Originally Posted by Tupac Shakur

CSS 2015 was a fairly pleasant experience for me. Apart from the usual nerves I really enjoyed taking the exam. This is not to say that I have very high expectations for the outcome; I am cautiously optimistic. This was my first attempt and I primarily relied on my work ethic instead of following coaching centres and tutors. The voice in my head was my sole mentor.


Essay:
I picked the first topic, "The war on terror has contributed to the growing abuse of human rights." I spent about ten minutes deciding a thesis statement and it took me another 35 minutes to write down a relatively dense outline for my thesis statement. My basic argument was that terrorists are deliberately shaping 'the war' in such a way as to increase human rights abuses so that there is more and more instability and chaos in this society. The resulting chaos creates an environment that fuels recruitment for the terrorists thereby increasing their chances of winning and seizing power, which is their ultimate goal.

In my writing I discussed social, political and economic rights that were being abused due to WOT. I included the right to fair trial, the right to life, liberty and property, the right to move freely, the right to free expression, the right to be free from discrimination, the right to practice religion freely, the right to vote, and the right to social welfare.

My essay did not start with mundane information about how terrorism or human rights can be defined. I didn't even bother with historical significance. My essay was focused on my thesis, which was focused on the topic. I began my essay with an attention grabbing quote from Aimen Al Zawahiri and ended it with an ordinary quote from Winston Churchill. Beyond this I did not use a single quotation or statistic. I tried to maintain good structure, relevance and clarity to the best of my ability. I may have made a few spelling and grammar mistakes, but nothing out of the ordinary. I wrote 2050 words in all, including a 250 word outline. I am expecting 40-45 marks; there's no tax on dreams.

Précis & Composition:
I am fairly certain that I got 12 out of 20 marks in the first part. The précis wasn't easy, especially due to poor punctuation by the examiner (some crucial commas were missing) and exceptional assholery of the invigilators who couldn't shut up about their rent issues. I did manage to give a suitable title and compress the passage down to a third. Comprehension wasn't easy either but I managed to answer all the questions. I am slightly worried about the comprehensive note, not because I didn't write well, but because I did not plan ahead of writing it. I just thought of what I was going to write as I went along. I got all five idioms right, I might get a couple of marks for pair of words and sentence correction. Maybe a couple of marks for direct indirect speech question. I am expecting 50 marks in total.

Everyday Science:
MCQs went fairly well, and I hope to get around 30 marks in part one. The second part went equally well. I drew diagrams where illustration was needed. I tried to address the questions directly and therefore didn't write lengthy answers. I attempted question number 3,4,5,7 and 8. I am hopeful that I can score 60 marks in this exam.

Current Affairs:
The question paper was quite general, as was expected. I attempted questions relating to electoral reforms, education, good governance and counterterrorism policy. My prime focus was to stay within the ambit of the questions that were asked. I expect to score 50 but I wouldn't be surprised if I score less because these questions could be answered in so many different ways.

Pakistan Affairs:
Pakistan Affairs is not my strong suit but I was relieved to see the question paper. The questions demanded knowledge of key events in history and their implications. I tried to maintain a balance between narration of history and analysis of particular events. I attempted questions on Sir Syed, partition of Bengal, creation of Bangladesh and War on terror. I expect to score around the 50 mark in this exam also.

Islamiat:
This exam gave me chills because hardly anyone knows what the examiner is looking for and 2014 result wasn't very encouraging either. Luckily I got about 12 MCQs right. I answered questions regarding Ummah, Zakat, Sunnah, Wahi and western thought. I did sprinkle my answers with a couple of Ayats and Ahadith but not nearly enough to satisfy me. Answers were relevant but not lengthy. I expect to score 50 in this exam as well but I wouldn't be surprised if I score less.

Throughout my exams I was obsessed with time management and therefore all my answers had roughly equal content and legible handwriting. My estimated average for compulsory subjects comes out to be about 50%, which I tried to compensate for in my optionals. If I don't flunk Essay and Islamiat I'll have a fighting chance. If I don't, there's always a tomorrow. Good luck to everyone for the result as well as other endeavours of your life. Stay blessed!

Originally Posted by Monk

According to my scant perception last two essays which are posted here are heading towards no good. I believe FPSC is going to slaughter Essay this time.

But remember CSS is the game of glorious uncertainties so expect the unexpected. Best of luck

Originally Posted by Tupac Shakur

Thanks bro. Cognito, You've touched upon a few things in your essay that I missed in my writing. I think you have a good chance, stay hopeful.



Monk, I'd love to hear some critique. After all we're all here to share some insights. By sharing his own ideas Cognito has already shown me where my essay was lacking. I know my thesis wasn't good, what else?

Originally Posted by Cogito Ergo Sum

I can see the deficiency in my essay. But Tupac has a promising one in my opinion. Would you point out the flaws in both? You know, just for the sake of mutual learning!

Originally Posted by mhz99

@Monk please give your opinion regarding darkmoon's essay.

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Originally Posted by Ctrl Alt Del

Dear Monk, we would like to know which of the topic you attempted? and is it your first attempt? if not how did your papers in general and essay in particular go?

No.2 Is it necessary for a Cause-effect essay to write causes and effects again? and for a topic like modern digital tech... what could have been the remedies or recommendations in ths topic to begin with?