Precis is a French word which is derived from the French word ‘precis’. It means summarizing while the process of writing it or summarizing it is called precis writing. Thus, any lengthy passage can be described in a few words without changing it’s main theme or idea while writing a precis.
It is the use of abstract and summary words that can be used in place of precis as both these words contain the same meaning. A summary is a well-presented form of the statements or notes containing headings and sub-headings which are pointed below them.
While abstract is in the paragraph form that should have the main theme of that passage or the article. So, in general, we derive that the precis should be brief, clear, and accurate.
The one important rule or aspect that one should always remember is that one should avoid using their own interpretation of the subject or the comments when it comes to precis writing. One should avoid refraining from the author’s voice and tone.
For writing style, you must be clear and effective and you should ramble while writing. It is important that you avoid the use of any unnecessary words or long sentences.
Ultimately, what matters is the coherence of the sentences that are presented in the passage and how you can relate them in a short format in precis. As the precis does not all the points, shifting of one point from another should be taken care of.
In the end, it is important that the precis you have written should be logical and make proper sense.