CSS Precis & Composition
Precis writing, comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, word usage and translation.
Official syllabus map
Everything starts with the syllabus.
The structure below is an original Study Intellect organization of the official FPSC syllabus. Always use the FPSC document as the final authority.
Open official FPSC syllabus ↗Last verified: 10 August 2026
Precis Writing
- Compression of a selected passage while preserving its central argument.
- Selection of an appropriate title.
Reading Comprehension
- Reading a substantive passage and answering comprehension questions accurately and concisely.
Grammar & Vocabulary
- Tenses, articles, prepositions, conjunctions and punctuation.
- Phrasal verbs, synonyms, antonyms and vocabulary usage.
Sentence Correction
- Correction of grammatical, structural and punctuation errors without unnecessary rewriting.
Grouping of Words
- Identification and pairing of words according to similar or opposite meanings.
Pairs of Words
- Distinguishing commonly confused words and demonstrating their correct use in sentences.
Translation
- Translation of Urdu sentences into accurate and idiomatic English.
Books & readings
FPSC reading guidance
Titles below are drawn from the reading guidance published with the FPSC syllabus. A book appearing here does not mean that every candidate must read every title cover to cover.
English Grammar in Use — Raymond Murphy
Practical English Usage — Michael Swan
The Little, Brown Handbook — H. Ramsey Fowler / Jane Aaron
A University English Grammar — R. Quirk / S. Greenbaum
Write Better, Speak Better — Reader's Digest Association
Modern English in Action — Henry Christ
Study Intellect preparation
How to prepare Precis & Composition
Practice one precis or comprehension exercise every day.
Maintain an error notebook for grammar, punctuation and sentence correction.
Revise vocabulary through usage rather than isolated word lists.
Practice pair-of-words and translation from previous CSS papers.
Attempt complete timed papers regularly to improve accuracy under pressure.