CSS 2019 – Computer Science: Examiner’s Feedback and Student Guide
Introduction
Computer Science has become a popular optional in CSS because of its relevance in the digital age, overlap with GSA, and technical scoring potential. It is particularly attractive to candidates with IT, engineering, or computer science backgrounds. However, the examiner’s report for CE-2019 revealed that many aspirants treated the subject superficially. Weak conceptual foundations, irrelevant content, and poor technical writing resulted in below-average performance.
Examiner Feedback (2019)
The examiner observed:
- Performance was unsatisfactory overall.
- Many candidates lacked clarity of core concepts in operating systems, data structures, and algorithms.
- Answers were often filled with irrelevant material, wasting time and space.
- Candidates failed to demonstrate depth of understanding in database systems, networking, and programming.
- Instead of precise technical writing, many scripts contained vague, generalized statements.
- Only a few candidates who presented focused, well-structured, and technically accurate answers performed well【Examiner-Reports-CE-2019.pdf†L140-L147】.
Common Mistakes by Candidates
- Superficial preparation
- Memorizing definitions without true understanding of processes like scheduling, indexing, or OS management.
- Irrelevant or filler content
- Writing lengthy introductions or off-topic details instead of answering the question directly.
- Weak grasp of programming and algorithms
- Many could not explain time complexity, recursion, or sorting/searching methods.
- No use of diagrams/flowcharts
- Candidates failed to include visuals for database schemas, networking topologies, or process models.
- Poor technical writing
- Answers lacked proper use of technical terms, making explanations vague.
Practical Preparation Strategies
- Strengthen fundamentals
- Revise data structures, algorithms, operating systems, networking, software engineering, and databases.
- Practice programming concepts
- Be comfortable with recursion, complexity analysis, OOP principles, and pseudocode writing.
- Use diagrams and visuals
- Database ER diagrams, OS scheduling charts, and network models add clarity and marks.
- Avoid filler content
- Stick strictly to the question’s demand. CSS rewards precision, not page-filling.
- Solve past papers
- Attempt at least the last 10 years’ papers to identify recurring concepts.
- Use authentic references
- Silberschatz – Operating System Concepts
- Kurose & Ross – Computer Networking
- Cormen et al. – Introduction to Algorithms
- Apply to modern trends
- Relate answers to current developments: AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, blockchain.
Encouraging Closing Note
The CSS 2019 examiner’s report proves that Computer Science is not about cramming notes — it’s about precision and understanding. Candidates who memorized vague definitions failed, while those who wrote clear, technical, and applied answers performed well.
Remember: Computer Science rewards clarity, structure, and application. Every diagram you draw, every algorithm you analyze, every system you explain with precision increases your score.
Stay motivated: this subject is a reflection of the modern world — if you prepare smartly, it can become one of your most rewarding optionals.