CSS 2019 – Environmental Science: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide

Introduction

Environmental Science is a relatively new CSS optional that quickly became popular due to its manageable syllabus, relevance to global issues, and overlap with Current Affairs and Pakistan Affairs. Many aspirants assume it is an “easy and scoring” subject. However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 revealed that most candidates performed poorly because they lacked scientific clarity and failed to apply knowledge to Pakistan’s context.

Examiner Feedback (2019)

The examiner noted:

• Overall performance was unsatisfactory.
• Candidates lacked scientific understanding of basic environmental concepts such as ecosystems, biodiversity, and climate change.
• Many wrote general, descriptive essays instead of analytical and scientific answers.
• Candidates failed to incorporate Pakistan-specific examples such as urban pollution, water scarcity, and deforestation.
• Diagrams, data, and flowcharts were rarely used, even though they could have improved answers.
• A few well-prepared candidates who combined scientific reasoning, data, and case studies scored well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L164-L171】.

Common Mistakes by Candidates

1. Superficial answers
   • Writing general statements like “climate change is harmful” without explaining scientific processes.
2. Ignoring Pakistan’s context
   • Very few candidates discussed issues like Karachi’s waste management crisis, Lahore’s smog, or Indus water disputes.
3. No use of data or reports
   • Candidates rarely quoted UNEP, IPCC, or Pakistan Climate Ministry reports.
4. Weak diagrams and visuals
   • Lack of simple flowcharts or labeled diagrams reduced clarity.
5. Poor organization
   • Answers lacked outlines, headings, and logical structure.

Practical Preparation Strategies

1. Strengthen scientific basics
   • Revise ecology, biodiversity, energy resources, environmental pollution, and climate change.
2. Link with Pakistan’s issues
   • Prepare notes on:
     • Water scarcity and Indus Basin irrigation
     • Air pollution in Lahore/Karachi
     • Deforestation in KPK/Balochistan
     • Climate change impact on agriculture and glaciers
3. Use data and case studies
   • Quote reports from UNDP, World Bank, and Pakistan’s Economic Survey.
4. Practice diagrams and flowcharts
   • Carbon cycle, greenhouse effect, energy pyramid, pollution sources — these visuals make answers examiner-friendly.
5. Be concise and analytical
   • Define → explain mechanism → analyze impact → propose solutions.
6. Stay updated on global issues
   • Follow COP conferences, SDGs progress, and Paris Agreement commitments.
7. Use authentic references
   • Books like Miller’s Environmental Science and Wright & Boorse are highly useful.

Encouraging Closing Note

The CSS 2019 examiner’s report makes it clear: Environmental Science is not about writing essays — it’s about scientific clarity and applied knowledge. Candidates who relied on vague descriptions failed, while those who combined science, Pakistan’s context, and solutions scored well.

Remember: This subject rewards precision. Every diagram you draw, every statistic you cite, every Pakistan-specific example you give strengthens your case.

Stay motivated: environmental challenges are central to Pakistan’s survival. If you prepare this subject seriously, you’ll not only score well but also develop insights into real-world policy challenges.