Precis writing is a crucial skill for the NABARD Grade A Exam, especially in the descriptive section, where clarity and precision are highly valued. Here’s a guide to mastering precis writing and maximizing your score:
1. Understand the Essence of Precis Writing
- Precis writing is about condensing a passage to its essential points, keeping the key ideas intact while using fewer words. For NABARD, the goal is to capture the original passage’s main message concisely without altering the tone or intent.
- Aim for 120 words, as this is the word limit set in the NABARD Grade A syllabus. Precision and accuracy are more important than elaborate language.
2. Read Carefully and Comprehend Fully
- Start by reading the passage carefully to understand the main idea and supporting points. Identify the core theme, primary arguments, and any supporting examples.
- Avoid skimming. Instead, understand each paragraph’s purpose and how it contributes to the overall message, as this will help you select the most relevant points for your precis.
3. Identify Key Points and Filter Out the Rest
- Highlight key sentences or words that convey essential information. Focus on the main idea and critical details without including examples, anecdotes, or redundant information.
- Avoid including personal opinions, interpretations, or external information. Stick strictly to the content provided in the passage.
4. Use Your Own Words and Avoid Direct Phrases
- Paraphrase effectively by using your own words rather than copying phrases from the passage. Using synonyms and rephrasing sentences helps keep your precis original and reflects your understanding.
- Avoid complex vocabulary or unnecessary jargon. Keep your language simple, clear, and direct for maximum impact.
5. Structure Your Precis Logically
- Begin with a strong opening line that summarizes the main theme of the passage. This line should encapsulate the essence of the passage while being specific to the content.
- Maintain a logical flow, moving from one idea to the next in a way that mirrors the original passage’s structure. Each sentence should build on the previous one, creating a cohesive summary.
6. Maintain the Tone and Style of the Original Passage
- The tone of your precis should align with that of the original text. If the passage is analytical, keep your precis analytical; if it’s factual, avoid subjective language.
- This adherence to tone demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the author’s intent, which can improve your score.
7. Keep Track of the Word Count
- NABARD specifies a word limit of 120 words for the precis. Staying within this limit is crucial, as exceeding it may result in penalties.
- Practice writing within the word count by summarizing paragraphs of similar length. This will help you gauge how much to condense while preserving meaning.
8. Proofread and Edit Your Work
- After completing your precis, review it to ensure clarity and accuracy. Check for grammatical errors, typos, and redundancies, and ensure the final precis is concise.
- Look for opportunities to simplify sentences or remove any repetitive points that don’t add value. Clarity is paramount in a precis, so aim to refine sentences wherever possible.
9. Practice with NABARD Sample Passages
- Practicing with sample passages will improve your precis writing skills and familiarity with the exam format. Focus on NABARD-specific themes, like agriculture, rural development, and financial inclusion, to prepare effectively.
- Time yourself while practicing to develop speed and accuracy, which are essential during the actual exam.
Conclusion
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll enhance your precis writing skills, ensuring that your response is concise, clear, and captures the essence of the passage. A strong precis showcases both comprehension and communication skills, two qualities highly valued in the NABARD Grade A Exam.