In the demanding landscape of CSS , PMS, and UPSC examinations, Precis Writing is a critical skill that tests not only your comprehension and conciseness but also your mastery of fundamental grammatical elements: tense, person, and voice. Consistent and appropriate use of these elements is paramount to producing a clear, coherent, and grammatically sound precis that accurately reflects the original passage without introducing your own perspective or linguistic errors.
Understanding and applying the correct tense, person, and voice ensures your precis maintains objectivity, professionalism, and adheres to the strict standards expected by examiners. Let's explore each of these aspects in detail, with numerous examples relevant to the CSS and PMS context.
1. Tense in Precis Writing
The choice of tense in a precis is crucial for maintaining fidelity to the original text and ensuring grammatical accuracy. Generally, a precis should maintain a consistent tense, which is often past tense when summarizing historical events or narratives, or present tense when summarizing general truths, arguments, or scientific facts. The key is to follow the primary tense of the original passage.
General Rule
- If the original passage primarily discusses historical events, past actions, or a narrative, use the past tense in your precis.
- If the original passage discusses universal truths, scientific facts, arguments, or ongoing situations, use the present tense.
A. Original in Past Tense, Precis in Past Tense
Example 1 (from a historical passage)
In 1947, Pakistan gained independence. The partition of British India led to significant migration and immense challenges for the newly formed nation.
- Precis Example
Pakistan gained independence in 1947, a period when the partition of British India resulted in considerable migration and formidable challenges for the nascent state." - Explanation
The original describes historical events, so the past tense ("gained," "resulted") is maintained.
Example 2 (from a biographical passage)
Dr. Allama Iqbal articulated the vision for a separate Muslim homeland in his Allahabad Address. His philosophical poetry inspired millions.
- Precis Example
Dr. Allama Iqbal articulated the vision for a separate Muslim homeland in his Allahabad Address, and his philosophical poetry inspired millions. - Explanation
Summarizing past actions of a historical figure.
B. Original in Present Tense, Precis in Present Tense
Example 1 (from an argumentative passage)
Climate change poses an existential threat to humanity. Rising global temperatures lead to extreme weather events and sea-level rise.
- Precis Example
Climate change poses an existential threat, as rising global temperatures cause extreme weather and sea-level rise. - Explanation
The original discusses a current, ongoing global issue and its effects, so the present tense is appropriate.
Example 2 (from a philosophical passage)
True happiness lies not in the accumulation of material wealth but in the cultivation of inner peace and meaningful relationships. Self-reflection is essential for personal growth.
- Precis Example
True happiness resides in cultivating inner peace and meaningful relationships, rather than accumulating material wealth. Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth. - Explanation
The original states universal truths/philosophical arguments, which are best summarized in the present tense.
C. Mixed Tenses in Original (and how to handle)
Sometimes, an original passage might mix tenses. The precis should primarily follow the main tense of the passage, but can shift if absolutely necessary to reflect a change in time frame within the original. However, avoid unnecessary shifts.
Example
The industrial revolution, which began in the 18th century, transformed societies. Today, technology continues to reshape our world at an unprecedented pace.
- Precis Example
Beginning in the 18th century, the industrial revolution transformed societies. Presently, technology continues to reshape the world rapidly. - Explanation
The precis reflects the shift from past historical event to current ongoing impact.
2. Person in Precis Writing
The person refers to the perspective from which the writing is done. In precis writing, objectivity is paramount, which dictates the use of the third person.
General Rule
Always use the third person (he, she, it, they, the author, the government, etc.). Avoid the first person ("I," "we," "my," "our") and the second person ("you," "your"). The precis is a summary of what the author said, not a personal reflection or direct address to the reader.
A. Converting First Person to Third Person
Example 1
I believe that education is the most powerful tool for societal change. We must invest more in our schools.
- Precis Example
The author believes that education is the most powerful tool for societal change. They argue that greater investment in schools is necessary. - Explanation
I believe" becomes "The author believes," and "We must" becomes "They argue that... is necessary.
Example 2
From my perspective, the economic reforms initiated last year have yielded positive results. Our analysis confirms this trend.
- Precis Example
From the author's perspective, the economic reforms initiated last year have yielded positive results. Their analysis confirms this trend. - Explanation
My perspective" becomes "the author's perspective," and "Our analysis" becomes "Their analysis.
B. Converting Second Person to Third Person
Example 1
You must understand that responsible citizenship is vital for national progress. Your actions contribute to the collective good.
- Precis Example
It is emphasized that responsible citizenship is vital for national progress. Individual actions contribute to the collective good. - Explanation
You must understand" is rephrased impersonally or attributed to the author's emphasis. "Your actions" becomes "Individual actions.
Example 2
If you wish to succeed in the competitive examination, you should prioritize consistent practice and time management.
- Precis Example
To succeed in the competitive examination, one should prioritize consistent practice and time management. - Explanation
You" is replaced with the impersonal "one" or "candidates/aspirants.
3. Voice in Precis Writing
Voice refers to whether the subject of the sentence performs the action (active voice) or receives the action (passive voice). While both are grammatically correct, the active voice is generally preferred in precis writing for its conciseness and directness. However, the passive voice can be used effectively when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when the focus is on the action or the recipient.
General Rule
Prefer active voice for clarity and conciseness, but use passive voice judiciously when appropriate, especially if the original passage emphasizes the receiver of the action.
A. Preferring Active Voice for Conciseness
Example 1 (Passive)
Significant progress was made by the research team in developing a new vaccine.
- Precis Example (Active)
The research team made significant progress in developing a new vaccine. - Explanation
Active voice is more direct and uses fewer words.
Example 2 (Passive)
The decision to impose new taxes was announced by the finance minister.
- Precis Example (Active)
The finance minister announced the decision to impose new taxes. - Explanation
Clearly identifies the actor.
B. Using Passive Voice When Appropriate (Focus on action/recipient)
Example 1 (Active)
Someone discovered the ancient ruins in the desert last year. (Actor unknown/unimportant for summary)
- Precis Example (Passive)
The ancient ruins were discovered in the desert last year. - Explanation
Focus is on the discovery itself, not who discovered it.
Example 2 (Active)
The government implemented the new policy across all provinces. (Focus on policy's implementation)
- Precis Example (Passive)
The new policy was implemented across all provinces. - Explanation
Emphasizes the policy's widespread application.
4. Putting it All Together: Examples
Let's see how tense, person, and voice work in concert within a longer precis example.
Example Passage
In my opinion, the challenges facing developing countries today are multifaceted, encompassing economic instability, social inequality, and environmental degradation. We have observed that unchecked population growth exacerbates these problems significantly. Therefore, it is imperative that governments, along with international organizations, initiate comprehensive reforms. If you fail to address these issues now, the future generations will suffer immensely.
Analysis for Precis
- Main Tense
Present (discussing current challenges and ongoing issues). - Person
Mix of first ("my opinion," "we have observed") and second ("If you fail"). Needs to be converted to third. - Voice
Mix of active and passive. Can be made more concise.
Precis
The author highlights the multifaceted challenges confronting developing countries, including economic instability, social inequality, and environmental degradation. They observe that unchecked population growth significantly exacerbates these problems. Consequently, it is imperative that governments and international organizations initiate comprehensive reforms, as failure to address these issues now will cause immense suffering for future generations.
- Tense
Primarily present tense ("highlights," "confronting," "is," "exacerbates," "cause") to reflect the ongoing nature of the challenges and arguments. "Will cause" for future consequence. - Person
Converted from first ("my opinion," "we have observed") and second ("If you fail") to third person ("The author highlights," "They observe," "failure to address"). - Voice
Mostly active voice ("author highlights," "they observe," "failure... will cause") for directness. "Is imperative" (passive construction) is retained as it emphasizes the necessity.
5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Inconsistent Tense
Shifting between past and present tense without a clear reason. - Personal Pronouns
Using "I," "we," or "you" in the precis. - Subjective Language
Injecting your own opinions or interpretations, which often comes with inappropriate person or tone. - Awkward Passive Voice
Overusing passive voice where active voice would be clearer and more concise. - Changing the Author's Intent
While rephrasing, ensure the original meaning is perfectly preserved, regardless of tense, person, or voice changes. - Grammatical Errors
Regardless of tense, person, or voice, fundamental errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation will always lead to deductions.
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Learning to write the appropriate use of tense, person, and voice is fundamental to writing a high-scoring precis in the CSS and PMS examinations. It underscores your ability to maintain objectivity, grammatical accuracy, and conciseness, all critical attributes for a successful civil servant. By consistently applying the third person, selecting the correct and consistent tense based on the original passage, and judiciously employing active voice for clarity, you will craft summaries that are not only grammatically sound but also powerfully effective in conveying the essence of any given text. Practice these techniques diligently, and you will undoubtedly elevate your precis writing skills to the required professional standard.
