Misconceptions about Essay Writing for CSS Exam

Aspirants preparing for the CSS examination have been lately complaining that they remain confused because of the diverse and contradictory instructions provided by some self-proclaimed CSS mentors, especially regarding the outline, introduction and paragraphing of the essay. Following submissions may help clear this widespread confusion.

First, it is important to realize that there is a difference between an essay for CSS paper and an academic essay. Some instructions and rules regarding an academic essay may not be relevant to the one to be written in CSS examination. The latter is supposed to be written impromptu in the examination hall, and it must give an impression of spontaneity and originality. It should not look like an assignment, a report or a magazine article or feature. Artificially overlaid cosmetics can mar the genuineness of your expression. Similarly, facts and figures are important in CSS English essay paper but how you relate those to the topic at hand is far more important. Just remember that an essay is an essay, and not an answer to a question.

Secondly, there are no rigid rules of essay writing as it is an art, not a science. There is no single road to a good essay; one should take the road that one is familiar with and that suits one’s capabilities. There is no need to follow others’ examples in this connection. One can write a very good essay by ignoring all the rules, and a very bad essay by strictly following them.

What is a good outline?

A grave misconception circulates among the candidates that an essay is assessed on the basis of the outline alone, and that the examiner does not bother to go beyond the introduction part. This is a highly misleading perception about a high-profile examination like CSS. Influenced by this, some candidates have started writing 6-page-long outlines, overstuffed with all kinds of information and statements. This is against the very spirit of an outline and defeats its basic function. An outline must be an outline, and should look like an outline. It is the skeleton of the essay, not its flesh and blood. Keep in mind the following points while writing an outline.

1. If you write a five- or six-page outline, it may take you one hour; hence, you will not be left with sufficient time to complete your essay. Do not waste too much time on writing an unnecessarily lengthy outline.
2. If you mention all important facts and figures in the outline, and then state those in the body again, it will create an impression of redundancy and repetition. It can irritate the examiner because you are making him read the same thing again and again.
3. Superfluity and elaboration are against the spirit of an outline. Expression in the outline should be as brief as possible. The examiners like to read the outline vertically and not horizontally. So, always prefer phrases to long sentences.
4. Main headings and subheadings should not be the statements. Moreover, there is no need to repeat the words of the main heading in the subheadings.

Main heading: Benefits of tourism in Pakistan

Subheadings:

(a) Tourism will ensure economic progress in Pakistan

(b) Tourism will create employment opportunities in Pakistan

(c) Tourism will create a softer image of Pakistan

(d) Tourism will help the growth of hotel industry in Pakistan

In the above style, you are treating the examiner like a kid, and making him read so many words for nothing.

How should it be written?

Main heading: Benefits of tourism

(a) Economic progress

(b) More economic opportunities

(c) Softer image of the country

(d) Growth of hotel industry

We should make the examiner read minimum possible words in the outline.

Note: Sentences can be used in argumentative essays.

Example:

Paragraphing

1. Avoid too short or too long paragraphs.
2. Each paragraph should highlight one point.
3. Do not insert link words between paragraphs unnecessarily and mechanically.
4. Transition paragraphs are not a requirement, as you have already marked the division of your essay parts in the outline. Instead of a paragraph, it is always handy to just write a sentence at the start of the paragraph to highlight the shift.

Transition paragraphs like: “The essay has mentioned the causes of corruption in the previous paragraphs, and now we are going to discuss the impacts of corruption on society.” are childish and must be avoided. This is just burden on the examiner’s eyes.

Introduction

Avoid using eye-catchers, hooks or anecdotes to start your introduction, if you cannot handle these with perfection. If these come naturally, it’s okay but don’t force it on the introduction. If irrelevant, these decorative expressions may prove counterproductive. Readymade hooks available in the market should be particularly avoided as everybody will be using such hackneyed expressions.

Humdrum use of link words

Some candidates have tendency to use link words like ‘Moreover’, ‘In addition to’, ‘Furthermore’, ‘Besides’, ‘Further,’ ‘Similarly,’  ‘However’, and many others as if it is mandatory to begin a paragraph. Use link words sparingly and only where really required. Starting every new paragraph with a link word is pointless, and shows weakness of your expression. Never use link words mechanically and without necessity as these look childish. When you start a new paragraph, it implies that you are taking up a new point, and it is not just an appendage to the previous paragraph. 

Last but not least; always listen to the success stories of others with a pinch of salt. Everybody has their own weaknesses and strengths. Others’ strengths can become your weaknesses. Stick to the basics, follow your commonsense and avoid quakes. The methods used by one successful candidate can easily be the cause of others’ failure. So, avoid blind following and discover your own abilities, instead of mimicking others.