Introduction
In Pride and Prejudice, Lady Catherine de Bourgh has heard that her wealthy nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, is planning to propose to Elizabeth Bennet, instead of her own daughter. She has raced to Longbourn, Elizabeth’s home, to demand an explanation of the ‘impossible’, but Lizzy sees no reason to be defensive.
“If you believed it impossible to be true,” said Elizabeth, colouring with astonishment and disdain, “I wonder you took the trouble of coming so far. What could your ladyship propose by it?”
“At once to insist upon having sach a report universally contradicted.”
“Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family,” said Elizabeth, coolly, “will be rather a confirmation of it; if, indeed, such a report is in existence.”
“If! do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such a report is spread abroad?”
“I never heard that it was.”
“And can you likewise declare, that there is no foundation for it?”
“I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. You may ask questions, which I shall not choose to answer.”
“This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being satisfied. Has he, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?”
“Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.”
Précis
Lady Catherine de Bourgh has declared rumours that her nephew, Mr Darcy, will propose to Elizabeth Bennet are ‘impossible’. That being so, replies Elizabeth, no further discussion is necessary; but her ladyship, acknowledging the rumours are real enough, still demands confirmation or denial of their content, which Elizabeth refuses to give.
(51 / 60 words)
Lady Catherine de Bourgh has declared rumours that her nephew, Mr Darcy, will propose to Elizabeth Bennet are ‘impossible’. That being so, replies Elizabeth, no further discussion is necessary; but her ladyship, acknowledging the rumours are real enough, still demands confirmation or denial of their content, which Elizabeth refuses to give.
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Variations:
1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 55 words.
2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 45 words.
3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, despite, ought, since, unless, until, whether, who.
Word Games
Suggest answers to this question. See
if you can limit one answer to exactly
seven words.
Variations:
1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words.
2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words.
3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Express the ideas below in a single
sentence, using different words as much as possible.
Do not be satisfied with the first answer you
think of; think of several, and choose the best.
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