ENGLISH PRECIS & COMPOSITION PAPER Actually, English Précis and Composition Paper is more concerned with your expressions rather ...
ENGLISH PRECIS & COMPOSITION PAPER
Actually, English Précis and Composition Paper is more concerned with your expressions rather than the arguments. It's a test of your literary skills and command over English language and grammar. Do hand–pick standard books on grammar and cast your eyes over them, read between the lines and avoid cramming. Here, every portion is dealt with separately.
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| ENGLISH PRECIS & COMPOSITION PAPER |
PRÉCIS WRITING:
Précis writing is one of the most useful skills you can acquire for your work both as a student and as a professional. Précis writing involves summarizing a document to extract the maximum amount of information, then conveying this information to a reader in minimum words. A précis is a clear, compact logical summary of a passage. It preserves only the essential or important ideas of the original.
Here, I have for you a wonderful piece of advice regarding ―Précis Writing‖. I am sure Précis Writing is a hard nut to crack for all the aspirants out there, but not anymore I hope I do justice with the transferring of the knowledge. Well, I try my level best.
However, none of you is bound to follow this technique. If you find it useful, great! If not, even better. I hope we all learn a lot. Enjoy!
PREREQUISITES OF PRÉCIS WRITING
A good précis shows the writing skills of a candidate. It must have the following qualities.
1. Clarity: Clarity means getting your message across so that the receiver can understand what the writer is trying to convey. It is the basic and essential need of a précis. The ideas should be clear and understandable. There should not be any ambiguity in your writing. The writer can achieve clarity by using simple language and simple structure. If your précis is not understandable to the reader it will lose its importance and meanings for the reader.
2. Correctness: Mistakes in your writings always irritate the reader. Of course mistakes are never intentional; even so there is no excuse for them. At the time of writing or composing a précis the writer must ensure that the facts and figures are correct. Structure of sentences and spellings of words must be correct because a single mistake in structure and spelling may spoil the message. We may consider the mistakes under the following headings:
§ Misspelled words
§ Mistakes in figures and dates
§ Mistakes in punctuation
§ Mistakes of grammar and structure
3. Objectivity: Objectivity means the ability to present or view facts uncolored by feelings, opinions and personal bias. While making a précis, the writer should adopt an objective approach. He should not give and add his personal opinion and ideas in a précis. A précis should be purely a summary of the original text without any addition.
4. Coherence: Coherence means the logical and clear interconnection of ideas in a written piece of work. A good précis should be coherent. The ideas which are presented in a précis must have a logical connection and they all should be interrelated. In short we may say that the ideas should be well knitted so that the writer may not be confused and lose his interest.
5. Completeness: Another striking feature of a good précis is completeness. A précis should be complete in all respects. Completeness means that the writer should include all the important facts in a précis. To make it short he should not omit the important ideas. This mistake on the part of the writer will spoil the importance and meaning of the précis.
6. Conciseness: Conciseness is a desirable quality of a good précis. Conciseness means to say all that needs to be said and no more. The writer should write what is necessary and avoid writing unnecessary details. A concise piece of work conveys the message in the fewest possible words. But one point must be kept in mind that the writer should not omit some basic and essential facts to achieve conciseness. To achieve conciseness, notice the following suggestions:
§ Omitting unnecessary details
§ Eliminate wordy expressions
§ Include only relevant material
§ Avoid unnecessary repetition
GENERAL TIPS FOR PRÉCIS WRITING
1) Précis Writing is the first question of the subjective part.
2) Follow the sequence of the English Composition and Précis paper, so the examiner knows that you don‘t lack self–confidence
3) Spend almost 1 hour on this section
4) Be confident
5) The problems in précis writing are sometimes difficult vocabulary. Don‘t Panic. There are two types of meanings of difficult words.
Lexical Meanings: exact meanings out of the dictionary
Contextual Meanings: meaning of the word according to the context in which it is used. Contextual Meanings can be understood from the former sentence in which it is used or the latter. (Remember: Word is not important, the position of the word is.)
6) Start practicing Précis from passages of Psychology and Philosophy books. So go and get a pair of books on Philosophy and Psychology, read them with dictionary on and build your vocabulary, and then later start Past Papers.
For instance,
2005 précis passage was taken from book ―Modern Reading in Psychology‖
2006 précis passage was taken from ―Pleasures of Philosophy‖ by Will Durant
2017 précis passage was taken from "In the Praise of Idleness" by Bertrand Russell
STEP BY STEP GUIDANCE FOR PRÉCIS WRITING
A well written précis should be a serviceable substitute for the original work. The goal of a précis is to preserve the core essence of the work in a manner that is both clear and concise. Here, I‘m going to guide you step by step for Précis Writing.
1) Précis–writing is a very fine exercise in reading. Most aspirants read carelessly and retain only a vague idea of what they have read. Nothing provides a stronger corrective to such a habit than the practice of putting down briefly the substance of what has been just read. Précis–writing forces you to pay attention to what you have read. No one can write a summary of any passage unless he has read it attentively and grasped its meaning. Thus, summarizing is an excellent training in concentration. It teaches one to read with the mind as well as with the eye. Read the passage for the first time slowly in order to grasp the overall idea. (Only 15–20% meaning will be comprehended at this time)
2) In the second reading, highlight certain points. Points are divided into two categories;
a) ‗Are‘s‘: Facts and Figures (You can’t change them.)
b) ‗Are nots‘: Explanations and Details.
You are given 20 % permission to use words as they are, these are the facts and figures, Highlight them! In a normal passage of 300 to 400 words, you will be able to find 8 or 10 or 12 points.
3) On a fresh page, write down a heading ―Points for the Précis‖ and enlist all the points in your own words in a chronological order.
4) On the next page, make a heading ―Rough Draft”, with the help of Connectors/ Transitional Phrases, write down all the points you wrote on the previous page in a single whole paragraph.
5) Count the words of the original passage and the ones in your Rough Draft. Relaxation of 10 words is given by the examiner so that you do not miss out the important points. (Do not try to be over–efficient and avail this opportunity.)
6) Start editing your Rough draft and apply one word substitution or other techniques where applicable.
7) On a fresh Page, make a heading ‗Neat Draft’. Write down the material left after editing your ‗Rough Draft’. You need to write down your ‗Neat Draft’ within 105–110 words (if the original passage is 300 words, follow the 1/3rd Rule)
8) Using a Black Marker, write down ―Words in the Original Passage: 300 words‖ on a separate line. On the next, write down ―Required Number of Words=100 words‖. On the next, ―Words in the Précis: 108‖ (This is just a sample.)
9) Title of the Précis: “Title Giving” can be done by either giving ―Points of The Précis‖ a read and come up with a title, or figure it out through the Topic
Sentence, which is either written in the first sentence or the concluding one. The former method is more reliable.
The title of the Précis must be given, even if it is not asked. The hint for the title can be found in the central idea of the passage. In fact, the title is the central idea of the central idea—the Précis of the Précis. It should also be remembered that every word of the title (except Articles, Prepositions and Conjunctions) should begin with a capital letter. It can be:
a) In a phrase: ―Unemployment is one of the reasons behind Crime‖
b) Like the Topic of an Essay:
―Unemployment: a cause behind Crime‖ (Most Effective Title)
Go back to the portion where you wrote ―Points of the Précis‖ and ―Rough Draft‖ and put a cross using a Black Marker. The whole point of this exercise is to make the examiner see that you have followed a proper structure while attempting précis.
S/he‘ll be impressed.
Read the following passage and answer the question given at the end:
A life of action and danger moderates the dread of death. It not only gives us fortitude to bear pain, but teaches us at every step the precarious tenure on which we hold our present being. Sedentary and studious men are the most apprehensive on this score.
Dr. Johnson was an instance in point. A few years seemed to him soon over, compared with those sweeping contemplations on time and infinity with which he had been used to pose himself. In the still life of a man of letters there was no obvious reason for a change. He might sit in an arm chair and pour out cups of tea to all eternity would it had been possible for him to do so. The most rational cure after all for the inordinate fear of death is to set a just value on life. If we mere wish to continue on the scene to indulge our head–strong humour and tormenting passions, we had better be gone at once,; and if we only cherish a fondness for existence according to the good we desire from it, the pang we feel at parting which it will not be very server.
Questions:
1. Suggest a suitable title for the passage.
2. Make a précis of the passage.
Solution:
1. Suitable Title: The fear if death.
2. Summary or Précis: If we lead an active life facing dangers, we will less fear death. People, who lead a lazy and peaceful life, are the most afraid of death. The most sensible way of getting rid of the fear of death is to value life properly. If we do not give unnecessary importance to our life, we will not feel the pang of death.
COMPREHENSION:
Use Sandwich Strategy. Do not read the paragraph first. Read the questions first, so that a detector is set in your mind. When you read the questions first, you‘ll detect the answers right away. Underline those sentences, read the questions again. Answer now, in your own words only taking the concept and facts and figures from the paragraph.
Answer in a very comprehensive manner in 4 to 5 sentences. If the examiner asks you to write the meaning of the underlined words, lexical meaning is not required, contextual meaning is required.
Read the given passage then give brief answers to the questions placed at the end, in your own words (CSS 2002):
There is indeed, something inexpressibly pleasing in the annual renovation of the world and the new display of the treasures of nature. The darkness and cold of winter with the naked deformity of every object, on which we turn our eyes, make us rejoice at the succeeding season, as well for what we have escaped, as for what we may enjoy. Every budding Flower, which a warm situation brings early to our view, is considered by us a messenger to notify the approach of more joyous days.
The spring affords to a mind free from the disturbance of cares or passions almost everything that our present state makes us capable of enjoying. The Variegated verdure of the fields and woods, the succession of grateful odors, the voice of pleasure pouring out its notes on every side, with the gladness apparently conceived by every animal from the growth of his food and the clemency of the weather, throw over the whole earth an air of gaiety, significantly expressed by Smile of nature. (Samuel Johnson)
Questions:
1. Give meanings of the bold expressions in the passage in your own words.
Annual renovation (yearly renewal) Treasures of Nature (phenomenal beauty) Naked deformity (exposed disfigurement) Succeeding season (following period) Warm situation (pleasant weather) Variegated Verdure (colourful freshness) Grateful odors (welcoming fragrances)
Clemency of the weather (pleasantness of climate) Air of gaiety (scene of happiness)
Smile of nature (beauty of nature)
2. Say, how an early budding flower becomes a messenger of happy days? Answer: After the dullness of the winter, an early budding flower announces spring. The scenic beauty shoos cares away and bring happiness. Fields and
woods become colourfully fresh. Fragrances spread everywhere. Melodies can
be heard. Almost every shade of nature starts its charm and attractiveness.
3. Who, according to the writer can make the best of the spring season? Answer: A human being can make the best of spring season. He can feast his eyes on the scenic beauty around. He can enjoy the attractiveness of the multicoloured forests and lush green fields. Melodious singing of the birds can also soothe his ears. The beauty of the spring can free him from worries and cares of life.
4. Why are all animals glad at the approach of spring seasons?
Answer: In the spring the animals are glad to have plenty of food which was unavailable during winter. The animals either store food or face hanger as snow covers everything. The spring brings fresh fodder for the animals. The mild weather also makes animals happy. They leave their hideouts and graze.
SENTENCE CORRECTION:
Sentence Correction is essentially a test of English grammar and usage, so the best preparation for these questions is a review of the different grammar rules and their usage. I strongly advise you to pay attention to elements of grammar and sentence construction. There may be 10,000 rules of grammar but the Examiner judges you in the exceptional ones. Make a separate note book in which you need to write beneath it that where was the mistake, what was the rule, and how it works. Many GMAT Sentence Correction books are available on Google. Get one book and start practicing it!
For example:
He not only comes there for swimming but also for coaching new swimmers. (CSS 2017) Correct: He comes there not only for swimming but also for coaching new swimmers. Structure Rule: 'Either ... or', 'neither .... nor', 'both .... and', 'not only.... but also' should be followed by the same parts of speech.
VOCABULARY:
For improving your vocabulary, read as much as possible. Peruse books on a variety of topics and in many different genres. Underline words you do not know, try to determine the meaning of the word based on the context and then it up in the dictionary. The key to a better vocabulary is regular practice and progress. Maybe you can‘t learn a hundred new words a day, but you can learn one or two a day, totaling thousands of new words over the years. Suppose, if you remember ten words daily, think that after a month there would be 300 new words in your memory and it would make a special difference to the owner. I think English newspapers (Dawn Newspaper, The Economist) are the best source for it and keep in mind that you can't grasp them properly until you use them in your own sentences and work on three to four synonyms for that word. Moreover, the comprehension and precise paragraphs may contain hellish and hard words of vocabulary that may impede you getting what actually is being said. If you manage to crack those words, it would make quite easy for you to write your precise and answer the questions with good understanding. Here's an example for you.
Precipice: cliff, crag, rock face, brink, scarp
Sentence: The path had sheer rock on one side and a precipice on the other.
Wait and think, this word has 5 synonyms. You can use these synonyms instead of using same word again and again. So, open your mind like a child and you will learn words faster. Work on this strategy at least for one month and then learn how to use right word at right place using any lexicon (Recommended: Oxford Advanced Learner‘s Dictionary, 8th Edition). Another interesting way to learn vocabulary is through mnemonics (another file named Barron‘s Mnemonics can easily be download from Google.)
According to the perusal of English Précis and Composition Paper (CSS 2017), a good command over vocabulary is a mandatory factor to get through this paper. Vocabulary building is a systematic progress. Rote learning doesn‘t promise fruitful results. Many brilliant candidates may memorize hundreds of words but are unable to recall the same during exams. In order to keep the words in active memory, candidates are required to chalk out a comprehensive plan for ‗vocabulary building‘.
PHRASAL VERBS:
Understand the meaning of prepositions. If there are 1000 verbs and you understand 10 prepositions, you‘ll be able to understand 10, 000 phrasal verbs. Once the concept of prepositions is clear, Have a look at 10 Phrasal Verbs and comprehend the way a preposition changes the meaning of a verb. Building of the Perception‘ is going to help you in paper.
TRANSLATION & IDIOMS:
Read the sentence and try to make out the sense of the sentence. Try not to translate as it is, translate in ―almost‖ the same words. You can divide the given in the following segments:
1. Subject Verb Resolve
2. Phrase Resolve
3. Voice Resolve
4. Narration Resolve
5. Context Resolve
6. Conjunction Resolve
7. Idiom Resolve
8. Omission
9. Addition
10. Draft Resolve
FOR EXAMPLE:
1. Subject Verb Resolve: Some language experts – tried
2. Phrase Resolve: Origin of Urdu, Ancient Arian Era
3. Context Resolve: Find the roots, Find the traces
TRANSLATION
Some language experts tried to find the traces of Urdu in Ancient Arian era.
Idiomatic expression is not translated word for word. For idioms, try to read between the lines. Recommended book is: Azhar Idioms or Oxford Idioms
PAIR OF WORDS:
Aspirants need conceptual study. Exploring the world of English by Sayyid Saadat Ali Shah and any other book, try to make out the difference of the words. Explain the meaning of both words first and then make clear sentences.
For example:
Veracity, Voracity (CSS 2017)
They questioned the veracity of her story. (truth, truthfulness)
Arsalan was voracity in nature. (extreme appetite)
GROUPING OF WORDS (SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS):
Practice these from GRE Barron‘s Book preferably 15th Edition. You‘ll find a portion there for grouping of words. Plus, there are many online sources to practice that from, all of the grouping of words question of 2016–17 came from a website (just so you know). Recommended book is: Synonyms & Antonyms by Tariq Ali Khan
GRAMMAR:
Get good grammar books preferably Practical English Grammar (A. J. Thomson, A. V. Martinet), All about Competitive English (Prof. Muzaffar Bukhari), Practical English Usage (Michael Swan), Grammar in Use (Raymond Murphy), and clear your basic grammar skills i.e. Articles, Tenses, and Punctuations. There are a lot of grammar books on internet, do check them and choose whatever suits you best. If you manage to read at least 2 to 3 books on English Grammar, it would be more than enough and would make you confident in written expressions.
ANALOGY:
Analogy questions are used to test both logic and reasoning skills and word knowledge. These questions ask test takers to identify relationships between pairs of words. In order to solve analogy questions, you must first have a clear understanding of the words‘ definitions and then use that understanding to determine how the words are related. Analogy questions are often described as “blank is to blank as blank is to blank.” So for example, puppy : dog :: kitten : , is read ―puppy is to dog as kitten is to blank.‖ The answer is, of course, ―cat.‖ However, the ―blank is to blank‖ format does not really answer the question precisely. More accurately, you might describe the relationship between puppy and dog as ―a puppy is a young dog.‖ To determine the missing word, you might say ―a kitten is a young...‖ The key to solving an analogy question is to precisely describe the relationship between the pair of words and then apply the same relationship to determine which word completes the analogy.
Candidates, preparing for this section, should take online practice tests on Analogy Questions.
The relationships that are found in analogy questions fall into several general types.
1. Worker and article created. For example, composer : symphony.
2. Worker and tool used. For example, surgeon : scalpel.
3. Tool and object worked on. For example, saw : wood.
4. Time sequence. For example, sunrise : sunset.
5. Cause and effect. For example, dawn : twilight.
6. Degree of intensity. For example, joy : ecstasy.
7. Synonyms. For example, lie : prevaricate.
8. Antonyms. For example, real : fictional.
9. Sex. For example, bull : cow.
10. Symbol or representation. For example, dove : peace.
11. Action and significance. For example, cry : sorrow.
12. Manner. For example, shamble : walk.
13. Type and Category. For example, orange : citrus.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRANTS
To be specific for spelling, ―gathering‖ the words from newspapers and writing them down in your notebook will itself help you to remember the spelling. For those who still find it difficult, writing the spelling 10-20 times is suggested. You should avoid using ―short language‖ while chatting on social media. Your brain is very adaptive; such short words (misspelled) may cause trouble while taking exams. So always use properly spelled words while you converse.
A POINT TO UNDERSTAND
This paper is all about practice. Get your work checked by someone who could point out your mistakes. The point of all of the above exercises is to improving your academic written English. Though I am personally against the way this exam is trying to judge one‘s written English, however, try to improve your general English standard and you‘d be good to go. All the best!
