Which practice best helps a writer identify the main idea of a passage before summarising it?
Correct answer: B. Reading the passage for its overall message
- A. Counting all the descriptive words first
- B. Reading the passage for its overall message
- C. Replacing each sentence with a synonym
- D. Selecting the longest sentence as the topic
Explanation
Reading for the overall message helps distinguish the central idea from supporting details. Counting words or choosing the longest sentence does not reliably reveal the passage's purpose.
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About Summarising and Precis
Summarising and précis writing reduce a passage to its essential ideas while preserving its meaning, sequence and tone. The work involves separating main points from examples, removing repetition and decoration, using concise original wording, maintaining grammatical unity and avoiding personal comments, distortion or unnecessary detail.
Practise Summarising and Precis
30 free Summarising and Precis MCQs from Business Writing and Comprehension, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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