CSS Essay by Riaz Laghari
'Due to their poor language skills, which also include poor sentence structure, grammatical errors, a lack of grasp of essay structure, a lack of transitions, a lack of subject knowledge, and an inability to stay on topic, students suffer in English Essay.'
Why so many students fail in English & Essay?
Incoherent Expression of Thoughts: Many students struggle to express their ideas clearly and effectively in English, leading to failure in the subject.
Poor Sentence Structure Formation: Many students have trouble constructing grammatically correct sentences, leading to confusion for the reader and decreased marks.
Grammatical Errors in Essays: Students often make mistakes in grammar, punctuation, and spelling when writing essays, hindering the quality of their work.
Lack of Basic Essay Structure: Students who don't understand the basic structure of an essay, including introduction, body, and conclusion, will struggle to write a well-organized essay.
Poor Paragraph Transitions: Students who don't transition effectively between paragraphs will have a disjointed essay that is difficult to follow.
Lack of Knowledge on Attempted Topic: Students who don't have sufficient knowledge on the topic they are attempting to write about will struggle to produce quality work.
Relevance to the Topic: Students who don't stay relevant to the topic of their essay, including digressing or including irrelevant information, will fail to score well.
Requirements of English essay.
Correct language
Quality material
Logical arguments
Well-made introduction and conclusion
Maintenance of the basic structure of the essay
Flow in thought and language
Natural disposition
Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay
What is a Thesis Statement?
- Interpretation: Explains the significance of the subject.
- Road Map: Guides the reader on what to expect.
- Argument: Answers the posed question and offers an argument.
- Disputable Claim: Presents a claim open to dispute.
- Location: Typically at the end of the first paragraph.
Importance of a Thesis Statement
- Clarifies Position: Outlines your stance.
- Guides Reader: Indicates main points and evidence.
- Focus: Centers the essay on a specific argument.
Key Elements of a Thesis Statement
- Topic: Subject of the essay.
- Claim: Main argument or position.
- Major Points: Key elements supporting your claim.
Steps to Crafting a Thesis Statement
- Ask a Question: Start with a relevant question.
- Answer the Question: Formulate a clear response.
- Develop Your Stance: State your position clearly.
- Refine Your Statement: Ensure specificity and clarity.
- Write Your Essay: Use the thesis as a guide.
Constructing a Thesis Statement
- Write it Down: Document your working thesis.
- Prominent Placement: Place at the end of the introductory paragraph.
- Anticipate Counterarguments: Address potential objections.
Elements of an Argumentative Essay
- Thesis
- Arguments + Evidence
- Counter Arguments
- Conclusion
Checklist for a Strong Thesis Statement
- Expresses one main idea.
- Includes an arguable claim.
- Clearly states your position.
- Specific and focused.
- Supported by evidence.
- Engaging and interesting.
- Written as a complete sentence.
- Correct spelling and punctuation.
- Correct use of capital letters.
Additional Tips for Writing a Thesis Statement
- Be Clear and Concise: State the main argument clearly, avoid unnecessary words.
- Make it Arguable: Present a debatable claim.
- Be Specific: Focus on a specific aspect of the topic.
- Provide a Roadmap: Preview main points and structure.
Structuring a Thesis Statement
- Introduction: Introduce the topic and thesis.
- Clarity and Specificity: Ensure clarity and specificity.
- Debatable Claim: Present a claim that can be supported with evidence.
- Preview of Arguments: Briefly outline main points.
- Relevance to Topic: Directly address the topic.
- Conciseness: Keep it concise and clear.
- Revision and Refinement: Revise as needed.
Thesis Statement Basics
- Core argument or claim of your essay.
- Connects body paragraphs and sub-claims.
- Prepare evidence and arguments before formulating the thesis.
TPR Method for Drafting
- Topic: Identify the topic.
- Position: State your position.
- Rationale: Provide supporting reasons.
- Combine: Merge these into a concise thesis statement.
Placement in Essay
- Appears at the end of the introduction and the beginning of the conclusion.
- Referenced at transitions to reinforce the argument.
Crafting Clear and Effective Thesis Statements
- Understand the essay’s central concept.
- Formulate a concise thesis that encapsulates the main idea.
Examples of Thesis Statement Formulas
- "While commonly believed that ..., closer examination reveals ..."
- "Despite ..., recent facts indicate ..."
- "The reason for ... leads to ..."
Recap: Writing a Thesis Statement for an Argumentative Essay
- Definition and Purpose: A single sentence stating your main argument, guiding the reader.
- Components: Topic, claim, major points.
- Types of Thesis Statements: Vary based on essay type (analytical, expository, argumentative).
- Importance: Clarifies position, outlines key points.
- Fusion of Argumentative and Persuasive Essays: Logical arguments (argumentative) vs. emotional appeal (persuasive).
CSS Essay-these points should be kept in mind:
Relevance of content with the topic
Language (sentences with correct grammar, so it is always preferred to write short sentences, as there will be a few chances of mistakes.)
Handwriting; should be neat and legible as paper's cosmetic value also has its own importance.
Additional/ Supplementary content including examples, verses, quotes, facts and figures if needed (particularly in factual essays), make your essay unique with these colours.
Introduction should be the best, as the examiner will judge your essay and make an impression in the very beginning, directly hit the topic without going into the irrelevant details.
Essay should be well-arranged, all the content should be presented in a sequence, for example background can't come prior to examples or solutions, coherence in the arrangement of facts is necessary.
In conclusion, don't introduce any new idea, justify the given content in conclusion by explaining in a few sentences.
Seven Principles to develop your writing skills
Irrespective of your age factor you can improve your writing skills if you want to. Writing ability is the key of success in the modern era. The following tips will help you develop it.
1. Learn Grammar :
No language goes without grammar. Knowledge of grammar is essential for writing, speaking. understanding and listening.
2. Increase your word power :
The saurus of words augments your writing power. It also aids in reading . The greater the vocabulary you have the better the author you will be, and you will have a better command over the language.
3. Develop reading habit :
Reading helps you in expanding your understanding and knowledge. You become accustomed to the correct structure of the sentence and acquainted with the use of the right word in the right place. Read newspaper, magazines or journals regularly.
4. You must have a standard dictionary :
Whenever there is a word whose meaning you don`t know, look up the dictionary and memorize its meaning or meanings.
5. Develop writing habit :
Regularly write essay, notes , short stories etc or construct several sentences using a single difficult word.
6. Develop your imagination :
Without imagination you cannot write no matter how great vocabulary you have. You can develop your imagination by reading , listening and observing.
7. Improve your knowledge of the subject :
If you lack the knowledge of the subject you are unable to write even a single line.
Guide To Essay Writing
An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. You may be writing an essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task.
Either way, your essay will have the same basic format.
If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
Don't let the thought of putting pen to paper daunt you.
Get Started
These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process:
• Decide on your topic.
• Prepare an outline or diagram of your ideas.
• Write your thesis statement.
• Write the body.
o Write the main points.
o Write the subpoints.
o Elaborate on the subpoints.
• Write the introduction.
• Write the conclusion.
• Add the finishing touches.
Decide Your Own Topic
You may have no choice as to your topic. If this is the case, you still may not be ready to jump to the next step.
Think about the type of paper you are expected to produce. Should it be a general overview, or a specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture."
Once you have determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
Topic Has Not Been Assigned
If you have not been assigned a topic, then the whole world lies before you. Sometimes that seems to make the task of starting even more intimidating. Actually, this means that you are free to choose a topic of interest to you, which will often make your essay a stronger one.
Define Your Purpose
The first thing you must do is think about the purpose of the essay you must write. Is your purpose to persuade people to believe as you do, to explain to people how to complete a particular task, to educate people about some person, place, thing or idea, or something else entirely? Whatever topic you choose must fit that purpose.
Brainstorm Subjects of Interest
Once you have determined the purpose of your essay, write down some subjects that interest you. No matter what the purpose of your essay is, an endless number of topics will be suitable.
If you have trouble thinking of subjects, start by looking around you. Is there anything in your surroundings that interests you? Think about your life. What occupies most of your time? That might make for a good topic. Don't evaluate the subjects yet; just write down anything that springs to mind.
Evaluate Each Potential Topic
If you can think of at least a few topics that would be appropriate, you must simply consider each one individually. Think about how you feel about that topic. If you must educate, be sure it is a subject about which you are particularly well-informed. If you must persuade, be sure it is a subject about which you are at least moderately passionate. Of course, the most important factor in choosing a topic is the number of ideas you have about that topic.
Even if none of the subjects you thought of seem particularly appealing, try just choosing one to work with. It may turn out to be a better topic than you at first thought.
Before you are ready to move on in the essay-writing process, look one more time at the topic you have selected. Think about the type of paper you are expected to produce. Should it be a general overview, or a specific analysis of the topic? If it should be an overview, then you are probably ready to move to the next step. If it should be a specific analysis, make sure your topic is fairly specific. If it is too general, you must choose a narrower subtopic to discuss.
For example, the topic "KENYA" is a general one. If your objective is to write an overview, this topic is suitable. If your objective is to write a specific analysis, this topic is too general. You must narrow it to something like "Politics in Kenya" or "Kenya's Culture."
Once you have determined that your topic will be suitable, you can move on.
Organize Your Ideas
The purpose of an outline or diagram is to put your ideas about the topic on paper, in a moderately organized format. The structure you create here may still change before the essay is complete, so don't agonize over this.
Decide whether you prefer the cut-and-dried structure of an outline or a more flowing structure. If you start one or the other and decide it isn't working for you, you can always switch later.
Diagram
1. Begin your diagram with a circle or a horizontal line or whatever shape you prefer in the middle of the page.
2. Inside the shape or on the line, write your topic.
3. From your center shape or line, draw three or four lines out into the page. Be sure to spread them out.
4. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the center of the page.
5. In each shape or on each line, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that you want to make.
o If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
o If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed.
You will probably need to group these into categories.
If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
o If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information can be divided.
6. From each of your main ideas, draw three or four lines out into the page.
7. At the end of each of these lines, draw another circle or horizontal line or whatever you drew in the center of the page.
8. In each shape or on each line, write the facts or information that support that main idea.
When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.
Compose a Thesis Statement
Now that you have decided, at least tentatively, what information you plan to present in your essay, you are ready to write your thesis statement.
The thesis statement tells the reader what the essay will be about, and what point you, the author, will be making. You know what the essay will be about. That was your topic. Now you must look at your outline or diagram and decide what point you will be making. What do the main ideas and supporting ideas that you listed say about your topic?
Your thesis statement will have two parts.
• The first part states the topic.
o Kenya's Culture
o Building a Model Train Set
o Public Transportation
• The second part states the point of the essay.
o has a rich and varied history
o takes time and patience
o can solve some of our city's most persistent and pressing problems
Once you have formulated a thesis statement that fits this pattern and with which you are comfortable, you are ready to continue.
Write the Body Paragraphs
In the body of the essay, all the preparation up to this point comes to fruition. The topic you have chosen must now be explained, described, or argued.
Each main idea that you wrote down in your diagram or outline will become one of the body paragraphs. If you had three or four main ideas, you will have three or four body paragraphs.
Each body paragraph will have the same basic structure.
1. Start by writing down one of your main ideas, in sentence form.
If your main idea is "reduces freeway congestion," you might say this:
Public transportation reduces freeway congestion.
2. Next, write down each of your supporting points for that main idea, but leave four or five lines in between each point.
3. In the space under each point, write down some elaboration for that point.
Elaboration can be further description or explanation or discussion.
Supporting Point
Commuters appreciate the cost savings of taking public transportation rather than driving.
Elaboration
Less driving time means less maintenance expense, such as oil changes.
Of course, less driving time means savings on gasoline as well.
In many cases, these savings amount to more than the cost of riding public transportation.
4. If you wish, include a summary sentence for each paragraph.
This is not generally needed, however, and such sentences have a tendency to sound stilted, so be cautious about using them.
Once you have fleshed out each of your body paragraphs, one for each main point, you are ready to continue.
Write the Introduction and Conclusion
Your essay lacks only two paragraphs now: the introduction and the conclusion. These paragraphs will give the reader a point of entry to and a point of exit from your essay.
Introduction
The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus.
1. Begin with an attention grabber.
The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas:
o Startling information
This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make.
If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.
o Anecdote
An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point.
Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.
o Dialogue
An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your point.
Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration.
o Summary Information
A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
2. If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.
3. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.
Conclusion
The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic.
All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way.
Add the Finishing Touches
You have now completed all of the paragraphs of your essay. Before you can consider this a finished product, however, you must give some thought to the formatting of your paper.
Check the order of your paragraphs.
Look at your paragraphs. Which one is the strongest? You might want to start with the strongest paragraph, end with the second strongest, and put the weakest in the middle. Whatever order you decide on, be sure it makes sense. If your paper is describing a process, you will probably need to stick to the order in which the steps must be completed.
Check the instructions for the assignment.
When you prepare a final draft, you must be sure to follow all of the instructions you have been given.
• Are your margins correct?
• Have you titled it as directed?
• What other information (name, date, etc.) must you include?
• Did you double-space your lines?
Check your writing.
Nothing can substitute for revision of your work. By reviewing what you have done, you can improve weak points that otherwise would be missed. Read and reread your paper.
• Does it make logical sense?
Leave it for a few hours and then read it again. Does it still make logical sense?
• Do the sentences flow smoothly from one another?
If not, try to add some words and phrases to help connect them. Transition words, such as "therefore" or "however," sometimes help. Also, you might refer in one sentence to a thought in the previous sentence. This is especially useful when you move from one paragraph to another.
• Have you run a spell checker or a grammar checker?
These aids cannot catch every error, but they might catch errors that you have missed
Slide 1: Introduction
Essay Writing for CSS/PCS Exams
Discussing common hurdles and road to success in Essay Writing
Slide 2: Common Hurdles
Psychological barriers
Language barrier and ill practices
Misunderstanding the topic
Time (Mis)management
Slide 3: Road to Essay Writing
Stick to the basics
Learn common rules of writing
Practice short essays
Go through past papers and collect material
Evaluate essays regularly
Slide 4: Techniques for CSS Essay
Selection of Topic
Uncommon Topics
Outline
Slide 5: Selection of Topic
Read the question paper extensively
List the topics and finalize one
Brainstorm and make rough outlines
Slide 6: Uncommon Topics - Literature is the best criticism of life
Definition of Literature
Origin of Literature as a reflection of life
Literature and society
Global trends in literature
Critical analysis
End note
Slide 7: Uncommon Topics - Beggars cannot be choosers
Introduction
Meaning of the quote
Economic dependency of Pakistan
Economic aid and its impacts on foreign policy
Relevance of the quote with Indo-Pak ties
Suggestions for independence
Conclusion
Slide 8: Uncommon Topics - Freedom of speech should have limitations
Introduction
Media in Pakistan
Freedom of speech and its limitations
Government policies and freedom of media in Pakistan
Challenges to freedom of speech
Ways to ensure freedom of speech with responsibility
Conclusion
Slide 9: Outline
Importance of a comprehensive and elaborate outline
Sample outline: Failure of Governance in Pakistan
Introduction
Prerequisites of good governance
Evidences of failure of governance in Pakistan
In-depth analysis
Solutions to ensure good governance in Pakistan
Slide 10: Conclusion
Recap of key points discussed
Emphasis on the importance of practice and preparation for success in Essay Writing for CSS/PCS Exams.
Slide 1: Thesis Statement
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence or two that summarizes the main argument of your essay.
It should be clear and concise, and it should be arguable.
The thesis statement sets the tone for the rest of your essay and guides the reader on what to expect.
Slide 2: Outline
Why is outlining important?
Outlining helps you organize your thoughts and ideas and provides structure for your essay.
It ensures that all your points flow logically and that you don’t forget any important details.
Here is a sample outline for an English essay:
I. Introduction
A. Background information
B. Thesis statement
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Main argument
B. Supporting evidence
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Main argument
B. Supporting evidence
IV. Body Paragraph 3
A. Main argument
B. Supporting evidence
V. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis
B. Summarize main arguments
C. Final thoughts
Slide 3: Introduction
The introduction is the first section of your essay and it should grab the reader’s attention.
It should be clear, concise, and provide background information relevant to your topic.
Here are some tips for writing an effective introduction:
Start with an attention-grabber.
Provide background information.
State your thesis statement.
Preview your main arguments.
Slide 4: Body Paragraphs
Body paragraphs are the main sections of your essay where you develop your arguments and provide evidence to support them.
Here are some tips for writing effective body paragraphs:
Start with a clear topic sentence.
Provide supporting evidence, such as quotes, statistics, or examples.
Analyze and interpret the evidence.
Conclude the paragraph by summarizing your main argument and connecting it to your thesis statement.
Repeat the process for each of your body paragraphs.
Slide 5: Conclusion
The conclusion is the final section of your essay and it should summarize your main arguments and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Here are some tips for writing an effective conclusion:
Restate your thesis statement.
Summarize your main arguments.
Provide final thoughts or recommendations.
End with a memorable statement.
Slide 6: Final Tips
Remember to proofread and edit your essay.
Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
Make sure that your essay follows a clear and logical structure.
Avoid plagiarism by properly citing your sources.
With these strategies and tips in mind, you will be well on your way to writing a top-notch English essay. Good luck!
The examiners and subject experts of the CSS Competitive Examination have provided guidelines on what is expected of a good essay in the exam. The key points include:
Proper beginning with a clear understanding of the topic and a well-elaborated topic sentence
Correct and flawless language, with appropriate vocabulary, literacy and idiomatic expression
Logical organization of ideas, with coherence in arrangement of material and paragraphs
Cohesion in development of argument, reaching a conclusion that is clear in language, ideas and debate
Comprehensiveness and logical presentation of the argument
Standard sizing as per requirement and avoidance of too much scholarship
Through acquaintance with the nature of the question or topic
Relevant quotations that are well placed
Impressive finish
The essay should reflect the writer's personal thoughts and feelings about the topic, and should be self-contained, creative, critical and analytical. It should contain a unified and coherent discussion, with a balanced body and a clear beginning, middle, and end. It should establish the writer's personal stand on the subject and substantiate it with convincing arguments.
Major Mistakes Reported by CSS Examiners
Major Mistakes Reported by CSS Examiners
1. Candidates lacked conceptual clarity, had shallow knowledge of subject, made grammatical mistakes, and choice of vocabulary was inappropriate.
2. They had poor knowledge of the basic English grammar, punctuation and sentence formation.
3. A significant majority did not have the command over syntax, phraseology or etymology of words.
4. Some basic mistakes related to capitalization, punctuations and spellings were observed.
5. Linguistically, candidates were not at ease in expressing themselves.
6. Majority of the candidates wrote isolated sentences rather than in cohesive paragraphs.
7. Most of the candidates lacked the practice and knowledge of how a comprehensive note is written and showed lack of cohesion, coherence and organizational skills.
8. Most of candidates lacked ability to present the relevant material, and did not know even the basics of essay writing, like paragraph and punctuation.
9. They have demonstrated glaring flaws both in comprehension and expression.
10. The overall standard of grammar produced by candidates is very poor.
A large number of candidates failed to address the topic or question properly and did not demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of the task.
Many candidates failed to present their ideas in a structured manner, often jumping from one idea to another without clear transitions.
Lack of critical thinking skills was a common issue, as many candidates failed to analyze and evaluate the information presented in the questions.
Some candidates relied too heavily on memorized information, rather than demonstrating their understanding of the material.
Some candidates failed to write in an appropriate academic style, using informal language or expressions that are not suitable for an academic setting.
A common mistake was not properly citing sources or failing to give proper credit for information used in the examination.
Some candidates failed to write within the time limit, leading to a rushed and disorganized final product.
Poor time management was also a common issue, as some candidates spent too much time on one section and did not have enough time to complete other sections properly.
Candidates often showed a lack of creativity and originality, providing generic and formulaic answers without demonstrating their own unique perspectives or ideas.
Many candidates failed to proofread their work, resulting in mistakes in spelling, grammar, and formatting that could have been easily corrected.
CSS Essay::Marking/Checking
Outline=05
Content=50
Introduction=10
Layout=05
Handwriting=05
Language=20
Conclusion=05
Total=100
The common scoring scheme used by examiners to evaluate CSS Essays. Here's a brief explanation of each component:
Outline: This refers to the structure of the essay and how well the ideas are organized. A good outline helps to make the essay more readable and understandable.
Content: This component evaluates the depth of knowledge and understanding of the topic by the candidate. The candidate's ability to present the relevant material and make use of sources is also taken into account.
Introduction: The introduction sets the tone for the entire essay and it is important to grab the reader's attention with a clear and concise opening.
Layout: The layout refers to the visual aspect of the essay, such as font size, margins, and spacing. A neat and organized layout can make the essay more appealing and easier to read.
Handwriting: Good handwriting can enhance the readability of the essay. Poor handwriting can make it difficult for the examiner to understand what the candidate has written.
Language: This component evaluates the candidate's command over the language, including grammar, vocabulary, and expression. A clear and concise use of language can make the essay more effective.
Conclusion: The conclusion is an opportunity to summarize the main points of the essay and make a final impression on the reader. A well-written conclusion can leave a lasting impact.
The total score of 100 is the sum of these components and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate's essay writing skills.
The most important rules for writing a formal English essay are:
Avoid using contractions, except when quoting someone’s exact words.
Avoid starting sentences with words such as "and," "so," "but," or "also." Instead, use transition words like "nevertheless," "additionally," "however," "in addition," "as a result of," or "although."
Write in the third person point of view and avoid using first or second person words like "I," "you," "we," or "us."
Avoid using too much passive voice. It is better to use an active voice in formal writing.
Avoid using slang and exaggeration in your writing.
Avoid abbreviations and acronyms, unless the acronym is used more than twice in the essay.
Write short and simple sentences, focusing on clarity and presenting your ideas effectively, rather than using complex vocabulary.
Take care of formatting, style, and presentation. Keep the font size and style consistent throughout the essay, use headings and subheadings, and be mindful of margins and spacing.
Use appropriate and relevant examples and evidence to support your arguments and ideas.
Use transitional words and phrases to connect ideas and create a smooth flow of thought.
Avoid plagiarism by properly citing any sources you use.
Proofread your essay carefully before submitting it. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and typos, and make sure that the essay is well-organized and easy to follow.
Finally, remember to relax and stay calm. Writing an essay can be stressful, but taking breaks, getting plenty of sleep, and staying focused will help you do your best work. Good luck!
