Q.1 Which of the following best defines precis writing?
A detailed explanation of a passage
A summary of a passage in one’s own words
An exact copy of the passage
A critical analysis of the passage
Explanation - Precis writing involves condensing a passage to its essential points while maintaining the original meaning, using your own words.
Correct answer is: A summary of a passage in one’s own words
Q.2 What is the primary objective of precis writing?
To copy text word by word
To make the passage longer
To summarize the main ideas concisely
To include personal opinions
Explanation - The goal is to present the core ideas of a passage clearly and concisely without adding opinions or irrelevant details.
Correct answer is: To summarize the main ideas concisely
Q.3 Which of the following should be avoided in a precis?
Using your own words
Expressing personal opinions
Maintaining the original meaning
Condensing the text
Explanation - Precis should be an objective summary; personal opinions or interpretations should not be included.
Correct answer is: Expressing personal opinions
Q.4 While writing a precis, one must:
Include every detail of the passage
Use exact sentences from the passage
Eliminate redundant information
Add new examples to explain points
Explanation - A precis focuses on essential points, removing repetitions, examples, and minor details.
Correct answer is: Eliminate redundant information
Q.5 The ideal length of a precis is generally:
Longer than the original passage
Half the length of the original passage
One-third to one-fourth of the original passage
Exactly the same as the original passage
Explanation - A precis is a condensed version, typically one-third or one-fourth the length of the original while retaining all key ideas.
Correct answer is: One-third to one-fourth of the original passage
Q.6 Which of the following is a key rule in precis writing?
Use colloquial language
Include irrelevant anecdotes
Maintain sequence and clarity of ideas
Use complex sentences for style
Explanation - The sequence of ideas should remain logical and clear to ensure the summary conveys the original message accurately.
Correct answer is: Maintain sequence and clarity of ideas
Q.7 If a passage contains examples and illustrations, what should you do in a precis?
Include all examples in detail
Omit examples and retain the main idea
Replace examples with personal ones
Explain examples in your own words
Explanation - Precis focuses on essential ideas; detailed examples are unnecessary and make it lengthy.
Correct answer is: Omit examples and retain the main idea
Q.8 Which of the following is considered an error in precis writing?
Using concise language
Changing the original meaning
Summarizing the main points
Using formal vocabulary
Explanation - A precis must preserve the original meaning; altering it is a critical mistake.
Correct answer is: Changing the original meaning
Q.9 Which tense is generally preferred in precis writing?
Past tense
Present tense
Future tense
Mixed tense
Explanation - Present tense is often used in precis to give a clear and direct account of the ideas.
Correct answer is: Present tense
Q.10 Choose the correct precis of the sentence: 'The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, marking the passage of time every day.'
The sun rises and sets daily.
Time passes with the sun’s movement.
The sun moves east to west daily.
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west every day.
Explanation - This version is concise and captures the essential idea without unnecessary words.
Correct answer is: The sun rises and sets daily.
Q.11 What is the primary difference between an abstract and a precis?
A precis is shorter than an abstract
An abstract focuses on main ideas; a precis condenses content
A precis is subjective; an abstract is objective
Both are exactly the same
Explanation - An abstract highlights main points, often in technical writing, whereas a precis condenses the original passage in your own words.
Correct answer is: An abstract focuses on main ideas; a precis condenses content
Q.12 Which type of language is preferred in precis writing?
Colloquial and informal
Clear, formal, and precise
Flowery and decorative
Emotive and persuasive
Explanation - Precis writing should be clear, formal, and precise to convey ideas effectively without embellishments.
Correct answer is: Clear, formal, and precise
Q.13 What should you do if a passage has redundant phrases?
Include them to retain style
Eliminate them to shorten the passage
Replace them with similar phrases
Highlight them for emphasis
Explanation - Redundant phrases do not add value and should be removed to make the precis concise.
Correct answer is: Eliminate them to shorten the passage
Q.14 Which of the following words best describes the language of a good precis?
Verbose
Concise
Flowery
Emotional
Explanation - A precis should be brief and to the point, capturing only the essential meaning.
Correct answer is: Concise
Q.15 In a precis, pronouns should be:
Used liberally
Avoided to maintain clarity
Replaced with nouns if unclear
Both B and C
Explanation - Pronouns can sometimes create ambiguity; replace them with nouns if necessary and avoid overuse.
Correct answer is: Both B and C
Q.16 A precis should generally preserve:
The style of the author
The sequence of ideas
Minor examples
All illustrations
Explanation - Maintaining the logical flow ensures the summary reflects the original accurately.
Correct answer is: The sequence of ideas
Q.17 Which of the following is an important step before writing a precis?
Memorize the passage
Identify the main ideas
Rewrite the passage word for word
Add personal insights
Explanation - Understanding the main ideas is essential to produce an accurate and concise summary.
Correct answer is: Identify the main ideas
Q.18 Which one of the following is true about precis writing?
It should be longer than the original passage
It must retain the tone and style of the original
It is an exact copy of the original
It condenses the content without personal opinions
Explanation - Precis should summarize ideas objectively and concisely.
Correct answer is: It condenses the content without personal opinions
Q.19 What is the correct approach if a passage is very technical?
Include all technical jargon
Simplify ideas without losing meaning
Replace technical terms with opinions
Ignore the technical details
Explanation - Technical passages should be summarized in simple language while preserving accuracy.
Correct answer is: Simplify ideas without losing meaning
Q.20 Which of these is NOT a common error in precis writing?
Adding personal examples
Maintaining original meaning
Using exact words excessively
Including irrelevant details
Explanation - Maintaining the original meaning is correct practice, not an error.
Correct answer is: Maintaining original meaning
Q.21 Which skill is most crucial for writing a good precis?
Memory retention
Analytical ability
Artistic expression
Storytelling
Explanation - Analyzing the passage to extract key ideas is essential for writing an effective precis.
Correct answer is: Analytical ability
Q.22 Which statement is true about the language in precis writing?
It should be elaborate and decorative
It should be simple, clear, and formal
It should reflect the writer’s personal style
It should include unnecessary details
Explanation - Precis writing values clarity and formality over embellishment or personal style.
Correct answer is: It should be simple, clear, and formal
Q.23 How should you handle quotations in a precis?
Include all quotations
Paraphrase them where possible
Replace them with personal views
Ignore main points of quotations
Explanation - Quotations can be summarized in your own words to make the precis concise.
Correct answer is: Paraphrase them where possible
Q.24 Which of the following is a principle of effective precis writing?
Adding additional information
Maintaining objectivity
Using exaggerated language
Following a creative narrative
Explanation - Precis writing must remain neutral, focusing on conveying the original ideas accurately.
Correct answer is: Maintaining objectivity