CSS PRÉCIS WRITING: Not a Writing Test; A Thinking Test.
1. Why Précis Writing Decides Whether You Pass or Fail CSS
Students fail not because of weak English but because they cannot:
- Extract the central argument
- Compress abstract ideas
- Reconstruct meaning in new words
- Maintain accuracy under pressure
Précis= Compression + Interpretation + Reconstruction
2. What Exactly Is a Précis?
The Compression Ratio Rule
This is the 1:3 Compression Ratio.
If the ratio is wrong, the précis has already failed.
3. Why Students Actually Fail CSS Précis
- Reading the passage linearly, not hierarchically
- Preparing with the wrong content
- No training in abstract argumentation
- Fear of dense academic prose
- Inability to reconstruct meaning structurally
3. The Source Code of CSS Passages
CSS passages come from:
Philosophy / Political Theory
Sociology / International Relations
Economics / Development Studies
Growth, markets, policy actions
Reading Roadmap
Stop reading:
- Stories
- Newspapers
- Novels
Start reading:
- Analytical essays
- Policy arguments
- Academic-style commentaries
This trains your mind for CSS-style abstraction.
4. The 10 Absolute Rules of CSS Précis Writing
Rule 1: Identify the Thesis
One major claim + 3–5 idea blocks.
Rule 2: No Additions
No assumptions, extra examples, interpretations.
Rule 3: No Omissions
Preserve all major idea blocks.
Rule 4: Rephrase Everything
No copying of structure or sentence flow.
Rule 5: Use Nominalization
Rule 6: Use Voice Reversal
Rule 7: Obey the 1:3 Compression Ratio
Non-negotiable.
Rule 8: Preserve Logical Flow
Thesis → Idea block 1 → Idea block 2 → Conclusion.
Rule 9: Use Clean English
Objective, plain, academic.
Rule 10: Perfect Title (with Title Case)
Capitalize:
- First word
- Nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs
Do NOT capitalize:
- a, an, the
- and, or, but
- in, on, of, at
- (Unless first word.)
5. Deep Dive: The Two Core Transformation Tools
Tool 1: Nominalization
- Democracy fails when institutions weaken. → Institutional weakness causes democratic decline.
Tool 2: Active/Passive Voice Reversal
- Economic growth is being hindered by corruption.→ Corruption hinders economic growth.
These two tools guarantee structural originality.
6. The Psychology of Passing CSS
You fail CSS because of:
- Wrong reading habits
- Shallow paraphrasing
- No structural thinking
- External blame mentality
7. The Précis Lab: 15-Minute Interactive Activity
Part 1: Extract the Thesis (5 min)
Students mark thesis + idea blocks.
Part 2: Three-Line Central Idea (5 min)
- Thesis
- Argument structure
- Conclusion
Part 3: Model Précis Skeleton (New Refinement)
Displayed on screen:
- Central Claim: …
- Idea Block 1: …
- Idea Block 2: …
- Idea Block 3: …
- Conclusion: …
This provides immediate structural clarity.
8. Title Writing Workshop
Characteristics of a Strong CSS Title
- Abstract
- Concise
- Captures the thesis
- Title Case
- No unnecessary verbs / examples
Examples:
- The Architecture of Institutional Failure
- Moral Uncertainty in Democratic Politics
9. Live Demonstration: A 105-Word Précis
Read the passage → extract ideas → apply nominalization + voice reversal → write → count words → finalize.
Students witness the complete transformation.
10. The Précis Quality Control (QC) Checklist
The Mandatory Précis QC Checklist
| Checkpoint | Rule Focus | Status (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Compression Ratio | Is the précis N/3 ± 5% words? Did you write the word count below the précis? | Y/N |
| 2. Core Fidelity | Did you preserve the thesis and all major idea blocks? Is the logic intact? | Y/N |
| 3. Structural Transformation | Are all sentences rewritten in your words? Did you use Nominalization or Voice Reversal in every sentence? | Y/N |
| 4. Objectivity and Tone | Is the tone academic and neutral? Are there NO opinions, idioms, examples, or emotional markers? | Y/N |
| 5. Title & Grammar | Is the title in Title Case? Is tense consistent and in third person? | Y/N |
Why This Checklist Guarantees Passing
- It forces length accuracy
- It prevents “hidden opinions”
- It checks structural originality
- It ensures title perfection
- It catches the 5 most common failure points
This converts knowledge → discipline → exam performance.
