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Home CSS Written Special Pak-China relationship New Horizons How to Crack Compulsory Papers

How to Crack Compulsory Papers

The candidates must keep this fact in mind that success in the CSS demands a
good individual effort.
Pak-China relationship New Horizons

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The Art of Attempting Paper

Saturday, January 01, 2011

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CSS is generally considered the toughest examination in the country and plainly it is. Most of the people the aspirants
of CSS2011 that I have been asked to address through this writing must have been preparing for this exam for at
least past few months. I shall also be specifically focusing on the myths and false notions that have been created in the
minds of the CSS aspirants by the mushrooming industry of the CSS preparation academies.

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Their purpose behind creating such false notions is to confuse the aspirants in order to ensure that the candidates join
their academy. This not only causes waste of money and time of the candidates joining these academies, but also
creates confusion in the minds of many talented candidates, who cannot afford their skyrocketing fee structure.
However, the candidates must keep this fact in mind that success in the CSS demands a good individual effort. But their
effort must be honest and well-directed.
In order to be successful in a competitive exam, a candidate has to put some extra effort to make his/her paper better
than others. So, studying good books enables a candidate to be better prepared and giving the answers with an
excellent presentation is equally important for scoring higher marks.
In this piece of writing, I shall try to discuss some tips to attempt the compulsory papers. It has been observed that
most people get less marks in compulsory papers. However, with an effective approach, a candidate can get reasonably
high marks in these papers.
My own score in optional subjects was very low as compared to my fellow candidates of higher rankings but a higher
score in compulsory papers brought me in top 10 candidates. Also very often some brilliant candidates miss out in one
compulsory paper despite getting very high score in all other papers.
So the compulsory subjects carry key significance in the CSS. I shall discuss these papers one by one.
English Essay
Essay paper is considered as the toughest nut to crack. It is believed that this very first paper decides one is going to
pass the exam or not. Most of the candidates failed in this paper. A glance at past papers of English essay would reveal
that the essay topics on which a candidate is asked to write are generally only one aspect of the issues that the
candidate may have prepared.
If the candidate does not make a distinction between the issue and the specific aspect(s) of that issue being asked in
the paper, he is likely to annoy the examiner. Here it proves my point when I criticise the commercial aspects of so-called
precious notes and essay as the candidates cram these answers and write them as such in the paper.
For instance, one very hot issue of the past three-four years is War on Terror or Terrorism. Let us have a look at the
last two years papers:
2009 Pakistans war on Terror and its impacts on our national psyche and politico socio-economic fronts.
2010 Dialogue is the best course to combat terrorism.

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2010 Dialogue is the best course to combat terrorism.

In both these papers, only one aspect of the issue is asked and any generalised answer would not, therefore, accrue
any merit. This was the reason why most people attempted these essays and failed. The very outline of these essays
would be enough to depict whether a candidate has attempted it in a correct way. What, then, would be the proper
outline for essay? Let us try and solve the 2009 essay.

Pakistans War on Terror and its impacts on our national psyche and politico-socio-economic fronts - analysis of this

statement reveals that the examiner has asked us to write on these issues:
1.

Pakistans War on Terror (The word Pakistans is key here)

2.
3.

Its impacts on national psyche

Impacts on political front

4.

Impacts on social front

5.

Impacts on economic front

Now make an outline.

Introduction
Pakistans War on Terror
A brief overview of this war.
Is this really Pakistans war?
Are we friends or foes of our allies?
Drones and Do more.

Impacts on National Psyche

Demoralisation and pessimism
Depression and freight reactions
Desensitisation and disinhibition

Impacts on Political Front

Division of politicians over the ownership of war
A halt to political activities in the country
Militarisation of radical groups
Alienation of nationalist leadership
Leadership cut away from people

Impact on Social Front

Widening gulf between radicals and liberals

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Society is least integrated

Social sector development being ignored
Public life-style is threatened

Impacts on Economic Front

Shattering blow to the booming economy
Dried up foreign direct investment
Soaring security expenditures
Halt to industrial progress and unemployment

Suggestions
War on military front improving defence capabilities
War on social front a more vibrant civil society
War on psychological front demands a concerted response
War on economic front a challenge for the government
War on political front demands political maturity
War on international front improving our tarnished national image and protecting our sovereignty

If the candidate does not make a distinction between the issue and the specific
aspect(s) of that issue being asked in the paper, he is likely to annoy the examiner.
Conclusion
Another important aspect is the length of essay. In my view it is quality and not the quantity that matters. Examiner
usually sets a limit of 2500-3500 words limit to trap the candidates. But it would not bother him much if you put up a
good effort which falls short of the words limit.
My essay contained around 1700 words and with this quantity and the above mentioned fairly simple outline, I got 72 in
essay. So surely the length of essay does not matter much.
Tips for Essay
1. Carefully read all essay tips and select those issues which you have prepared the best.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Now select that essay which you can best attempt considering thoughtfully the aspect which is asked.
Now turn your sheet and cross the page No. 25 the last page and start doing your rough work on that page.
Thoroughly explore your mind and bring out all relevant points of that issue on paper.
Now pick those points which are most suitable for your outline.
Make a logical outline depending solely upon the statement or topic of essay set by the examiner.
Reconsider each point for its relevancy and order in the outline.

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8.

Review your points and see if the used words can be replaced with more catchy or striking words. Remember,

outline is like a cover of your essay which clearly depicts what is wrapped inside. So give it due consideration and time
before starting your essay.
9.

On rough pages, write an introduction for the essay. Articulate it with best words possible.

10.

Now reconsider your outline and introduction and assess whether it fulfills the demands of the given essay. Only if

you are satisfied with that rough draft proceed with the essay, otherwise reject it and attempt your second best essay
on similar pattern. This is important because you would not get a second chance before one year if you fail in this paper.
This exercise would certainly take time but do not be panic even if it takes 40-45 minutes because you have done all the
hard work. All you have to do is to write that outline and introduction neatly on your answer sheet and then proceed
with the essay following the outline that you have already prepared.
As far as important topics for essay for this year are concerned, it is usually safe to attempt an essay on current issues
as you have ample knowledge base for these issues. I can mention a few topics but please do not limit yourself to these
and use them as a guideline only.
1.

Governance and the crises in Pakistan

2.

Role of media: freedom versus responsibilities

3.

Extremism/Terrorism in Pakistan

4.

Global warming

5.

Problems of education in Pakistan

6.

Status and rights of minorities

7.
8.

Corruption in society and politics

Women status and rights

9.

Democracy in Pakistan

English Precis and Composition

You can divide this paper into two segments:

Segment I : 65 marks
Precis 25 marks
Comprehension 20 marks
Expansion 20 marks

Segment II : 35 marks
Change of narration 5 marks
Correction of sentences 5 marks
Idioms 5 marks
Pair of words 10 marks
Antonyms/Synonyms 10 marks

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Antonyms/Synonyms 10 marks
(The examiner may, however, ask other segments like change of voice as well)
Segment II is mathematical as your correct answer would accrue full marks. Here it becomes key for success as if you
manage to score 30 in this segment your chances of clearing this paper become high. For this purpose practise this
segment from the past papers and please do not cram sentences written in common guide books available in market.
Segment I is significant as it is a test of your command over language. However, this fact should be kept in mind that
this is an examination for the CSS and not a paper of English Literature. So you should be very clear about what is
required of you. You have to demonstrate your skills of comprehending a piece of writing and communicating in writing in
a precise and effective manner.
Practice is a key in this segment. You have sufficient time available. Try to solve all 40 past papers questions of prcis
and comprehension passages. Try to make it your habit as time management is very important in this paper. The prcis
passage mostly consumes around one hour. Practice can help you serve time in other parts.

As far as important topics for essay for this year are concerned, it is usually safe to
attempt an essay on current issues as you have ample knowledge base for these
issues.
Everyday Science
I thought, after going through just last five years papers, this paper is a piece of cake and I would easily score 90-95
marks in it. So, I did not prepare well and the paper was a nightmare. So forget about your background of science and
prepare schematically for this paper.
Everyday Science paper is a unique of all papers in the sense that it awards 5-95 marks to the candidates. You would
find DMCs of allocated candidates who obtained 30-40 marks in this paper. An extra in this paper may prove a key factor
in determining your final standing in merit list.
Attempting this paper is skill of which selection of questions is very important. Generally, Everyday Science paper
consists of:
Objective Portion
50 MCQs (attempt them in the order of surety; should be; exclusion formula; and logical guessing)
Subjective Portion
Two questions usually consists of parts carrying one mark each

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Two-three questions comprise five parts each carrying two marks

Two questions comprising two parts each of five marks

One question usually carries 10 marks

In objective portion, there is no choice so you have to attempt all. From subjective portion, prefer those questions which
carry one mark because chances of getting full 10 marks in that question are more. Similarly, second preference should
be two marks questions and lengthy questions should be avoided.
One mark questions are usually of scientific units and abbreviations and reasoning. These questions are fairly simple
and very often repeated. If you go through past 10 years papers, you would find many such examples.
In science paper, diagrams carry nearly half marks of each question. So, practise drawing them as much as possible and
try to draw neat diagrams with proper labeling in paper.
Do consult the past papers as the books on Everyday Science in the CSS market are too voluminous. They carry a lot of
unnecessary material and therefore, confuse the candidates.

One mark questions are usually of scientific units and abbreviations and reasoning.
These questions are fairly simple and very often repeated. If you go through past 10
years papers, you would find many such examples.

Current Affairs
Scoring high marks in this paper demands that the candidate must be well prepared having up-to-date knowledge of all
current topics. To ensure better preparation, candidates may divide this paper into following segments:
1.

Foreign Policy: Foreign Policy and Pakistans relations with China, India, Iran, Afghanistan, US, Russia and Muslim

countries.
2.

International organisations: UN, OIC, NAM, SAARC, ECO, SCO, EU, ASEAN

3.
4.

International issues
Domestic issues

In this paper, candidates should try to write to the point answers in a precise manner. Drawing a map is a requirement
of most of the questions of this paper. A candidate should practice four maps in this regard.
Pakistans map
Central Asias map

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South Asias map

World map
Maps printed at the back of diaries can be used for practice.
For this years paper, organisations and foreign relations should be thoroughly covered. It has been a trend in foreign
relations questions that the examiner asks the impacts of two countries relations with Pakistan. So this aspect must be
kept in mind. On international stage, Wikileaks and global warming have gathered a lot of attention.
Moreover, the visits of President Obama to India, etc. and Chinese Prime Ministers to Pakistan and India should be
thoroughly covered. Chromic issues like Afghanistan, Palestine, Kashmir and Iran are also important.
Domestic issues include
Disaster management and floods
Crises (energy and sugar)
Bad governance
Corruption and NRO
Problems and suggestions for industry, agriculture, exports and tourism
Role of media
Democracy in Pakistan
Natural and human resource potential of Pakistan
Problems of education and health sector
Pakistan Affairs
This paper generally gives low marks but some candidates do score 65 plus marks every year. So it is a challenge for
every candidate to score higher in this paper.
This paper may also be divided, for schematic preparation, into following segments:
Historical perspective: one two questions
Pakistan Movement: one two questions
Pakistan 1947 Present: three four questions
This paper demands a critical approach in every attempted question. Moreover, suitable quotations from good sources
may be given to support the argument. For this purpose, select two-three good books and read them thoroughly. The
candidates may even pick analytical arguments from these books and use them in paper.
The candidates should focus, apart from other topics mentioned in syllabus, on these topics as well:
Muslim Society in Subcontinent

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Muslim Society in Subcontinent

Ideology of Pakistan
Reform movements; Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi (RA)
Sir Syed Ahmad and Aligarh
Comparison of Deoband and Nadwa
Pakistan Resolution
Constitution making in Pakistan
Geostrategic significance and natural resources in Pakistan
Agriculture and exports of Pakistan
Problems of health and education

Scoring high marks in current affairs demands that the candidate must be well
prepared having up-to-date knowledge of all current topics.
Islamiyat
Last years result surprised many as most of the failed candidates were a victim of this paper. Purely for the sake of
paper, set aside you confidence in your command over your faith and seize this opportunity to study Islam in detail. The
failure of so many candidates does not mean that their faith is incomplete, rather they fail to understand the essence of
questions.
There are also many false notions and myths about this paper that the candidates must give moderate views in paper
or otherwise prepare to be failed. These notions are false and absurd. There is no room for confusion in Islam so give
your clear cut view but do not forget to prove it with effective argumentation and examples.
Pakistan Affair paper demands a critical approach in every attempted question. Moreover, suitable quotations from good
sources may be given to support the argument.

Moreover, try to understand contemporary problems from Islamic point of view.

One more confusion about this paper is about attempting it in Urdu or English. This is no issue as the main purpose is
checking your knowledge. English or Urdu does not carry any marks of their own, but your argumentation and
presentation does. So choose the language in which you can best attempt the paper.
One more confusion is about the number of Ayats and Hadith references one has to quote. It purely depends on the
question. If you remember any relevant references you should write preferably with other pen and some extra margin
left on sides.

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But even if you do not quote any references, this would not mean a big difference if you answer the question effectively.
Many candidates, including the writer, could not quote a single reference in Islamiyat paper last year (2009) and still
scored 70 per cent marks in it.
Similarly, use of headings is purely defined by the question asked. If you have any suitable heads for your arguments,
use them with marker in bold style. But if questions demand critical analysis, you might not need more than a few.
Islamiyat paper may also be divided into segments:
Islamic concept and practices
Contemporary problems faced by Muslims
The candidates should focus on both segments. Some topics for guideline may be:
Islamic concept of Universe and Humanity
Problems of life and Islamic solution
Beliefs on Risalate and Akhirat Blasphemy question
Social and moral codes in Islam vs Western Ethics
Islamic political system in comparison with modern democracy
Women rights in Islam and legislations against veil in West
Political and economic instability in Muslim World
Sectarian violence and terrorism in Pakistan
Sources of Shariah; Ijtehad
In the end, I would like to remind the candidates that this is just an exam for a job. Success or failure in it would not
mean an end to life. Just keep faith in your abilities and try to give it your best.
Leave the rest to Almighty God as He is the most Merciful. But make sure that you present Almighty God your honest
effort. I wish everyone of you reading this a very best of luck in all future endeavours of life. May Allah bless you all.
Email: whackky@gmail.com

Dr Waheed Asghar (CSP)

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