I have to write a concise precis of a short story that I read, consisting of 130 words. What is a 'precis'?

A very concise summary!

http://www.answers.com/precis

130 words -- that'll be concise!

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http://www.google.com/search?q=writing+precis&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA

In addition, here are several sites that will help you with the actual writing, especially the first five or so.

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A précis is a condensed summary or abstract of a longer piece of writing, such as an article, essay, or in your case, a short story. It aims to capture the main ideas, key points, and important details of the original work within a limited word count. Writing a concise précis requires careful reading, critical thinking, and the ability to weed out irrelevant details while preserving the essence of the story. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Read the short story thoroughly, paying attention to its main theme, plot, characters, conflicts, and resolution.
2. Identify the most significant events, turning points, or climaxes that drive the story forward.
3. Take note of any key quotes or dialogues that highlight important ideas or character development.
4. Determine the central message or moral of the story and consider how it is conveyed.
5. Begin writing your précis, aiming for clear and concise sentences while summarizing the story's essential elements within the given word count.
6. Proofread your précis to ensure it accurately captures the essence of the story while fitting within the word limit.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't worry if it takes a few attempts to get it just right!