UPSC MainsENGLISH-COMPULSORY201275 Marks200 Words
Q8.

Make a precis of the following passage in about 200 words. It is not necessary to suggest a title.

How to Approach

This question requires a precise summary of a given passage, adhering to a strict word limit. The approach involves careful reading, identifying the central theme and key arguments, and then condensing them into a coherent and concise precis. Focus should be on retaining the author's original meaning and tone, avoiding personal interpretations or additions. Prioritize factual information and logical flow. The precis should be a standalone piece of writing, understandable without reference to the original text.

Model Answer

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Introduction

A precis is a concise summary of a longer piece of writing, capturing its essential ideas and arguments in a condensed form. It demands a thorough understanding of the original text and the ability to distill its core message without adding personal opinions or interpretations. The exercise tests comprehension, analytical skills, and the capacity for succinct expression. Effective precis writing is crucial for academic and professional settings, enabling efficient communication of complex information. This response will provide a precis of the provided passage, adhering to the specified word limit and maintaining the original author’s intent.

Please provide the passage for me to create the precis. I need the text of the passage to fulfill the requirements of the question. Without the passage, I cannot generate a meaningful and accurate precis. I am ready to proceed as soon as you provide the text.

However, to demonstrate my capability and understanding of the task, I will outline the structure I *would* use once the passage is provided. The precis would typically follow these steps:

Step 1: Identifying the Central Theme

The first step involves identifying the main topic and the author’s primary argument or purpose. This requires careful reading and analysis of the entire passage.

Step 2: Extracting Key Arguments and Supporting Details

Once the central theme is established, the next step is to identify the key arguments and supporting details that contribute to the author’s overall message. This involves highlighting or noting down important points, facts, and examples.

Step 3: Condensing Information

This is the core of precis writing. It involves summarizing the key arguments and details in a concise and coherent manner, using your own words while preserving the original meaning. Avoid unnecessary repetition or elaboration.

Step 4: Maintaining Objectivity

A precis should be objective and neutral, reflecting the author’s viewpoint without injecting personal opinions or interpretations. Use the author’s tone and language as much as possible.

Step 5: Adhering to Word Limit

Precis writing requires strict adherence to the specified word limit. Every word should contribute to the overall summary, and unnecessary phrases or sentences should be eliminated.

Example of how information might be presented (assuming a passage about climate change):

  • Main Argument: Climate change is a significant threat requiring immediate global action.
  • Key Supporting Points: Rising global temperatures, increasing frequency of extreme weather events, melting glaciers and ice sheets, rising sea levels.
  • Evidence: Data from the IPCC reports, examples of recent climate-related disasters.

I will utilize these steps to create a precise and accurate summary of the passage once it is provided. I will also ensure the precis is a standalone piece of writing, understandable without reference to the original text.

Conclusion

Once the passage is provided, the resulting precis will be a concise and accurate representation of its core arguments and ideas. The aim will be to distill the essence of the original text into a manageable summary, adhering strictly to the word limit and maintaining objectivity. This exercise demonstrates the ability to comprehend complex information and communicate it effectively in a condensed format, a skill vital for success in the UPSC examination and beyond.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Precis
A precis is a concise summary of a longer piece of writing, capturing its essential ideas and arguments in a condensed form. It differs from a paraphrase in its brevity and focus on the author's main points.
IPCC
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for assessing climate change, established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Key Statistics

According to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021), global surface temperature was 1.09°C higher in 2011–2020 than 1850–1900.

Source: IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021)

Global CO2 levels reached 419 parts per million (ppm) in 2021, the highest level in at least 800,000 years.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2021

Examples

The Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol (1997) was an international treaty that committed its signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, representing an early attempt at global climate action. It demonstrated the challenges of international cooperation on environmental issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a precis and a summary?

While both involve condensing information, a precis is typically more concise and focuses on the author's main argument and supporting points, while a summary can be more detailed and include additional information.