CSS English Precis and Composition Guide

Overview

The English Precis and Composition paper is a crucial component of the CSS examination, carrying 100 marks. This paper tests your ability to comprehend complex texts, summarize effectively, and demonstrate strong command over English grammar and composition.

Paper Pattern & Structure

Precis Writing Section

Key Requirements

• Reduce the passage to 1/3rd of its length
• Maintain essential ideas and arguments
• Use your own words
• Write in third person, past tense
• Include word counts (original and precis)

Evaluation Criteria

1. Content (40%)

   • Main idea capture
   • Supporting points
   • Logical flow

2. Language (30%)

   • Grammar accuracy
   • Vocabulary usage
   • Sentence structure

3. Format (20%)

   • Word limit adherence
   • Proper structure
   • Presentation

4. Overall Quality (10%)

   • Clarity
   • Coherence
   • Style

Grammar & Composition Section

Common Topics

1. Sentence Correction

   • Subject-verb agreement
   • Parallel structure
   • Modifier placement

2. Vocabulary

   • Synonyms/Antonyms
   • Idioms/Phrases
   • Word usage

3. Syntax

   • Sentence types
   • Clause structure
   • Phrase patterns

4. Writing Skills

   • Paragraph completion
   • Sentence improvement
   • Error correction

Preparation Resources

Essential Books

1. Grammar References

   • High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
   • Practical English Usage by Michael Swan
   • English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy

2. Precis Writing Guides

   • The Art of Precis Writing by S.K. Verma
   • Comprehensive Precis Writing by R.K. Sharma

Online Resources

1. Grammar Practice

   • Purdue OWL
   • British Council Grammar
   • Cambridge Grammar

2. Writing Improvement

   • Hemingway Editor
   • Grammarly Writing Handbook
   • Academic Writing Course

Preparation Strategy

Long-term Plan (3-6 months)

1. Grammar Mastery

   • Study one grammar topic daily
   • Practice exercises regularly
   • Review common errors

2. Reading Practice

   • Read quality newspapers daily
   • Study editorial articles
   • Analyze complex texts

3. Writing Practice

   • Write one precis daily
   • Practice grammar exercises
   • Work on vocabulary building

Short-term Plan (1-2 months)

1. Intensive Practice

   • Solve past papers
   • Time management drills
   • Mock tests

2. Revision

   • Review grammar rules
   • Practice error detection
   • Quick reference sheets

Practice Tips

Precis Writing

1. First Reading

   • Read for general understanding
   • Identify main theme
   • Note key points

2. Second Reading

   • Mark important details
   • Identify supporting ideas
   • Understand relationships

3. Writing Phase

   • Create rough draft
   • Check word count
   • Review and refine

Grammar Practice

1. Systematic Approach

   • Study rules thoroughly
   • Practice with examples
   • Review common mistakes

2. Regular Assessment

   • Take practice tests
   • Time your exercises
   • Analyze errors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In Precis Writing

1. Including personal opinions
2. Exceeding word limit
3. Missing key arguments
4. Using direct quotes
5. Poor paraphrasing

In Grammar Section

1. Subject-verb disagreement
2. Incorrect tense usage
3. Faulty parallelism
4. Wrong word choices
5. Incomplete sentences

Success Tips

1. Time Management

   • Allocate time per section
   • Practice with timer
   • Leave time for review

2. Regular Practice

   • Daily grammar exercises
   • Weekly mock tests
   • Regular revision

3. Quality Resources

   • Use standard textbooks
   • Follow reliable websites
   • Practice with past papers

4. Exam Strategy

   • Read instructions carefully
   • Attempt all questions
   • Review before submission

Remember: Success in precis and composition comes through consistent practice and attention to detail. Focus on understanding rather than memorization.