R. Dhillon Solved Precis Passage Thirty One

• Flimsiest (adjective): Weakest; least convincing or least substantial
  • Contextual Explanation: The author notes that strikes often occur for the flimsiest reasons, meaning the excuses used to justify stopping work are frequently trivial or lack any real merit.
• Resort (verb): To turn to and adopt a strategy or course of action, especially an undesirable one, to resolve a difficult situation
  • Contextual Explanation: The passage criticizes those who resort to a strike for petty reasons, implying they are turning to an extreme measure far too quickly.
• Erring (adjective): Failing to adhere to the proper theory, belief, or standard of conduct; making a mistake
  • Contextual Explanation: Striking because action was taken against an erring colleague, one who actually did something wrong, is viewed by the author as a misuse of the right to strike.
• Tenements (noun): A room or a set of rooms forming a separate residence within a house or block of apartments
  • Contextual Explanation: Slum-dwellers are mentioned as striking when asked to move into new tenements, referring to the formal housing units built to replace their informal shelters.

The passage discusses the misuse of strikes in India. It explains that although a strike is a legitimate tool for workers to secure fair rights, it is often used irresponsibly for trivial reasons. The author further argues that such strikes ultimately harm workers themselves because wage increases without increased productivity lead to higher prices and reduced real benefits. Moreover, the passage's purpose is to highlight the widespread misuse of strikes and to explain that irresponsible strikes ultimately harm workers economically rather than benefit them.

Main Idea of the Passage

• Although strikes are a legitimate means of securing workers' rights, their frequent and trivial use harms the economy and, ultimately, leaves workers worse off.

Supporting Ideas Helping the Main Idea

• Strikes are a legitimate weapon for workers to obtain better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions when other methods fail.
• However, many strikes occur for trivial or unreasonable reasons, such as minor disputes or personal grievances.
• The tendency to strike is widespread among various groups, not just industrial workers.
• Workers often fail to realize they suffer the most from strikes.
• When wages rise without increased productivity, production costs increase.
• Higher production costs lead to higher prices of goods, which cancel out the workers’ wage gains.
• As a result, workers end up paying more for their necessities, making the apparent benefits of strikes meaningless.

Confused About Main and Supporting Ideas?

Kindly make sure to revise all five lectures on Precis Writing that I have already delivered. In these sessions, we discussed in detail:

• What a precis is and its purpose.
• What the main idea means and how to extract it effectively.
• What supporting ideas are and how to identify them.
• How to coordinate the main and supporting ideas while writing a concise, coherent precis.

Additionally, go through the 20 examples I shared in the WhatsApp groups. These examples highlight the Dos and Don’ts of Precis Writing, and revising them will help you avoid common mistakes and refine your technique.

Precis 1

In India, strikes have become increasingly common among different sections of society. Although strikes are a legitimate means for workers to secure better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions when other methods fail, they are frequently used for trivial grievances. This growing tendency extends beyond workers to other groups as well. However, strikers often fail to realize that they ultimately suffer the most. For instance, wage increases without corresponding productivity raise production costs, which in turn increase prices. Therefore, workers must spend more on essential goods, making the apparent benefits of strikes largely meaningless.

• Original Words in the Passage: 260
• Precis Word Count: 95
• Title: The Misuse of Strikes

Precis 2

Strikes in India are increasingly common and are often used for minor grievances. While strikes are a legitimate way for workers to obtain better wages, shorter hours, and improved conditions, their misuse has spread widely. Moreover, workers often fail to see that they themselves suffer most. For instance, when wages increase without greater productivity, production costs rise, leading to higher prices. Thus, workers are forced to spend more on essential goods.

• Original Words in the Passage: 260
• Precis Word Count: 71
• Title: Harmful Effects of Unnecessary Strikes

Precis 3

Strikes are a fair tool for securing better wages and conditions in India; however, they are often misused for trivial reasons. Moreover, workers fail to realize that wage increases without higher productivity raise production costs and prices. Hence, they are forced to spend more on necessities and ultimately remain ultimately disadvantaged.

• Original Words in the Passage: 260
• Precis Word Count: 51
• Title: Economic Reality of Strikes

Precis 4

Strikes are a legitimate tool for better wages and conditions in India, but their recurring use for trivial grievances has spread widely. Moreover, wage rises without productivity increase costs and prices, thus leaving workers in a poorer condition.

• Original Words in the Passage: 260
• Precis Word Count:
• Title: The Misuse of Strikes