Précis writing is an essential skill for the SEBI Grade A Descriptive English paper. It requires candidates to condense a passage into a concise summary while retaining its core message. Unlike essays, which allow for more elaborate explanations, précis writing demands clarity, brevity, and accuracy—skills that are crucial in the finance and regulatory sectors where SEBI operates.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to mastering précis writing for SEBI Grade A 2025. We’ll cover key strategies, common mistakes, and practice examples to help you write a high-scoring précis with ease.
What is Précis Writing?
A précis (pronounced pray-see) is a concise summary of a longer passage. The goal is to communicate the essence of the original text without altering its meaning or adding personal opinions. In the SEBI Grade A exam, candidates must write a précis demonstrating their ability to extract key points and present them logically.
Key Characteristics of a Good Précis:
- Clarity: The main ideas are clearly presented.
- Conciseness: Unnecessary details are eliminated.
- Accuracy: The original message remains unchanged.
- Coherence: Ideas flow logically from start to finish.
Why is Précis Writing Important in SEBI Grade A?
As a financial regulator, SEBI requires professionals to review lengthy reports and derive actionable insights. The précis-writing task evaluates:
- Your ability to grasp key ideas.
- Your proficiency in summarizing information accurately.
- Your communication skills under time constraints.
Scoring Criteria:
- Content relevance (main ideas retained).
- Grammatical correctness.
- Word limit adherence.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Précis
1. Read the Passage Carefully
Start by reading the given passage thoroughly. Your goal is to understand:
- The central theme.
- Supporting arguments.
- Key data or facts.
Pro Tip:
Read the passage twice—first for general understanding and then to identify main points.
2. Identify the Main Theme and Supporting Ideas
Underline or highlight key sentences that convey the passage’s core message. Identify:
- Primary Idea: The overarching theme or message.
- Secondary Ideas: Arguments, explanations, or examples supporting the main idea.
Example:
“The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plays a pivotal role in maintaining market integrity by regulating stock exchanges and protecting investors.”
- Primary Idea: SEBI ensures market integrity.
- Secondary Idea: It achieves this by regulating exchanges and protecting investors.
3. Create a Logical Structure
Organize the identified points into a structured format:
- Introduction: Mention the passage’s topic.
- Body: Present the key points without examples or anecdotes unless necessary.
- Conclusion: Conclude with the passage’s main takeaway.
Pro Tip:
Use simple sentences to convey complex ideas.
4. Write the Précis
When writing the précis:
- Use your own words (paraphrasing).
- Avoid personal opinions or interpretations.
- Follow the required word limit (SEBI often specifies it).
Word Count Tip:
If the passage is 300 words and the requirement is 120 words, aim for 115-125 words.
5. Revise and Edit
After writing the précis, review it for:
- Grammar errors
- Logical flow
- Word limit adherence
- Accuracy of the main idea
Pro Tip:
Reread the original passage to confirm that no crucial information has been omitted.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Including Irrelevant Details:
Mistake: Adding examples, anecdotes, or minor details from the passage.
Fix: Focus only on the core message and supporting arguments.
- Writing Personal Opinions:
- Mistake: Introducing opinions or assumptions not present in the passage.
- Fix: Stick to the passage’s content without subjective input.
- Ignoring the Word Limit:
- Mistake: Writing too short or too long.
- Fix: Practice with passages of varying lengths to develop summarization skills.
- Poor Sentence Structure:
- Mistake: Using long, convoluted sentences.
- Fix: Use short, clear sentences for better readability.
- Grammar and Spelling Errors:
- Mistake: Neglecting basic grammar rules.
- Fix: Regularly revise grammar concepts and proofread your work.
Practical Examples
Original Passage (200 words)
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) was established in 1988 to regulate the securities market and protect investor interests. Over the years, SEBI has introduced several reforms to enhance market transparency. For instance, the implementation of the ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked Amount) process simplified IPO applications and reduced instances of fund misuse. Additionally, SEBI has tightened disclosure norms for listed companies, ensuring greater accountability. Its initiatives, like the Investor Awareness Program, have educated millions of investors about market risks and opportunities. Despite these efforts, challenges persist in tackling market manipulation and insider trading. SEBI continues to evolve its regulatory framework to address emerging risks and maintain investor confidence in India’s growing financial markets.
Précis (67 words)
SEBI, established in 1988, regulates India’s securities market and protects investors. It introduced reforms like ASBA for simplified IPO applications and stricter disclosure norms for transparency. SEBI also conducts awareness programs to educate investors about market risks. Despite ongoing challenges like market manipulation, SEBI continuously adapts its regulations to ensure a stable, transparent, and trustworthy financial market environment.
Advanced Tips for Précis Writing
- Practice Summarizing News Articles:
Regularly read financial news and write précis to hone your skills. - Expand Your Vocabulary:
Knowing synonyms helps when paraphrasing. - Analyze High-Scoring Answers:
Review sample précis to understand what works best. - Time Yourself:
Set a timer during practice to simulate exam conditions. - Use Online Tools:
Utilize tools like Hemingway Editor for readability checks.
Recommended Resources
- The Hindu and Economic Times for practice passages.
- SEBI’s official publications for finance-related content.
- Grammar books like Wren & Martin to strengthen fundamentals.
Conclusion
Précis writing is an art that requires regular practice, attention to detail, and clarity of thought. In the SEBI Grade A exam, a well-structured, accurate précis can significantly boost your score. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined here, avoid common mistakes, and practice consistently to master this skill.
Remember: A précis is like a distilled essence of the original passage—powerful, clear, and precise.