SLO Pre-Assessment: Précis The purpose of this writing assessment is to measure the use of precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to manage the complexity of the topic.

Directions: Write a Précis on the text provided. Remember, this is a highly structured 4-sentence paragraph. Follow the structure below and write in the space provided.

Sentence 1:

The name of the author,

A phrase describing the author (optional),

The type and title of work, the date of the work (inserted in parentheses),

A rhetorically accurate verb (such as “assert,” “argue,” “suggest,” “imply,” “claim,” etc.) that describes what the author is doing in the text,

A ‘that’ clause in which you state the major assertion (thesis statement/claim) of the author’s text.

Sentence 2:

An explanation of how the author develops and/or supports the thesis (for instance, comparing and contrasting, defining, narrating, illustrating, defining, using humor or sarcasm, relating personal experience, depending on facts/statistics /opinion, etc.) Consider the author’s organization, use of evidence, and/or strategies used to construct his/her argument. Your explanation is usually presented in the same chronological order that the items of support are presented in the work.

Sentence 3:

A statement of the author’s apparent purpose, followed by an IN ORDER TO phrase in which you explain what the author wants the audience to do or feel as a result of reading the work.

Sentence 4:

A description of the intended audience and the relationship the author establishes with the audience.