Detailed Syllabus Outline
- 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.
- 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.
- Correct usage of Tense, Articles, Prepositions, Conjunctions, Punctuation, Phrasal Verbs, Synonyms and Antonyms etc.
- 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 sentence should have exactly the same problem, and 2-3 sentences shall be based on correction of punctuation 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.
- 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.
- Ten short Urdu sentences involving structural composition, significant terms and figurative/idiomatic expressions shall be given, to be accurately translated into English.
FPSC Recommended Books
| Book Title | Author |
|---|---|
| English Grammar in Use | Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press). |
| Practical English Usage | M.Swan (Oxford University Press). |
| The Little, Brown Handbook | H. Ramsey Flower & Jane Aaron (The Little, Brown & Co; Harper Collins.) |
| A University English Grammar | R. Quirk & S. Greenbaum (ELBS; Longmans) |
| Write Better, Speak Better | Readers Digest Association. |
| Modern English in Action | Henry Christ (D.C. Heath & Co.) |
Academic Strategy for English (Precis & Composition)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many marks does English (Precis and Composition) carry in the CSS Exam?
English (Precis and Composition) is a 100-mark subject in the FPSC CSS examination.
2. What are the core topics covered in English (Precis and Composition)?
The syllabus primarily revolves around I. Precis Writing (20 marks), II. Reading Comprehension (20 marks), III. Grammar and Vocabulary (20 marks) and related topics. Check the detailed syllabus breakdown above for the exact structure.
3. Is English (Precis and Composition) a scoring subject?
Yes, English (Precis and Composition) is generally considered highly scoring if you stick strictly to the official FPSC syllabus, practice past papers, and use strong analytical arguments rather than generic statements.
4. How long does it typically take to prepare for English (Precis and Composition)?
For a 100-mark subject, a strategic preparation plan typically requires 2 to 3 weeks of dedicated, consistent study and note-making.
5. What are the best recommended books for English (Precis and Composition)?
FPSC recommends referring to authentic textbooks and journals. Some key referenced authors include Raymond Murphy (Cambridge University Press). and M.Swan (Oxford University Press).. Avoid purely relying on local guidebooks.
6. Do I need a university degree in English (Precis and Composition) to opt for it?
While an academic background provides a massive advantage, it is not strictly mandatory. Many candidates successfully prepare for English (Precis and Composition) from scratch by consulting thoroughly recommended readings.
7. Are past papers important for English (Precis and Composition) preparation?
Absolutely. Analyzing the last 5 to 7 years of CSS past papers for English (Precis and Composition) is critical. It helps identify recurring themes, examiner traps, and high-frequency syllabus blocks.
8. How should I structure my answers in the English (Precis and Composition) subjective paper?
To score highly, structure your subjective answers with clear introductions, relevant headings, bullet points, flowcharts (if applicable), and a balanced, critical conclusion.
9. Does English (Precis and Composition) overlap with Compulsory CSS subjects?
Many concepts in English (Precis and Composition) can build a strong analytical foundation for the English Essay and Current Affairs papers. Always look for cross-disciplinary linkages while studying.
10. Is coaching necessary to pass English (Precis and Composition)?
No, professional coaching is not mandatory. With immense discipline, standard syllabus tracking, and self-evaluation via mock exams, candidates can secure excellent marks on their own.