Précis Writing and Note-Making

Précis Writing and Note-Making

A précis (pronounced pray-see) is a concise summary of a longer text that captures all essential points in approximately one-third of the original length. Note-making organises information for study and reference. Both skills are essential for BBS students processing large volumes of academic and business material.

What is a Précis

A précis differs from a summary in its precision and formality. It must: capture all main ideas (not just some), maintain the original author's viewpoint (not your opinion), be written in your own words (not copied phrases), follow a logical order (usually the original's order), be approximately one-third the original length, and be a complete, coherent passage (not bullet points). A good précis demonstrates thorough understanding of the source material.

Steps to Write a Précis

Step 1: Read the passage carefully at least twice to understand the overall meaning. Step 2: Identify the main theme or thesis — what is the central argument? Step 3: Underline or note the key points of each paragraph. Step 4: Write a rough draft in your own words, including all main points and excluding examples, illustrations, and repetitions. Step 5: Revise for clarity, coherence, and length — edit ruthlessly to achieve approximately one-third of the original. Step 6: Give it an appropriate title that captures the essence. Step 7: Proofread for grammar, spelling, and accuracy.

Rules of Précis Writing

Write in third person and indirect speech (even if the original uses first person or direct speech). Use past tense for reporting. Do not include your personal opinions or comments. Do not add information not in the original. Maintain the original sequence of ideas. Use your own vocabulary — avoid lifting phrases from the original. The précis should be self-contained — a reader should understand it without reading the original.

Common Précis Writing Mistakes

Including minor details and examples while omitting main points. Copying sentences directly from the original. Adding personal commentary or evaluation. Making the précis too long (more than one-third) or too short (missing key ideas). Changing the original author's meaning or emphasis. Using bullet points instead of connected prose. Not providing a title. These mistakes result in poor exam scores — practice is the remedy.

Note-Making Techniques

Linear notes: traditional outline format with headings, subheadings, and points (I, A, 1, a). Good for structured texts. Cornell method: divide the page into three sections — notes (right), cues/questions (left), summary (bottom). Excellent for revision. Mind maps: central topic with branching subtopics — visual and creative. Charting method: table format with categories as columns — good for comparing information. Flow-based notes: capture ideas and connections as they come. Choose the method that suits your learning style and the material.

Effective Note-Making Practices

Be selective: note main ideas, not every detail. Use abbreviations: develop personal shorthand (govt, mgmt, info, e.g., i.e., w/, b/c). Use visual markers: stars for important points, question marks for unclear areas, arrows for relationships. Leave space: for later additions during revision. Review notes within 24 hours while memory is fresh. Reorganise: after the lecture or reading, restructure notes into a clearer format. Summarise: write a brief summary at the end of each topic. Effective notes are revision tools — they should make sense weeks later.

Note-Making from Lectures

Listen for cues that signal important points: "The key point is...", "Remember that...", "This is important because...", repetition, emphasis, and information written on the board. Don't try to write everything — capture the structure and key ideas. If you miss something, leave a gap and fill it later from textbooks or classmates. Review and complete notes the same day. Combine lecture notes with textbook notes for comprehensive revision material.

Summary

Précis writing and note-making are practical skills for academic success and professional life. Précis writing develops comprehension, conciseness, and clarity. Effective note-making — using appropriate methods and consistent practices — creates valuable revision resources and improves information processing and retention.

Worked Example: Précis Writing

Original Passage (120 words):

“The growth of digital payment systems in Nepal has been remarkable. Services like eSewa and Khalti have transformed how Nepali people handle money. Before these platforms, most transactions were cash-based, requiring physical visits to banks and long queues. Today, millions of Nepalis pay bills, transfer money, and shop online using their smartphones. This digital revolution has been particularly beneficial for rural areas where bank branches are scarce. However, challenges remain. Many elderly citizens are unfamiliar with digital technology, and internet connectivity in remote areas is still unreliable. Security concerns also persist, with occasional reports of fraud. Despite these challenges, experts predict that digital payments will eventually replace cash for most transactions in Nepal.”

Précis (40 words — approximately one-third):

Title: Growth of Digital Payments in Nepal

Digital payment platforms such as eSewa and Khalti have revolutionised transactions in Nepal, especially benefiting rural areas with limited banking access. However, challenges including digital illiteracy among the elderly, poor rural connectivity, and security concerns remain to be addressed.

Précis Writing Checklist

Note-Making Methods Comparison

Exam Tips

Tip 1: Précis writing carries 10 marks in most exams — practice daily with newspaper articles. Tip 2: Count the original’s words first, then aim for exactly one-third. Tip 3: Always give a title — 1 mark is usually allocated for it. Tip 4: The biggest mistake is including examples/illustrations from the original — include only main ideas. Tip 5: For note-making questions, use the method the question specifies (if any), otherwise use linear/outline format.