Preparing the CSS ‘right thing, right time

Passing and qualifying the CSS is not more than a problem if one has proper guidance and track. But the problem is how to get guidance and a track when one does not know the ABC of the CSS. For this, one has to consult the five years CSS past papers and the syllabus. This thing will take you on the right track. Whereas the problem of consulting the books is concerned, one should consult the books recommended by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) in the end of syllabus of each paper. Besides, the candidate should be confident enough to go through this exam and pray to Almighty God from the very first day.

If a candidate wants to attempt CSS or PMS he/she must make up his/her mind during their graduation studies. The purpose of this trick aims at the subject selection of those subjects which the candidates are going to opt for the final CSS attempt. In this perspective, while choosing the subjects of graduation, the candidates must opt for those subjects which are scoring and according to their own aptitude.

If a candidate wants to attempt CSS or PMS he/she must make up his/her mind during their graduation studies. The purpose of this trick aims at the subject selection of those subjects which the candidates are going to opt for the final CSS attempt. In this perspective, while choosing the subjects of graduation, the candidates must opt for those subjects which are scoring and according to their own aptitude.The scoring subjects can be Geography, Islamic History, Journalism, International Law, Sociology, International Relations, Regional Languages; Punjabi, Sindhi, Balochi, etc. These subjects are not only scoring at graduation level but also winning a differentiate position at CSS level. No one condones this fact that the level of CSS is equal to graduation means to say the syllabus, style and papers are exact match to graduation level.

First I would discuss how to prepare compulsory papers for those beginners who want their intake by 2012 then come to optional subjects. The first pre-requisite of the CSS is to improve your English at that level as there should not be a mistake in your writings. It does not matter either you are writing simple and short sentences.  In this regard, candidates are advised to read Daily Dawn, BBC News both listening and reading at the website, international affairs book published by Oxford on international politics. Then, the candidate should consult the past CSS essay papers to know the trend of the paper. The best way to prepare an essay is to get guidance from an English teacher.

The topics are very common and usually examiners take into mind the following pattern; social, political, economic and technical aspects. Students must have good understanding and enough knowledge about societal issues like poverty, bad governance, Pakistan is a rich country but poor management, causes of instability in Pakistan, problems facing our democracy, gender discrimination, social inequality, women empowerment; economic issues like tax reforms, budget, national finance commission award; religion like Islam vs West, Islamophobia, Islam and terrorism, pluralism; scientific issues like global warming, pollution; national issues like democracy, military intervention, provincial autonomy, energy crisis, independence of judiciary, media, disaster management; international issues like global terrorism, credit crunch, new world order, etc.

These above topics can be found in any CSS past papers if one wants to confirm these questions. The required thing is only that one should read the newspaper throughout the year and in the last two or three months, one will be in the position to mark the important topics to be asked in the CSS exams. In the above list, first take the social issues and get these essays checked by a CSS expert. In this process, one will improve the English grammar and essay as well as the pattern of the CSS.

In reading the substantive books, the students should have a good grip on History like the early life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), his sayings and life style, then the period of 711, the brief knowledge of the World War-I and World War-II, events like Vietnam war; causes and consequences, formation of OIC, oil crisis of 1973, Iran-Iran war, Soviet’s invasion in Afghanistan, The Great Game, WTO, Emerging China, US-Sino ties, Pakistan relations with its neighbouring countries, economy of the world and the world famous organisations; OIC, SAARC, ASEAN, ECO, UNO, SCO, NATO, EU, ASEAN Vs ECO, ASEAN Vs SAARC, etc. These topics are vital both for English essay as well as current affairs paper.

The most frequently asked question is that how to start an essay. Before starting an essay, make an effective and comprehensive outline in two or three pages in the form of short sentence and your outline must contain all the information which the candidates are going to discuss in the whole essay.

Divide English essay into paragraphs, the first paragraph should be bombastic and explain the topic of an essay in effective way. In the second paragraph, the candidates are advised to give a short summary of the whole essay so that the examiners will be able to know your point of view and all the relevant materials. My English essay book being published very soon will be helpful.Then the next paragraphs will be the thorough introduction of the essay, then give causes and support these causes by giving figures or by quoting events with strong arguments. After discussing the reasons and causes, candidates can disagree with the topic but he should have a good command to support his point of view vividly and candidly. In the second last or third last paragraph, the candidates can give valid suggestions on how to improve the problem or situation.

The last paragraphs should be the conclusion by summing up the whole discussion and highlighting the main events brief. Sometimes, the students become pessimist while concluding an essay. This is a negative approach. So the end should be positive in a sense by praying or giving hope.