CSS 2019 – English (Précis & Composition): Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide
Introduction
English (Précis & Composition) is the CSS paper that consistently filters out the majority of aspirants. It is not only about comprehension but also about clarity, grammar, vocabulary, and concise writing. The examiner’s report for CE-2019 showed that while a handful of candidates demonstrated competence, the vast majority struggled with basics. Poor grammar, weak précis writing, and irrelevant answers made this one of the lowest-scoring compulsory papers once again.
Examiner Feedback (2019)
The examiner observed:
- Performance was extremely poor overall.
- Most candidates could not write a proper précis — they either copied chunks of the passage or added irrelevant details.
- Grammar and vocabulary weaknesses were widespread, with basic errors in tenses, punctuation, and sentence structure.
- Many wrote in a casual style, ignoring the need for formal, precise English.
- Answers to comprehension and grammar exercises were vague, unfocused, and often incorrect.
- Some candidates wrote irrelevantly just to fill space, rather than addressing the question directly【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L35-L46】.
Common Mistakes by Candidates
- Weak précis writing
- Candidates failed to capture the central idea in one-third length and often included their own opinions.
- Grammar and syntax errors
- Misuse of tenses, articles, and subject-verb agreement was common.
- Casual language
- Instead of formal English, some wrote in an informal or conversational tone.
- Irrelevant or vague answers
- Especially in comprehension and short-answer sections, candidates wasted time with unrelated material.
- Poor vocabulary
- Many lacked synonyms and antonyms for simple words.
- Untidy presentation
- Lack of neatness and scattered answers made it hard for examiners to follow.
Practical Preparation Strategies
- Practice précis daily
- Summarize editorials or articles in one-third length. Always write in the third person and past tense.
- Work on grammar basics
- Focus on tenses, punctuation, articles, prepositions, and subject-verb agreement. Books like Wren & Martin or Practical English Grammar by Thomson & Martinet are useful.
- Expand vocabulary
- Read English newspapers and note synonyms/antonyms. Apps like Vocabulary.com can also help.
- Comprehension practice
- Solve past CSS comprehension questions. Practice writing short, clear answers in your own words.
- Stay formal and concise
- Avoid casual or lengthy answers. Precision is key.
- Organize answers neatly
- Use headings or numbering where appropriate. Keep your writing examiner-friendly.
- Get feedback
- Have your précis and grammar exercises checked by a mentor or peer to catch recurring errors.
Encouraging Closing Note
The CSS 2019 report makes it clear: most candidates lost this paper because they ignored the basics. Précis writing is an art of brevity, clarity, and precision — and grammar is about discipline. Both can be mastered with steady practice.
Remember: You don’t need to be an English literature expert to clear this paper. You need to be clear, correct, and concise. With consistent practice in précis, grammar, and comprehension, you can turn this filter paper into a scoring subject.
Stay motivated: every passage you summarize, every grammar mistake you correct, every new word you learn brings you closer to success. Approach it seriously, and you will stand out among the crowd.