1. The Art of Precis Writing

2. Definition
The precis is a four sentence paragraph that records the essential elements of an essay.
Each of the four sentences requires specific information.
Quotations may be integrated to convey the author’s sense of style and tone.

3. Writing a Rhetorical Precis
Format:
Each sentence of the paragraph should contain the following information:

4. Sentence 1
Name of author, [optional: a phrase describing the author], the
genre and title of the work, date in parentheses (additional
publishing information in parentheses or note), a rhetorically
accurate verb (such as "assert," "argue," "suggest," "imply,"
"claim," etc.), and a THAT clause containing the major assertion
(thesis statement) of the work.

5. Sentence 1 (continued) Think of it this way:
WHO are you talking about?
WHAT is his background?
WHAT did he write?
WHAT year was it written?
WHAT is his point?

6. Example of Sentence 1
Bell Hooks, in her essay “Women Who Write Too Much: From Remembered Rapture” (1999), suggests that all dissident writers, particularly black female writers, face enormous time pressures, for if they are not prodigious, they are never noticed by mainstream publishers.

7. Sentence 2
An explanation of how the author develops and/or supports the thesis usually in chronological order.
Think of it this way:
HOW does she prove her thesis?
DOES she offer interviews, official data,
other outside sources or anecdotes?

8. Example of Sentence 2
She supports her position first by describing her early writing experiences that taught her to “not be afraid of the writing process,” second, by explaining her motives for writing, including “political activism,” and lastly, by affirming her argument, stressing that people must strategically schedule their writing and “make much of that time.”

9. Sentence 3
A statement of the author's apparent purpose, followed by an "in order" phrase.
Think of it this way:
Is she trying to entertain you? Persuade you to feel a certain way or change your mind about an issue? Is she trying to inform you – sharing information that teaches?
WHY is that her purpose? In order to accomplish what?

10. Example of Sentence 3
Her two-pronged purpose is to respond to critics and to encourage minority writers to develop their own voice.

11. Sentence 4
A description of the intended audience and/or the relationship the author establishes with the audience.
Think of it this way:
WHO is the author trying to address?
For example, is she talking to teachers? Parents? Senior citizens? Latinos? Muslims? Registered voters? It could be anyone.
You need to determine if the audiance is addressed formally or informally, etc...

12. Example of Sentence 4
Although at times her writing seems almost didactic, Hooks ultimately establishes a companionable relationship with her audience of both critics and women who seek to improve the effectiveness of their own writing.
Koster, Jon. “Rhetorical Precis.” Rhetorical Review
Vol. 7, No. 1, Fall Aug Print

13. Citation Required!
Your precis and reading response should be formatted accoding to MLA rules.