhood, they risk facing hunger.
Similarly, if they disregard societal laws as they once did with parental rules, they may find themselves incarcerated.
Conversely, by dedicating themselves to hard work, avoiding trouble, and maintaining good health, they can experience the profound satisfaction of witnessing their own professional growth and establishing their place within society.
Writing precis in 100 words
Title: Between Childhood and Youth
The life of a child is free, easy and without any responsibility. Children do not have to worry about themselves.
They are brought up by parents. However, they enjoy the thrill of life as each new experience is a discovery for them.
But they have no freedom. They have to carry out orders of elderly persons.
Hence, they do not have happiness. When a young man starts earning his living, he cannot afford to be irresponsible.
He will have to starve if he is not sincere. He must build up his position in life to lead a comparatively happier life.
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FAQ
Q1. What is precis writing in simple words?
Precis writing is writing the summary of a long passage in your own words. It should be clear, short, and keep the main idea intact.Q2. How do you write a precis in 100 words?
First, read the passage carefully. Pick only the main points, cut out examples, and write in your own words. Always give a suitable title.Q3. Why is precis writing important for students?
It improves reading comprehension, sharpens writing skills, and teaches how to express ideas clearly without unnecessary words.Q4. How many words should a precis be?
Generally, a precis is one-third of the original passage. In exams, it’s often about 100–120 words.
