Bihar Board Class 11 English – Precis Writing

Bihar Board Class 11 English Precis Writing is an important topic in the English Grammar and Writing section. Precis writing tests a student’s ability to understand a passage, identify its main ideas and express them briefly in clear and accurate English.

A good precis should be concise, complete and written in the student’s own words. It should contain the essential ideas of the original passage without unnecessary details, repetition or examples.

Bihar Board Class 11 English Precis Writing – Overview

What Is Precis Writing?

A precis is a short and clear summary of a longer passage. It contains the main ideas of the original passage while removing unnecessary details, repetitions, examples and illustrations.

The purpose of precis writing is not simply to shorten a passage. A good precis should preserve the central meaning and important points of the original passage.

Characteristics of a Good Precis

A good precis should have the following qualities:

• Concise: It should be considerably shorter than the original passage.
• Complete: It should include all the important ideas.
• Clear: The meaning should be easy to understand.
• Coherent: The ideas should be logically connected.
• Accurate: The original meaning should not be changed.
• Original: It should generally be written in your own words.
• Objective: Personal opinions should not be added.

How to Write a Precis

1. Read the passage carefully.
2. Read it again to understand the central idea.
3. Identify the important points.
4. Remove examples, repetitions and unnecessary details.
5. Prepare a rough outline of the main ideas.
6. Write the important points in your own words.
7. Maintain the original meaning and sequence of ideas.
8. Give the precis a suitable title.
9. Check the length and grammar.
10. Read the final precis once before submitting it.

Step 1 – Read the Passage Carefully

The first step is to read the complete passage carefully. Do not immediately start writing.

Try to understand what the writer is mainly discussing. Ask yourself:

• What is the subject of the passage?
• What is the writer trying to say?
• What are the most important points?
• Which details can be removed without changing the meaning?

Step 2 – Find the Main Idea

Every passage generally has one central idea around which the other points are developed.

For example, if a passage discusses the importance of trees, their environmental benefits and the need to protect forests, the central idea may be the importance and conservation of trees.

Step 3 – Remove Unnecessary Details

A precis should not contain every detail from the original passage.

The following can generally be removed when they are not essential to the central idea:

• Repeated ideas
• Long examples
• Illustrations
• Unnecessary descriptions
• Extra explanations
• Minor details

Step 4 – Use Your Own Words

Whenever possible, express the ideas in your own words. Avoid copying complete sentences from the original passage unless a particular expression is essential.

For example:

Original: People who use their time wisely are more likely to achieve their goals.

Precis: Wise use of time helps people achieve their goals.

Step 5 – Maintain the Original Meaning

While shortening a passage, do not change the writer’s meaning.

A precis should neither add new information nor remove an important idea that is necessary to understand the passage.

Step 6 – Give a Suitable Title

A suitable title should express the central idea of the passage in a few words.

For example:

• Importance of Time
• Value of Education
• Conservation of Nature
• Benefits of Reading

Length of a Precis

A precis is generally expected to be approximately one-third of the length of the original passage, unless the examination specifically provides a different instruction.

The important point is to reduce the passage substantially while retaining its essential meaning.

Rules of Precis Writing

1. Keep the Main Idea

The central idea of the original passage must remain in the precis.

2. Avoid Repetition

If the writer expresses the same idea more than once, it should normally be expressed only once in the precis.

3. Avoid Personal Opinion

Do not add your own views, comments or judgments to the writer’s ideas.

4. Avoid Direct Speech

Long quotations and direct speech should generally be converted into concise indirect expressions where appropriate.

5. Avoid Examples

Examples may usually be omitted unless they are essential to understanding the central argument.

6. Use Simple Language

Use clear and grammatically correct English. There is no need to use unnecessarily complicated vocabulary.

7. Maintain Logical Order

The ideas should remain logically connected. Do not rearrange the passage in a way that changes its meaning.

Precis Writing Example 1

Original Passage

Time is one of the most valuable things in life. Money that is lost can sometimes be earned again, but time once lost can never be recovered. Successful people understand this fact and therefore plan their activities carefully. They do not waste their valuable hours on unnecessary activities. Students should also learn the importance of time because proper time management helps them complete their studies and other responsibilities successfully.

Important Points

• Time is extremely valuable.
• Lost time cannot be recovered.
• Successful people use time carefully.
• Students should manage time properly.

Precis

Title: Value of Time

Time is more valuable than money because lost time cannot be recovered. Successful people use it wisely by planning their activities. Students should also manage their time properly to complete their studies and responsibilities successfully.

Precis Writing Example 2

Original Passage

Trees are essential for the survival of human beings and other living creatures. They provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide and help maintain environmental balance. Trees also provide food, medicine and shelter for many living beings. Unfortunately, forests are being destroyed rapidly because of urbanisation and increasing human needs. Deforestation can cause soil erosion, loss of wildlife and environmental problems. Therefore, planting trees and protecting forests are necessary for a healthy environment.

Important Points

• Trees are essential for life.
• They provide oxygen and maintain ecological balance.
• Deforestation causes environmental problems.
• Trees and forests must be protected.

Precis

Title: Importance of Trees

Trees are essential for life because they provide oxygen and help maintain environmental balance. They also provide food and shelter. Deforestation causes soil erosion, loss of wildlife and other environmental problems. Therefore, trees should be planted and forests protected.

Precis Writing Example 3

Original Passage

Education is not merely the process of acquiring information. It develops the ability to think, analyse problems and make responsible decisions. An educated person understands his duties towards society and is better prepared to face the challenges of life. Education also helps people become aware of their rights and responsibilities. Therefore, education is essential not only for personal success but also for the progress of society.

Precis

Title: Importance of Education

Education does more than provide information. It develops thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities. It makes people aware of their rights and responsibilities and prepares them to face life’s challenges. Thus, education is important for both individual and social progress.

Precis Writing Example 4

Original Passage

Reading is a useful habit that develops knowledge and imagination. Books introduce readers to different people, places, cultures and ideas. Regular reading also improves vocabulary and language skills. Students who read regularly often develop better comprehension and writing abilities. Reading can also provide relaxation and help people use their free time productively. Therefore, everyone should develop the habit of reading good books.

Precis

Title: Importance of Reading

Reading develops knowledge, imagination, vocabulary and language skills. It improves comprehension and writing abilities and can also provide relaxation. Therefore, developing the habit of reading good books is beneficial for everyone.

Precis Writing Example 5

Original Passage

Discipline is necessary for success in every area of life. A disciplined person plans work, respects time and follows necessary rules. Students need discipline to attend classes regularly, complete their work and prepare properly for examinations. Discipline does not mean a complete absence of freedom. Instead, it teaches people to use freedom responsibly. Without discipline, talent and ability may not be used effectively.

Precis

Title: Importance of Discipline

Discipline is essential for success because it teaches people to plan work, respect time and act responsibly. It is particularly important for students in their studies. Discipline does not remove freedom; it teaches responsible use of it.

Difference Between Summary and Precis

Common Mistakes in Precis Writing

• Writing a precis that is almost as long as the original passage.
• Removing important ideas.
• Adding personal opinions.
• Copying the complete passage.
• Changing the writer’s meaning.
• Including unnecessary examples.
• Repeating the same idea.
• Ignoring the logical order of ideas.
• Using grammatically incorrect sentences.
• Giving an unsuitable title.

How to Score Better in Precis Writing

1. Read the passage at least twice.
2. Identify the central idea before writing.
3. Underline or note the important points mentally.
4. Remove repetition and minor details.
5. Use your own words.
6. Keep the meaning unchanged.
7. Follow the approximate required length.
8. Give a short and relevant title.
9. Check grammar, spelling and punctuation.
10. Read the final precis once to ensure that it is complete and coherent.

Useful Words for Precis Writing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a precis?

A precis is a concise version of a longer passage that contains its essential ideas while removing unnecessary details.

How long should a precis be?

A precis is generally expected to be about one-third of the length of the original passage, unless a different instruction is given in the examination.

Should a precis have a title?

Yes. A short and appropriate title that expresses the central idea of the passage should generally be given.

Can I copy sentences from the original passage?

The ideas should preferably be expressed in your own words. Necessary technical terms or expressions may sometimes be retained.

Should personal opinions be included in a precis?

No. A precis should represent the ideas of the original passage and should not include the writer’s or student’s personal opinions.

What should be removed while writing a precis?

Repetition, unnecessary examples, illustrations, minor details and extra explanations can generally be removed while retaining all essential ideas.

Quick Revision

Previous Topic

Bihar Board Class 11 English Essay Writing

Conclusion

Bihar Board Class 11 English Precis Writing requires students to understand a passage and present its essential ideas in a short, clear and logical form.

Students should focus on identifying the main idea, removing unnecessary details, using their own words, maintaining the original meaning and giving a suitable title.

Regular practice of precis writing can improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing skills and confidence in the English examination.