Structured Practice

Precis practice: The ethics of expertise

Precis

Precis 20 marks 35 minutes 120 words

Read the following original passage and write a précis of approximately one-third of its length. Supply a suitable title.

Experts possess specialised knowledge, but expertise does not automatically determine public policy. Scientific evidence may show likely consequences, while citizens and elected institutions decide which values and trade-offs should guide action. Problems arise when expertise is ignored for convenience or presented as if it contains no assumptions. Responsible experts explain uncertainty, disclose limitations, distinguish evidence from preference, and revise conclusions when new information appears. Responsible leaders use expertise seriously while remaining accountable for value-based choices. The relationship should be one of informed judgment rather than blind obedience or cynical rejection.

Practice workspace

Write notes or your response

35:00

Suggested approach

Identify the central claim, remove examples and repetition, preserve logical relationships, write in your own words, and add a concise title.

Self-assessment rubric

Accuracy 40%; compression 20%; coherence 20%; language 15%; title 5%.