2019 Optional Subjects Long Format – Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide

CSS 2019 – Anthropology: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide Introduction Anthropology is a relatively new CSS optional that quickly gained popularity because of its concise syllabus, relevance to Pakistan’s social issues, and scoring potential. However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 revealed that while some candidates prepared it well, the majority lacked conceptual clarity and failed to apply anthropological knowledge to Pakistan’s context. Let’s break down the examiner’s insights, mistakes, and strategies to help future aspirants. Examiner Feedback (2019) The examiner observed: Performance was disappointing overall. Candidates showed weak conceptual understanding of anthropological theories and approaches. Many wrote generic social science essays instead of answering questions through an anthropological lens. Pakistan-specific application (tribal systems, kinship, cultural diversity, extremism) was largely missing. Language problems and disorganized answers further reduced marks. A few candidates who used theories, case studies, and Pakistan’s examples stood out and scored well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L96-L103】. Common Mistakes by Candidates Superficial preparation Many relied on academy notes instead of studying standard anthropology texts. Weak grasp of theories Candidates could not explain Functionalism, Structuralism, Cultural Materialism, or apply them. No application to Pakistan Very few connected concepts to tribal justice systems, family structures, or gender roles in Pakistan. Writing sociology instead of anthropology Answers read like general sociology papers, not focused on anthropology’s unique approach. Poor presentation Unclear outlines, weak headings, and poor English reduced effectiveness. Practical Preparation Strategies Master anthropological theories Learn Functionalism (Malinowski), Structuralism (Lévi-Strauss), Symbolic Anthropology (Geertz), and Cultural Materialism (Marvin Harris). Apply to Pakistan’s society Use anthropology to analyze: Tribal justice systems (Pashtunwali, Jirga) Rural-urban migration Gender inequality in traditional societies Extremism and cultural resistance Use case studies Quote examples from Kalash tribes, Baloch kinship structures, Sindhi Sufi traditions, and global anthropology studies. Structure answers effectively Intro → theory → application → Pakistan’s case → conclusion. Avoid sociology-style writing Always answer from an anthropological perspective — focus on culture, kinship, rituals, symbols. Use visuals where possible Diagrams, cultural models, or kinship charts add clarity. Read standard texts Ember & Ember – Anthropology, Kottak – Cultural Anthropology, and supplementary articles on Pakistani culture. Encouraging Closing Note The CSS 2019 examiner’s report proves that Anthropology is not a shortcut subject. It rewards those who study theories seriously and apply them critically to Pakistan. Candidates who confused it with Sociology failed, while those who used theories, examples, and analysis excelled. Remember: Anthropology is about understanding people, cultures, and change. If you show the examiner that you can analyze Pakistan’s society through an anthropological lens, you will stand out. Stay motivated: every theory you master, every case study you apply, every cultural insight you develop takes you closer to success in this paper. With consistent effort, Anthropology can be one of your strongest scoring optionals.

CSS 2019 – Agriculture & Forestry: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide Introduction Agriculture & Forestry is often considered a scoring and practical subject in CSS because of its relevance to Pakistan’s economy, food security, and environmental challenges. It appeals to candidates with backgrounds in natural sciences or those aiming for overlap with Environmental Science. However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 revealed that many aspirants underperformed because they lacked scientific depth and ignored the forestry portion. Let’s break down the examiner’s observations, common mistakes, and strategies for success. Examiner Feedback (2019) The examiner noted: Performance was generally poor. Candidates attempted the paper with partial or shallow preparation. While some showed awareness of agricultural issues, their answers lacked scientific explanation and data. Forestry was neglected by most candidates; they either skipped it or wrote irrelevant material. Many candidates produced repetitive, descriptive content instead of structured, analytical answers. Only a small number of well-prepared candidates who used facts, figures, case studies, and scientific reasoning performed well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L89-L95】. Common Mistakes by Candidates Ignoring the forestry portion Many studied agriculture only, leaving forestry questions blank or poorly attempted. Superficial answers Candidates described general issues like “climate change affects crops” without scientific mechanisms or data. No Pakistan-specific examples Very few linked answers to Pakistani case studies (e.g., Indus Basin irrigation, KPK afforestation programs). Weak diagrams and flowcharts Lack of visuals made answers less examiner-friendly. Poor structure Answers lacked introductions, headings, and conclusions. Practical Preparation Strategies Cover the full syllabus Agriculture: cropping patterns, irrigation, soil fertility, biotechnology, pest management, food security. Forestry: afforestation, deforestation, biodiversity, forest management policies, climate change impacts. Use data and case studies Quote Pakistan Economic Survey, FAO reports, and government projects like the Billion Tree Tsunami. Write scientifically Explain with cause-and-effect logic. For example: how high temperatures → evapotranspiration → water stress → reduced yields. Integrate forestry strongly Don’t neglect forestry questions; they are often straightforward and can earn high marks. Practice diagrams and flowcharts Nutrient cycles, irrigation systems, and forestry maps can make answers more appealing. Propose practical solutions Divide solutions into short-term (technology, subsidies, better seeds) and long-term (policy reforms, climate adaptation). Organize answers systematically Intro → core issue → data/examples → solutions → conclusion. Encouraging Closing Note The CSS 2019 examiner’s report shows that Agriculture & Forestry punishes partial preparation but rewards holistic, scientific, and data-driven answers. Candidates who ignored forestry or relied on narrative writing failed, while those who used facts, diagrams, and Pakistan-specific examples performed very well. Remember: This is a subject where preparation can directly translate into marks. Every statistic you quote, every diagram you draw, and every scientific explanation you provide strengthens your answer. Stay motivated: Agriculture & Forestry is not just about passing CSS — it’s about understanding the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and environment. If you prepare it seriously, it can easily become one of your highest-scoring optionals.

CSS 2019 – Accountancy & Auditing: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide Introduction Accountancy & Auditing isconsidered one of the most technical but scoring optionals in CSS. It isusually chosen by candidates with a background in commerce, business, orfinance. However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 showed that whilesome candidates demonstrated solid preparation, the majority struggled due toweak concepts, poor practice in numerical problems, and lack of balance betweentheory and application. Let’s unpack the examiner’s insights, the mistakesaspirants made, and strategies to prepare effectively.     ExaminerFeedback (2019) The examiner observed: Overall performance was unsatisfactory. Candidates performed slightly better in numericalquestions, but most failed in theoretical/analytical questions. Many answers lacked conceptual clarity andcontained irrelevant material. Auditing and Accounting Standards questions were eitheravoided or attempted very poorly. A significant number of candidates could not managetime properly and left questions unanswered. The few high scorers were those who combined conceptualclarity, practical application, and neat presentation【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L81-L88】.     CommonMistakes by Candidates Weak theoretical knowledge Many could not explain basic concepts of auditing,IFRS, or accounting principles. Over-reliance on numericals Candidates focused only on problem-solving but failedin theoretical parts. Selective preparation Ignoring cost accounting, management accounting, orauditing portions. Time mismanagement Spending too much time on one numerical question andleaving others incomplete. Weak presentation Lack of structured formats, headings, and neatworkings.     PracticalPreparation Strategies Build strong conceptual foundations Revise accounting standards (IFRS), auditingprinciples, cost and management accounting basics. Balance numericals and theory Allocate equal time to practicing both problem-solvingand conceptual topics. Practice past papers extensively Solve numericals under timed conditions. Presentsolutions step by step for partial credit. Master auditing Focus on internal controls, types of audits, responsibilitiesof auditors, and practical examples from Pakistan. Improve presentation Use proper formats for journal entries, ledgers,balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Stay updated Keep track of changes in international accountingstandards and auditing practices. Time management practice Attempt mock exams to build speed and accuracy.     EncouragingClosing Note The CSS 2019 examiner’s report showsthat Accountancy & Auditing is not for half-hearted preparation.Those who treated it selectively failed, while those who prepared holistically— combining theory, numericals, and auditing — scored well. Remember: This is a subject of clarity and practice. Every balancesheet you solve, every auditing concept you master, every numerical youpractice makes you examiner-ready. With discipline and smart preparation,Accountancy can become one of your most scoring optionals. Stay consistent: precision,neatness, and balance between theory and practice are the keys to success here.