CSS English (Precis & Composition)
Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
I
Precis Writing (20 marks)
A carefully selected passage with an orientation of generic understanding and enough flexibility for compression shall be given for précising and suggesting an appropriate title.
Marking Distribution:
- 15 marks: Precis writing of the text
- 5 marks: Suggesting an appropriate title
II
Reading Comprehension (20 marks)
A carefully selected passage that is rich in substance but not very technical or discipline-specific shall be given, followed by five questions, each carrying 4 marks.
Preparation Tip:
Practice with diverse reading materials including editorials from The Guardian, The New York Times, and quality literary pieces to improve comprehension skills.
III
Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks)
Correct usage of Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, Phrasal Verbs, Synonyms and Antonyms etc.
Articles
Prepositions
Conjunctions
Punctuation
Phrasal Verbs
Synonyms & Antonyms
IV
Sentence Correction (10 marks)
The sentences shall be given each having a clear structural flaw in terms of grammar or punctuation. The candidates shall be asked to rewrite them with really needed correction only, without making unnecessary alterations.
Important Note:
- No two or more sentences should have exactly the same problem
- 2-3 sentences shall be based on correction of punctuation marks
V
Grouping of Words (10 marks)
A random list of twenty words of moderate standard (neither very easy nor utterly unfamiliar) shall be given, to be grouped by the candidates in pairs of those having similar or opposite meaning, as may be clearly directed in the question.
Vocabulary Building Resources:
Improve your vocabulary with Vocabulary.com and Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day.
VI
Pairs of Words (10 marks)
Ten pairs shall be given of seemingly similar words with different meanings, generally confused in communication, for bringing out the difference in meaning of any five of them by first explaining them in parenthesis and then using them in sentences.
VII
Translation (10 marks)
Ten short Urdu sentences involving structural composition, significant terms and figurative/idiomatic expressions shall be given, to be accurately translated into English.
Translation Practice Tips:
- Focus on preserving the original meaning while maintaining grammatical accuracy
- Practice with Urdu editorials from leading newspapers
- Pay special attention to idiomatic expressions and cultural references
SUGGESTED READINGS
| S.No. | Title | Author/Publisher | Useful For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Grammar in Use |
Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press) | Grammar & Usage |
| 2 | Practical English Usage |
M.Swan (Oxford University Press) | Practical Grammar |
| 3 | The Little, Brown Handbook | H. Ramsey Flower & Jane Aaron (The Little, Brown & Co; Harper Collins) | Writing Handbook |
| 4 | A University English Grammar | R. Quirk & S. Greenbaum (ELBS; Longmans) | Advanced Grammar |
| 5 | Write Better, Speak Better | Readers Digest Association | Communication Skills |
| 6 | Modern English in Action | Henry Christ (D.C. Heath & Co.) | Practical English |
Where to Find These Books:
These books are available at major bookstores, online retailers like Amazon, and can also be found in PDF formats on educational platforms. For Pakistani students, Ilm Ki Dunya and local CSS preparation academies often have these resources.
Preparation Strategy
Time Management
Allocate specific time for each section during practice. Precis writing (30 mins), Comprehension (25 mins), Grammar (20 mins), and divide remaining time for other sections.
Practice Regularly
Daily practice of at least one precis, one comprehension passage, and grammar exercises is essential for consistent improvement.
Mock Tests
Take full-length mock tests under exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak areas. Use CSS Forum for past papers.
CSS English (Precis & Composition) – 100 Marks
Revised Scheme and Syllabus for CSS Competitive Examination | LearnCraftLab.com