How this paper is set and answered
From the notes printed under FPSC's own Revised Scheme tables.
- Ratio of MCQs in compulsory papers for CE-2016 will be 20 MCQs in each paper except in the paper of Essay. Similarly there will be 20 MCQs from each optional paper except Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Complete English (Precis and Composition) Syllabus
The full official FPSC syllabus, reproduced section by section from the source document.
The examination in this subject will be based upon a paper carrying 100 marks to Test the
candidate’s abilities to handle Precis Writing, Reading Comprehension, Sentence
Structuring, Translation, Grammar and Vocabulary, etc.
1Precis Writing (20 marks)
2 points
- A careful selected passage with an orientation of generic understanding and enough flexibility for compression shall be given for précising and suggesting an appropriate title.
- Out of the total 20 marks allocated to this question, 15 shall go to précising the text and 5 to suggesting the title.
2Reading Comprehension (20 marks)
1 point
- 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.
3Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks)
1 point
- Correct usage of Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, Phrasal Verbs, Synonyms and Antonyms etc.
4Sentence Correction (10 marks)
1 point
- 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. No two or more sentences should have exactly the same problem, and 2-3 sentences shall be based on correction of punctuation marks.
5Grouping of Words (10 marks)
1 point
- 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.
6Pairs of Words (10 marks)
1 point
- 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.
7Translation (10 marks)
1 point
- Ten short Urdu sentences involving structural composition, significant terms and figurative/idiomatic expressions shall be given, to be accurately translated into English.
Academic Strategy for English (Precis & Composition)
The English (Precis and Composition) paper tests a candidate's proficiency in various aspects of the English language, including summarisation, comprehension, grammatical accuracy, and vocabulary. It is a single 100-mark paper comprising sections like Precis Writing, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Translation. A strong script demonstrates not only correct grammar and vocabulary but also clarity of thought, precise expression, and the ability to accurately interpret and convey information.
Unlike the Essay, the English (Precis & Composition) paper is highly objective and mathematically scoring. It rewards consistent, daily practice. It is a genuine test of a candidate's grasp of functional grammar, varied vocabulary, and concise expression rather than creative storytelling.
1. Mastering the Art of Precis (20 Marks): The precis question sets the tone for the entire paper. A good precis is exactly one-third of the original text, written entirely in your own words, maintaining the original tone without adding personal opinions or omitting the core message. Daily practice of one precis from past papers (from the last 15 years) is essential.
2. Reading Comprehension (20 Marks): This section demands critical reading. Always read the questions first, then skim the passage for keywords, and finally, read it thoroughly to extract the exact answers. Ensure your answers are brief, accurate, and reflect the vocabulary used in the passage.
3. Vocabulary and Grammar: Do not try to memorize the dictionary. Focus on GRE word lists such as the Barron's 333 high-frequency words or Magoosh 1000. For grammar, rely on standard texts like 'Practical English Usage' by Michael Swan or 'English Grammar in Use' by Raymond Murphy.
4. Translation and Idioms: The translation question tests your bilingual proficiency and idiom usage. Practice translating editorials from Urdu newspapers (like Daily Jang or Express) into English to build functional vocabulary. For idioms and pair of words, cover the last 20 years of CSS past papers, as they frequently repeat under pressure.
Paper by paper
Approach this paper by understanding that each section has distinct requirements. Prioritise consistent practice across all grammar and vocabulary components, as they underpin success in other sections. Dedicate significant time to Precis Writing and Reading Comprehension, as these carry substantial marks. For grammar-focused sections, aim for accuracy and adherence to rules, while for vocabulary-based questions, focus on precise meaning and usage.
A six-month plan
- 1Phase 1: Foundation BuildingWeeks 1-8
Establish a strong base in 'Grammar and Vocabulary' by thoroughly studying 'Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, Phrasal Verbs, Synonyms and Antonyms'. Practice 'Sentence Correction' exercises daily to identify and rectify structural flaws.
- 2Phase 2: Core Skill DevelopmentWeeks 9-16
Begin intensive practice of 'Precis Writing' and 'Reading Comprehension'. Focus on understanding passages and summarising effectively for precis, and answering questions based strictly on the text for comprehension. Simultaneously, work on 'Grouping of Words' and 'Pairs of Words' to expand vocabulary and usage.
- 3Phase 3: Application and RefinementWeeks 17-24
Integrate all learned skills by practicing full sections under timed conditions. Focus on 'Translation' from Urdu to English, paying attention to structural composition and idiomatic expressions. Refine techniques for precis writing, aiming for conciseness and an appropriate title, and improve speed and accuracy in comprehension.
- 4Phase 4: Intensive Practice & ReviewWeeks 25-26
Conduct targeted revision of weaker areas identified during practice. Solve past papers to familiarise yourself with the examination pattern and time management. Review all grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and common errors in 'Pairs of Words' and 'Sentence Correction'.
Using CSSPrep.AI for English (Precis and Composition)
Only the tools that genuinely support this subject are listed.
Use Topic Explorer to break down complex grammar rules and concepts mentioned in the 'Grammar and Vocabulary' section. For instance, explore the nuances of 'Tense' or 'Phrasal Verbs' to understand their usage and common pitfalls.
Try: Correct usage of Tense
Utilise MPT Trainer for diagnostic and adaptive MCQ practice, particularly for objective components related to 'Grammar and Vocabulary', 'Synonyms and Antonyms'. This helps in identifying weak areas and reinforcing correct usage.
High-yield topics
Each one is traced back to the section of the official syllabus it comes from.
This section carries the highest individual weight (20 marks), testing the ability to summarise complex information concisely and suggest an appropriate title, which is a fundamental skill.
Syllabus section: Precis Writing (20 marks)
Another high-scoring section (20 marks), it assesses critical reading skills and the ability to answer questions based solely on the provided text, crucial for understanding and analysis.
Syllabus section: Reading Comprehension (20 marks)
These are foundational elements of correct English usage, directly tested in the 'Grammar and Vocabulary' section (20 marks) and essential for accuracy across all other sections, including Sentence Correction and Precis.
Syllabus section: Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks)
This section (10 marks) directly tests the candidate's understanding of grammatical rules and punctuation, requiring precise identification and correction of structural flaws.
Syllabus section: Sentence Correction (10 marks)
This section (10 marks) evaluates the candidate's nuanced understanding of commonly confused words, requiring both explanation and contextual usage to demonstrate mastery.
Syllabus section: Pairs of Words (10 marks)
This section (10 marks) assesses the ability to accurately translate Urdu sentences into English, focusing on structural composition, significant terms, and figurative/idiomatic expressions.
Syllabus section: Translation (10 marks)
Common mistakes in English (Precis and Composition) answers
- Exceeding the prescribed word limit for precis writing, which can lead to mark deductions for lack of conciseness.
- Introducing personal opinions or external information in Reading Comprehension answers instead of sticking strictly to the provided passage.
- Over-correcting sentences in the 'Sentence Correction' section, making unnecessary alterations beyond the required grammatical or punctuation fixes.
- Confusing the meanings of seemingly similar words in 'Pairs of Words' or using them incorrectly in sentences.
- Translating Urdu idiomatic expressions literally into English, thereby losing the intended meaning or making the English translation awkward.
- Inconsistent use of Tense, Articles, or Prepositions across different parts of a sentence or passage, indicating a weak grasp of fundamental grammar.
FPSC recommended books
The 6 books FPSC lists for English (Precis and Composition) in the official syllabus.
| Title | Author |
|---|---|
| 1. English Grammar in Use | Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press). |
| 2. Practical English Usage | M.Swan (Oxford University Press). |
| 3. The Little, Brown Handbook | H. Ramsey Flower & Jane Aaron (The Little, Brown & Co; Harper Collins.) |
| 4. A University English Grammar | R. Quirk & S. Greenbaum (ELBS; Longmans) |
| 5. Write Better, Speak Better | Readers Digest Association. |
| 6. Modern English in Action | Henry Christ (D.C. Heath & Co.) |
Frequently asked questions
How important is vocabulary for this paper?
Vocabulary is crucial for all sections. It is directly tested in 'Grammar and Vocabulary', 'Grouping of Words', and 'Pairs of Words'. A strong vocabulary also enables precise expression in 'Precis Writing' and accurate understanding in 'Reading Comprehension'.
Should I practice all grammar topics equally?
Focus on Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, and Phrasal Verbs as explicitly mentioned in the 'Grammar and Vocabulary' section. These form the foundation for 'Sentence Correction' and overall grammatical accuracy across the paper.
What's the key to a good precis?
The key is to accurately capture the main idea of the passage in about one-third of its original length, using your own words, and providing a relevant title. Remember, 15 marks are for précising the text and 5 for suggesting the title.
How can I improve my Reading Comprehension?
Regularly read diverse, non-technical passages and practice identifying main ideas, supporting details, and answering direct questions based solely on the provided text. Each of the five questions carries 4 marks, so accuracy is vital.
Are the recommended books essential?
The FPSC recommended books such as 'English Grammar in Use' and 'Practical English Usage' are valuable resources for building a strong foundation in grammar and usage. They can significantly aid in mastering the concepts tested across various sections of the paper.
How to approach the Translation section?
For the 'Translation' section, focus on accurately conveying the structural composition, significant terms, and figurative/idiomatic expressions from the ten short Urdu sentences into English. Avoid literal translations that might distort the original meaning.
Syllabus text reproduced from Revised Syllabi for CSS Competitive Examination, CE-2016 (updated 7 July 2015), pages 5-6. Marks and grouping are from the same document's Revised Scheme tables. Verify against the official PDF before relying on it.