ENG 100 Précis Assignments

A précis is a summary or abstract of a text. A précis should be brief and focused. Each assignment should contain five primary components and ONLY five components. 1) In a single coherent sentence give the name of the author, title of the work, and the date of the publication. 2) In a single coherent sentence state the author’s thesis, i.e., “the author argues that cats are superior to dogs.” 3) In a single coherent sentence summarize how the author develops and supports the thesis statement. 4) In a single coherent sentence give a statement of the author’s purpose. 5) In a single coherent sentence describe the relationship the author establishes with the audience.

Assignment #1Complete a précis for chapter two of Axelrod & Cooper's Concise Guide to Writing, “Remembering an Event.”

Assignment #2Complete a précis for chapter four of Axelrod & Cooper's Concise Guide to Writing, “Explaining a Concept.”

Assignment #3Complete a précis for chapter seven of Axelrod & Cooper's Concise Guide to Writing, “Justifying an Evaluation.”

Assignment #4Complete a précis for chapter eight of Axelrod & Cooper's Concise Guide to Writing, “Strategies for Invention & Inquiry.”

Assignment #5Complete a précis for Lorrie Moore’s short story, “How to Become a Writer."