Queries of CSS Hopefuls

Q1: How should one write the introductory and concluding paragraphs? And please explain the difference between a ‘general statement’ and ‘thesis statement’.

In the introductory paragraph you explain the topic and make your ‘thesis statement’ around which your essay revolves. The introductory paragraph also reflects your outline ‘the course your argumentation would follow. Some people prefer starting the essay with a quote, which is a good strategy, but it must be relevant to the topic. The concluding paragraph is the most important part of your essay. In it, you give a logical end to the arguments given in your essay. Your essay contains a number of points, arguments and examples that you have given in support of your thesis. In the concluding paragraph you sum up your arguments and give a final punch by reiterating the strongest points.

The ‘general statement, in the essay is the opening statement which starts your argument on the topic. Thesis statement is a roadmap for your essay. After a brief introduction of your topic, usually in a few sentences, you state your point of view on the topic directly, precisely and specifically, and often in just one sentence.

This sentence is the ‘thesis statement’ and it serves as a summary of the arguments make at the outset. The rest of your essay gathers and organizes evidence that will prove the logic of your explanation.

Q2: Can we start the essay with a relevant quotation?

You may start it with a suitable quotation but it must be relevant to your topic. A wise use of quotations adds more value to your essay. Generally, literary quotes are preferable over statements. It is always handy to have four to five relevant quotes or verses for each topic you prepare for your essay. You can get famous quotes on important topics by browsing the Internet.

Q3: It is generally believed that ‘Everyday Science’ enriches your ‘General Knowledge’ because ‘Current Affairs’ and ‘Pakistan Affairs’ are less scoring subjects. But, then, how should those unable to reconcile with ‘Everyday Science’ proceed for good marks in the ‘Current Affairs’ and ‘Pakistan Affairs’ papers?

I would advise them to focus on all the three papers and evolve strategies for each one of them separately. If you find ‘Everyday Science’ difficult to prepare, you should focus on those selected topics which are important from the examination point of view. Consulting the past papers is crucial because most of the questions are repeated. For the ‘Pakistan Affairs’ paper, try to attempt questions from the post-1947 Section as there is more margin of scoring in them. Prepare topics with relevant facts and up-to-date information. Try to adopt a critical approach in attempting questions. In the ‘Current Affairs’ paper, the candidates should try to write to-the-point answers precisely. In an in-depth analysis of issues, it is not too hard to get good marks. Drawing a map is a requirement of most of the questions in this paper. Therefore, start focusing on each paper and try to get a good aggregate in the ‘General Knowledge’ paper.

Q4: I had opted for Muslim Law and studied it thoroughly. Not only that I also took the tests and got good marks but the result of CSS Exam 2012 (written) disappointed me, and now I’m in a fix whether to sit the CSS 2013 Exam or not?

It happens every year with ‘Detailed Marks Certificates’ of failed candidates showing the ‘trend’ of Optional Subjects. It puts them in a fix as to change their Optional Subjects or then stick to their earlier choices. They must realise that getting good scores in a subject demands a planned and thorough preparation. The Muslim Law is a technical subject and you have to provide references from different sources of Shariah (Islamic law) as well as historical references. If you can meet the demand of this paper, you should go for it ignoring the results of the failed lot.

Q5: What is the best way to attempt a short essay or expansion of an idea?

The expansion or short-essay is a very tricky question in the precis paper. Most of the candidates, lingering in the mood of the English Essay paper, tend to write four to five pages for a short essay, thinking it would meet the requirement. Here it becomes tricky as you are required to remain within the domain of that argument. Thus the more you write, the greater are the chances of deviating from the given topic. You must focus on understanding the real meaning of a given sentence and then restricting your arguments to that. The idea here is not to test your command over the English language but to test your ability to comprehend an argument and explain it correctly.

You may start your answer with a general explanation of the real sense or meaning of the topic explaining it in simple words and highlighting its central idea. Then you may give one example from the general phenomena or the Law of Nature. The third point may comprise any specific example. Many topics have more than one perspective and you may mention the opposite point of view as exceptions to the general rule. Lastly, you should conclude the argument by summing up. Try to be precise and maintain the flow of passages.

Q6: Many candidates failed in Sindhi, Arabic etc. in the last two years. Does that mean that now the days are over when language papers were known as the high-scoring subjects?

The candidates must appreciate the fact that only opting for a certain subject does not guarantee any score on its own. Getting good scores in any subject demands a planned study and thorough preparation of that subject. Passing percentage in the CSS Exam is less than 5 % and this quite evident from the results in all subjects. The regional language subjects have always been scoring but for those who prepare well for the examination.

Q7: I feel uncomfortable to attempt the ‘Comprehension’ question because I am unable to find out the meanings of the underlined words and phrases. So, please tell me how can I tackle this problem and how to improve my inference level?

First of all, you need to improve your vocabulary. Try to read good books and newspapers because it will not only bring quality to your answers but will also help you a lot in increasing your vocabulary. You may also consult the GRE words, for it effectively improves your vocabulary and helps you in other parts of the English ‘Precis’ paper. Secondly, you need to realise that the meanings asked in the ‘Comprehension’ question are to be answered in the context of that passage. You are required to explain the use of words or phrases in the particular reference of the passage or paragraph. Thus writing the dictionary meanings of that particular word or a phrase asked is not sufficient. You need to define it through the context of that very passage.

Q8: What is the best way to make an attractive outline for English Essay?

An attractive outline is an interesting approach. Your outline will be attractive only if it is relevant, precise and balanced. Furthermore, it must contain those points which you can support with effective arguments as well as authentic and up-to-date information. Therefore, your focus must be on accuracy and relevancy of your outline. Once you have this draft prepared, you may refine it with suitable alternate phrases so as to make it really impressive.