I have seen many people afraid of many things, yet the fear that CSS essay paper evokes

in the hearts of
the

innocent aspirants is gigantic in size and horrible in nature. Students feel that passing essay paper is as
tough

as surmounting the K2 and that too without being requisitely equipped. And, they are justified in their

perception.

The essay paper is mostly used by the designers of the CSS exam to minimize the number of horses
running toward

the finish line. Many aspirants see passing the essay paper as an insurmountable task. The reality,
however, is

altogether different than that what is actually perceived.

Getting through the essay paper, supposedly, is difficult; however, it’s not because passing it requires
exceptional

capabilities and potential, but because CSS aspirants aren’t requisitely equipped with the techniques and
skills

required to achieve the goal. It’s just like a man trying to open a lock without the right key. What will
happen? He

will fail! And, even a small lock would defeat all his power and strength. But, if he has the right key, he
can open,

in a jiffy, even the biggest and the safest lock.

SIGNIFICANCE

Essay writing is an art. Much importance is attached to the essay paper on the Central Superior Service
Exam

conducted by Federal Public Services Commission (FPSC) for the recruitment of Grade 17 of the All
Pakistan

United Grades that go up to Grade 22. It is the toughest competitive examination all over the Pakistan.
Every year

thousands of candidates apply, and appear in this exam to get the most prestigious job in the country,
which

could lead them to the higher level of frame, wealth and prestige. The usual aggregate for qualifying the
examination is 50 per cent.

Essay paper is the compulsory paper in this exam. Generally, 100 marks are allotted for writing one topic
within

three hours. Out of total 600 marks in compulsory papers, 100 marks can make or break ones
opportunity to get

selection. Generally marks between 45-65 considered good. Not only from getting marks but from the
point of

testing personality, mental development and maturity of the candidate it is one of most effective and
surest

means for examination conducting authority.

While you don’t have to study separate content for the civil services essay paper, for your general studies

preparation is enough to cover possible topics, you do have to remember certain aspects of writing a
good essay if

you want to have an edge over your fellow CSS aspirants. A lot of CSS aspirants make the mistake of not
focusing

on the essay paper because of its general nature. However, there are many advantages of concentrating
on this

paper such as:

• You have the option of selecting one topic out of Ten. You should be able to leverage this to your
advantage

and shine in this paper.

• The essay paper is an area where you can let lose your creativity while displaying your knowledge
about the

topics.

• Also, you have three hours to write about 2500 to 3000 words. Hence, you can do justice to the essay
topic as

you have ample time to structure your thoughts and then start writing.

COMMON HURDLES
"One of the toughest tasks in CSS written part is to get through the Essay paper. CSS aspirants put around
60% of

their efforts in preparing English Essay, and English Grammar & Composition papers. However, they
account for

only 17% of the overall weightage. Some clichés, false practices and our mindset make it a herculean
task.

Without delay, let us ponder on the issue and hope things will get easier after that."

Psychological barriers

It is commonly believed that if you pass the Essay paper, you will be a CSP. This extra conscious approach
makes

ENGLISH ESSAY PAPER

Essay Writing Guide (Imaz Virk)

it harder to get through as English always has its “fear factor”.

Language barrier and ill practices

Feeling weak in English, we make relentless efforts to learn it. Here, I disapprove those tutors who take 3
months

or so to teach how to write correct English. It means out of 240 days (8 months) to prepare for CSS
written part,

only 90 days (3 months) are reserved for preparing ‘Essay’, and ‘Composition’ papers with no surety to
get

through. Therefore, individual tuition should be discouraged in order to utilize energies evenly in right
direction.

Misunderstanding the topic

Most candidates, in haste, often don’t comprehend the topic, hence, ultimately end up as a failure.

Understanding topic is crucial to achieving success in Essay paper.

Time (Mis)management

Essay is the first paper. It is also true that we always take time to kick off. By the time we start writing
essay, it is
almost 10:00am. So, do manage your time