# **Grammar for Precis and Composition: A Step-by-Step Guide for CSS Exam**
To excel in the **Precis and Composition** paper of the CSS exam, mastering grammar is essential. This
guide will cover all the key grammar concepts, their practical applications, and tips to help you score
high. The content is based on **FPSC-recommended books** and examiner reports.
---
## **1. Parts of Speech**
Understanding the eight parts of speech is the foundation of grammar.
### **1.1 Noun**
- **Definition**: A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea.
- **Examples**:
- Person: Ali, teacher
- Place: Lahore, park
- Thing: book, car
- Idea: freedom, happiness
- **Practical Use**: Use specific nouns to make your writing clear and concise.
- Weak: The thing was amazing.
- Strong: The sunset was amazing.
### **1.2 Pronoun**
- **Definition**: A word that replaces a noun.
- **Types**: Personal (I, you), Possessive (my, your), Reflexive (myself), Relative (who, which).
- **Examples**:
- He is my friend.
- This is the book that I bought.
- **Practical Use**: Avoid repetition by using pronouns.
- Repetitive: Ali said Ali would come.
- Improved: Ali said he would come.
### **1.3 Verb**
- **Definition**: A word that shows action or state of being.
- **Examples**:
- Action: run, write
- State of being: is, seem
- **Practical Use**: Use strong verbs to make your writing dynamic.
- Weak: She was walking slowly.
- Strong: She strolled.
### **1.4 Adjective**
- **Definition**: A word that describes a noun.
- **Examples**: beautiful, tall, intelligent.
- **Practical Use**: Use adjectives sparingly to avoid overloading sentences.
- Overloaded: The big, red, shiny, expensive car.
- Balanced: The shiny red car.
### **1.5 Adverb**
- **Definition**: A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.
- **Examples**: quickly, very, well.
- **Practical Use**: Use adverbs to add detail but avoid redundancy.
- Redundant: She shouted loudly.
- Improved: She shouted.
### **1.6 Preposition**
- **Definition**: A word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and another word.
- **Examples**: in, on, at, by.
- **Practical Use**: Ensure prepositions are used correctly.
- Incorrect: She is good in English.
- Correct: She is good at English.
### **1.7 Conjunction**
- **Definition**: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses.
- **Examples**: and, but, because.
- **Practical Use**: Use conjunctions to create complex sentences.
- Simple: I went to the market. I bought apples.
- Complex: I went to the market and bought apples.
### **1.8 Interjection**
- **Definition**: A word that expresses strong emotion.
- **Examples**: Wow! Oh! Alas!
- **Practical Use**: Use interjections sparingly in formal writing.
---
## **2. Sentence Structure**
A sentence must have a subject and a verb and express a complete thought.
### **2.1 Types of Sentences**
1. **Simple Sentence**: One independent clause.
- Example: She reads books.
2. **Compound Sentence**: Two independent clauses joined by a conjunction.
- Example: She reads books, and he writes essays.
3. **Complex Sentence**: One independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
- Example: She reads books because she loves learning.
4. **Compound-Complex Sentence**: Two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent
clauses.
- Example: She reads books, and he writes essays because they love learning.
### **2.2 Common Errors**
- **Fragment**: Incomplete sentence.
- Incorrect: Because she was tired.
- Correct: She slept because she was tired.
- **Run-on**: Two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation.
- Incorrect: She reads books he writes essays.
- Correct: She reads books, and he writes essays.
---
## **3. Tenses**
Tenses indicate the time of action.
### **3.1 Present Tense**
- **Simple Present**: She writes essays.
- **Present Continuous**: She is writing an essay.
- **Present Perfect**: She has written an essay.
- **Present Perfect Continuous**: She has been writing an essay.
### **3.2 Past Tense**
- **Simple Past**: She wrote an essay.
- **Past Continuous**: She was writing an essay.
- **Past Perfect**: She had written an essay.
- **Past Perfect Continuous**: She had been writing an essay.
### **3.3 Future Tense**
- **Simple Future**: She will write an essay.
- **Future Continuous**: She will be writing an essay.
- **Future Perfect**: She will have written an essay.
- **Future Perfect Continuous**: She will have been writing an essay.
---
## **4. Active and Passive Voice**
- **Active Voice**: The subject performs the action.
- Example: She wrote the essay.
- **Passive Voice**: The subject receives the action.
- Example: The essay was written by her.
- **Practical Use**: Prefer active voice for clarity and conciseness.
---
## **5. Direct and Indirect Speech**
- **Direct Speech**: Exact words spoken.
- Example: She said, "I am tired."
- **Indirect Speech**: Reported speech.
- Example: She said that she was tired.
- **Rules**:
- Change pronouns and tenses.
- Use reporting verbs like "said," "told."
---
## **6. Punctuation**
- **Comma (,)**:
- Use to separate items in a list.
- Example: I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
- Use after introductory phrases.
- Example: After the meeting, we went home.
- **Semicolon (;)**:
- Use to join related independent clauses.
- Example: She reads books; he writes essays.
- **Colon (:)**:
- Use to introduce a list or explanation.
- Example: She bought three things: apples, oranges, and bananas.
---
## **7. Common Grammar Mistakes**
1. **Subject-Verb Agreement**:
- Incorrect: The list of items are on the table.
- Correct: The list of items is on the table.
2. **Misplaced Modifiers**:
- Incorrect: She almost drove her kids to school every day.
- Correct: She drove her kids to school almost every day.
3. **Double Negatives**:
- Incorrect: I don’t need no help.
- Correct: I don’t need any help.
---
## **8. Practical Tips for CSS Precis and Composition**
1. **Read FPSC-Recommended Books**:
- "A Practical English Grammar" by Thomson and Martinet.
- "High School English Grammar and Composition" by Wren and Martin.
2. **Practice Daily**: Write essays, precis, and paragraphs daily.
3. **Focus on Clarity and Conciseness**: Avoid unnecessary words.
4. **Use Examples**: Support your arguments with real-life examples.
5. **Revise Grammar Rules**: Regularly review grammar concepts.
---
## **9. Sample Exercises**
1. **Correct the Sentence**:
- Incorrect: Each of the students are responsible.
- Correct: Each of the students is responsible.
2. **Change to Passive Voice**:
- Active: She wrote the letter.
- Passive: The letter was written by her.
3. **Convert to Indirect Speech**:
- Direct: He said, "I am busy."
- Indirect: He said that he was busy.
---
## **10. Conclusion**
Mastering grammar is the key to excelling in the **Precis and Composition** paper. Focus on
understanding the rules, practicing regularly, and applying them effectively in your writing. Use FPSC-
recommended books and past papers for preparation. With consistent effort, you can achieve top marks
in your CSS exam.
---
**References**:
1. "A Practical English Grammar" by Thomson and Martinet.
2. "High School English Grammar and Composition" by Wren and Martin.
3. FPSC Examiner Reports and Past Papers.
# **Practical Application of Grammar in Precis and Composition: CSS Past Papers with Solved
Examples**
To master **Precis and Composition**, it is essential to apply grammar rules effectively. Below, I will
demonstrate how grammar concepts are used in **Precis Writing**, **Essay Writing**, and
**Comprehension** through solved examples from CSS past papers. I will also provide additional
practice exercises with solutions.
---
## **1. Precis Writing**
Precis writing requires clarity, conciseness, and proper grammar. Let’s analyze a CSS past paper precis
and apply grammar rules.
### **CSS 2020 Precis (Original Passage)**
*"The great advantage of early rising is the good start it gives us in our day’s work. The early riser has
done a large amount of hard work before other men have gotten out of bed. In the early morning, the
mind is fresh, and there are few sounds or other distractions. The work done at that time is generally
well done. In many cases, the early riser also finds time to take some exercise in the fresh morning air,
and this exercise supplies him with a fund of energy that will last until the evening. By beginning so early,
he knows that he has plenty of time to do all the work he is expected to do."*
### **Solved Precis (Applying Grammar Rules)**
**Title: Benefits of Early Rising**
Early rising provides a productive start to the day. An early riser accomplishes significant work before
others wake up. The morning offers a fresh mind and minimal distractions, ensuring efficient work.
Additionally, morning exercise boosts energy levels, sustaining productivity throughout the day. Starting
early allows ample time to complete tasks, reducing stress and enhancing performance.
---
### **Grammar Analysis of Precis**
1. **Nouns**: "Early riser," "work," "energy" (specific and clear).
2. **Pronouns**: "He" replaces "early riser" to avoid repetition.
3. **Verbs**: "Provides," "accomplishes," "boosts" (strong and precise).
4. **Adjectives**: "Fresh," "minimal," "efficient" (used sparingly).
5. **Conjunctions**: "And," "additionally" (connect ideas logically).
6. **Tenses**: Present tense used for general truths.
7. **Active Voice**: "Early rising provides" (clear and direct).
---
## **2. Essay Writing**
Grammar plays a crucial role in essay writing. Let’s analyze a CSS essay topic and apply grammar rules.
### **CSS 2019 Essay Topic**
*"Democracy is a culture rather than a process."*
### **Solved Essay Outline (Applying Grammar Rules)**
**Introduction**:
Democracy, often perceived as a political process, is fundamentally a culture rooted in values like
equality, freedom, and participation. It thrives when citizens actively engage in decision-making and
uphold democratic principles.
**Body Paragraphs**:
1. **Democracy as a Culture**:
- Democracy fosters inclusivity and respect for diverse opinions.
- Example: Scandinavian countries prioritize education and civic engagement, strengthening democratic
culture.
2. **Challenges in Developing Democratic Culture**:
- Lack of education and awareness hinders democratic values.
- Example: In some developing countries, authoritarianism overshadows democratic practices.
3. **Role of Institutions**:
- Strong institutions ensure transparency and accountability.
- Example: Independent judiciary and free media are pillars of democratic culture.
**Conclusion**:
Democracy, as a culture, requires continuous nurturing through education, civic engagement, and
institutional reforms. Only then can it transcend being a mere process and become a way of life.
---
### **Grammar Analysis of Essay**
1. **Nouns**: "Democracy," "culture," "values" (specific and relevant).
2. **Pronouns**: "It" replaces "democracy" for coherence.
3. **Verbs**: "Fosters," "hinders," "ensures" (strong and precise).
4. **Adjectives**: "Inclusive," "strong," "independent" (used effectively).
5. **Conjunctions**: "And," "however," "only then" (logical flow).
6. **Tenses**: Present tense for general truths, past tense for examples.
7. **Active Voice**: "Democracy fosters inclusivity" (clear and direct).
---
## **3. Comprehension**
Grammar is essential for answering comprehension questions accurately. Let’s analyze a CSS
comprehension passage.
### **CSS 2018 Comprehension Passage**
*"The habit of reading is one of the greatest resources of mankind. We enjoy reading books that belong
to much earlier times, just as we enjoy talking to our friends. The great and good do not die even in this
world. Embalmed in books, their spirits walk abroad. The book is a living voice. It is an intellect to which
one still listens."*
### **Solved Comprehension Questions (Applying Grammar Rules)**
1. **What is the main idea of the passage?**
- The passage emphasizes the importance of reading as a timeless resource that connects us with the
wisdom of the past.
2. **Explain the phrase 'embalmed in books.'**
- The phrase means that the ideas and spirits of great individuals are preserved in books, allowing their
influence to endure.
3. **How does the author describe books?**
- The author describes books as a "living voice" and an "intellect to which one still listens," highlighting
their enduring relevance.
---
### **Grammar Analysis of Comprehension Answers**
1. **Nouns**: "Reading," "books," "wisdom" (specific and clear).
2. **Pronouns**: "We," "their" (used appropriately).
3. **Verbs**: "Emphasizes," "means," "describes" (precise and relevant).
4. **Adjectives**: "Timeless," "enduring" (used effectively).
5. **Conjunctions**: "That," "as" (logical connections).
6. **Tenses**: Present tense for general truths.
---
## **4. Additional Practice Exercises (CSS Past Papers)**
### **Exercise 1: Precis Writing**
**Original Passage (CSS 2021)**:
*"The importance of education in the development of a nation cannot be overstated. Education equips
individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to society. It fosters critical thinking,
innovation, and social cohesion. Nations that prioritize education often experience economic growth,
reduced poverty, and improved health outcomes. Therefore, investing in education is not just a moral
obligation but also a strategic necessity."*
**Solved Precis**:
**Title: The Role of Education in National Development**
Education is vital for national progress. It provides skills and knowledge, fostering critical thinking,
innovation, and social unity. Countries prioritizing education achieve economic growth, poverty
reduction, and better health. Thus, investing in education is both a moral duty and a strategic need.
---
### **Exercise 2: Essay Writing**
**CSS 2022 Essay Topic**:
*"Climate change is a global challenge that requires global solutions."*
**Solved Essay Outline**:
**Introduction**:
Climate change, a pressing global issue, demands collective action. Its impacts, such as rising
temperatures and extreme weather, transcend borders, necessitating international cooperation.
**Body Paragraphs**:
1. **Causes of Climate Change**:
- Human activities like industrialization and deforestation.
- Example: Carbon emissions from developed nations.
2. **Impacts of Climate Change**:
- Rising sea levels and biodiversity loss.
- Example: Floods in Pakistan and wildfires in Australia.
3. **Global Solutions**:
- International agreements like the Paris Accord.
- Example: Renewable energy adoption in Europe.
**Conclusion**:
Addressing climate change requires unified global efforts. Only through cooperation can we mitigate its
effects and ensure a sustainable future.
---
### **Exercise 3: Comprehension**
**CSS 2020 Comprehension Passage**:
*"The art of storytelling is as old as humanity itself. Stories have been used to entertain, educate, and
inspire. They connect us to our past and help us imagine the future. Through stories, we learn about
different cultures, values, and experiences. In a world increasingly dominated by technology, storytelling
remains a powerful tool for human connection."*
**Solved Comprehension Questions**:
1. **What is the main idea of the passage?**
- The passage highlights the timeless importance of storytelling in connecting people, preserving
culture, and inspiring imagination.
2. **How do stories connect us to the past?**
- Stories preserve cultural heritage and historical experiences, allowing us to learn from the past.
3. **Why is storytelling still relevant in the modern world?**
- Despite technological advancements, storytelling remains a powerful means of human connection
and cultural exchange.
---
## **5. Conclusion**
By applying grammar rules effectively in **Precis Writing**, **Essay Writing**, and
**Comprehension**, you can significantly improve your performance in the CSS Precis and Composition
paper. Practice regularly using past papers, focus on clarity and conciseness, and review grammar
concepts thoroughly. With consistent effort, you can achieve top marks in your CSS exam.
**References**:
1. CSS Past Papers (2018–2022).
2. "A Practical English Grammar" by Thomson and Martinet.
3. "High School English Grammar and Composition" by Wren and Martin.
4. FPSC Examiner Reports.
