Rhetoric & Composition I Rotating Header Image

Using précis summary language to write with confidence, precision & authority

It might seem like a small thing in the big scheme of things, but notice how this letter writer integrates — in précis language — both the argument (“propose that“) and how she does it (“reaches into her own personal history“). She’s able to summarize the whole article in just one sentence. It’s not an accident. The result is brisk, direct, clear writing that allows her to continue on and make her case. This is how you can and should use your practice from your précis summary language to write with confidence, with precision, and with authority.