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Malik Zaeem Tuesday, August 20, 2019 10:39 AM

Senior's advice needed!
 
Aoa,

i just completed my Masters in International Relations. it was a tough ride as i was the person who was given an option to go for engg or medical, but my passion for social sciences spoke fr itself. i have been a CSS aspirant for a long time and also have a desire to do mphil and phd from abroad to contribute in the line of academia. For me, who belongs to a humble background, CSS is the only medium.

ill be eligible for 2021 attempt, a year and four months are remaining. i prepared my IR, I Law and US history during my degree, these subjects just need a fine tuning. Now, as i have taken a gap year to solely prepare for CSS, some advised me to go for general readings like philosophy, literature and analytical history; the rest of the syllabus can be covered in 6 moths. these reading will help me to broader my mental spectrum. some advised me that i have ample time to play on front foot, i should read 3 recommended books for each subject and start preparing the syllabus right away.

the second option intrigued me. moreover, i can cover philosophy in my pleasure reading which i usually do before bed. i need some advice that how should i divide my time span of 1 year and 4 months to gain the maximum?

one more thing, i did my o levels from beaconhouse, intermediate from GCU and i topped lahore essay writing competition in 2014. My expression was good before, but i have been out of practice for a quite long time. i know, practice will bring it back, but should i go to a teacher right away such as Miss Salma Khatoon in Lahore, because i do not know where i am standing as far as css is concerned??? or should i wait and practice myself?

i need senior's advice on it, i shall be greatfull.
thsnks

Acidius Wednesday, August 21, 2019 11:07 AM

Wow
With all those achievements, I doubt you need advice. But, since you asked, can't blame me.
Start on your own. When you revisit your writing after a few days, the mistakes and room for improvement will jump right at you.

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Malik Zaeem Wednesday, August 21, 2019 11:28 PM

thanks.
can u guide me about my second query which was regarding subjects and general readings?

Acidius Thursday, August 22, 2019 10:00 AM

There are two ways to this. The first way (not preferable when you have time, but is more fruitful) is to swiftly complete the length of the syllabus for all the subjects (barring the practice-centric ones). Once you have a sound idea of the topics involved and have studied them; you'll be seeing connections between different topics. Now that you have an idea of the "what" of CSS subjects(6 months down the road), you can switch to pleasure readings. If God be willing, your mind will cherry pick relevant material from the pleasure readings subconsciously, if not directly. But a risk is that once you've put in your six months, you might get overconfident and cocky that since you've 'completed' the syllabus so studying it again in depth (which you didn't do the first time) might bore you.
.
The second option is to take everything side by side. Do bed time pressure readings (jk) and study for CSS as per syllabus. Oh and. CSS is the ability to form split-second opinions. It's not solely about putting in your hours with recommended readings. So. Practice your opining muscles on past papers, use recommended readings as means, not the ends.

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Malik Zaeem Thursday, August 22, 2019 10:13 PM

thank you.
i truly greatfull

Acidius Friday, August 23, 2019 07:42 AM

I wouldn't doubt that...

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