Precis writing is an essential skill tested in the NPS Grade A 2025 Descriptive English Paper, requiring candidates to summarize a passage concisely while retaining its core meaning. Many aspirants lose marks due to avoidable mistakes, which can be rectified with proper practice and awareness.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the most common mistakes made in precis writing and provide expert strategies to overcome them.
1. Exceeding the Word Limit
📌 Mistake:
Many candidates write overly long summaries, failing to keep the precis within one-third of the original passage.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Always calculate the ideal word count before writing.
- Summarize concisely, eliminating unnecessary details.
- Use short, precise sentences instead of lengthy explanations.
2. Copying Sentences from the Passage
📌 Mistake:
Some candidates copy exact phrases from the passage instead of rewriting the content in their own words.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Paraphrase key points using your own vocabulary and sentence structure.
- Use synonyms and rephrase complex sentences while keeping the meaning intact.
- Ensure originality while summarizing.
3. Including Personal Opinions
📌 Mistake:
A precis must be objective, yet many candidates include personal opinions, interpretations, or conclusions that are not in the original passage.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Stick strictly to the author’s viewpoint, not your personal perspective.
- Avoid words like “I think,” “In my opinion,” or “This should be done.”
- Ensure your precis reflects only the main idea of the passage.
4. Ignoring Coherence and Logical Flow
📌 Mistake:
Some candidates write sentences without logical flow, making the precis disjointed and hard to read.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Maintain a clear connection between sentences.
- Use transition words like however, therefore, consequently, additionally, in contrast to ensure smooth reading.
- Read the precis aloud to check cohesion.
5. Retaining Irrelevant Details
📌 Mistake:
Candidates often include examples, statistics, or repetitive explanations that are unnecessary.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Identify core ideas and remove extra details.
- Summarize only the main points without additional descriptions.
- Keep the precis concise and to the point.
6. Missing a Proper Title
📌 Mistake:
Some candidates omit the title or write one that does not represent the passage accurately.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Choose a title that summarizes the core theme of the passage.
- Keep it short, precise, and relevant (5-7 words max).
- Ensure the title reflects the overall message of the passage.
7. Using Informal or Incorrect Language
📌 Mistake:
Using informal words, slang, or grammatical errors lowers the quality of the precis.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Use formal, academic language suitable for an exam.
- Avoid contractions (don’t → do not, can’t → cannot).
- Proofread your precis for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
8. Altering the Author’s Intent
📌 Mistake:
Sometimes, candidates misinterpret the original passage, leading to distorted meaning.
✅ How to Avoid:
- Understand the main theme before summarizing.
- Do not add or modify facts that are not in the passage.
- Ensure the precis stays true to the original meaning.
Example of Precis Writing (With & Without Mistakes)
Original Passage (150 Words):
“The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed industries worldwide. From healthcare to finance, AI is enhancing efficiency and decision-making. AI-powered chatbots handle customer queries, while predictive analytics optimize business operations. However, concerns about job displacement, data privacy, and ethical use of AI remain. Experts suggest balancing innovation with regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI development. As AI evolves, continuous learning and adaptability are crucial for workers to remain relevant in the changing job market.”
Incorrect Precis (With Mistakes):
🚫 Title: AI is the Future (Too vague)
🚫 Wordiness & Repetition – “AI is transforming industries globally, changing many sectors like finance and healthcare. Chatbots answer queries, while businesses use AI for operations. However, AI also has disadvantages, like job loss. Experts suggest regulating AI to avoid risks. Workers must upskill as AI continues to grow.”
Correct Precis (Error-Free)
✅ Title: AI’s Impact on Industries
✅ Concise & Objective Summary:
AI is revolutionizing industries by enhancing efficiency in sectors like finance and healthcare. It aids customer service and business optimization but raises concerns about job loss and ethics. Experts recommend regulatory oversight and continuous workforce upskilling to balance AI’s benefits and risks.
Final Tips for Avoiding Mistakes in Precis Writing
✅ Practice summarizing news articles and editorials to improve skills.
✅ Time yourself to enhance speed and accuracy.
✅ Expand your vocabulary for concise and effective writing.
✅ Revise past exam precis questions to understand expected formats.
✅ Proofread your answer to correct any grammar or structure errors.
Mastering precis writing for NPS Grade A 2025 requires clarity, conciseness, and coherence. By avoiding these common mistakes, following the right format, and practicing regularly, you can boost your performance and maximize your score.
🚀 Stay tuned for more expert tips on NPS Grade A 2025 preparation!