I RECENTLY sat the CSS examinations and had a pretty harrowing experience because of the grammar that was used in English precis writing and comprehension paper. I agree with the notion of having essay-based examination since it is based on one’s argumentative skills and how he/she can articulate his/her ideas effectively.

However, I do not agree with the manner in which the students are forced to learn the thesaurus for the antonyms-synonyms section in the precis writing paper.

This year’s paper was no different. In fact, it was ridiculed by one and all this year for having used a rather archaic language.

I urge the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to stop playing with the future of students who give it their all, hoping to clear the examinations one day. This old-fashioned approach by the authorities can take it all away from them in a matter of a few minutes.

Name withheld on request

Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2021