What is the Difference Between Summary and Precis?

The main difference between a summary and a précis lies in the structure, language, and purpose of these two forms of condensing information. Here are the key differences:

1. Structure and Language: In a précis, you use the language and structure of the original source, particularly key terms and phrases. In a summary, you must use your own words as much as possible and as few words from the original as possible.
2. Purpose: A summary's purpose is to provide a concise version of all the main points of an article, while a précis is a small model of an article or a paragraph with only the crucial points included. A précis is meant to remind yourself of what the original said and is often used for academic purposes.
3. Conclusion: A précis must mention the conclusion of the original piece, while a summary does not necessarily need a conclusion unless the original piece ends with an important message.
4. Length: A précis can be between 100-200 words and usually can be shortened to one-fifth or one-sixth of the length of the original text. A summary, on the other hand, can be as short as a few sentences or as long as a few paragraphs, depending on the original text and the purpose of the summary.

In summary, a précis is a more detailed and structured condensation of an original piece, while a summary is a more general overview of the main points.

Comparative Table: Summary vs Precis

A summary and a precis are both concise versions of a text, but they have different characteristics and purposes. Here is a table summarizing the differences between a summary and a precis:

A summary is a concise version of an article or book, briefly covering all the main points. It can be written in the author's own words and does not have to follow the original order or structure. A precis, on the other hand, is a more structured and formal condensation of a text, retaining the original order, tone, and meaning. It focuses on crucial points only and includes a title and conclusion.