how to prepare for css essay

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How to Write an Essay for CSS?

Writing an essay is obliviously a difficult part of the CSS exam. Most candidates fail in the composition part of the CSS exam because they don’t understand the requirement of the essay. FPSC syllabus provides a detailed understanding of what an examiner wants you to write. Therefore, aspirants have to analyze the given topics and write upon them critically. Writing an essay will be an art if you are able to solve the problems asked by the examiner. Before explaining the mechanics of an essay, let’s have to understand the definition of an essay.

According to Wikipedia, “The word  essay  derives from the French infinitive  essayer , “to try” or “to attempt”. In English  essay  first meant “a trial” or “an attempt”, and this is still an alternative meaning. The Frenchman Michel de Montaigne (1533–1592) was the first author to describe his work as essays; he used the term to characterize these as “attempts” to put his thoughts into writing.”

This means that an essay is a writer’s attempt to solve a problem or issue he is asked for. Or, an essay can be the name of expressing your thoughts on a topic based on a single subject matter. It often gives a personal opinion of the author.

To write an excellent essay, you have to focus on the four components mentioned and explained below. Let us explore and understand them one by one.

This is an essential part of an essay. You can understand the structure, learn grammar and use it accurately, but you would never be able to write an outstanding essay if you lack useful content. A writer without content is like a soldier without a gun. As mentioned earlier, the essay explains the problem and its solution. For this, you have to make your ideas broader, and you have to think out of the box. Then and only then, you would critically analyze a problem and jot it down on a piece of paper.

Read books that you find subject-oriented to your topics. Read magazines, newspapers, and research papers. These sources will help you build the content which is required for an essay later. 

Remember! Do not read books only. Those who read and accept are called consumeristic mindsets. They never come out of the box; rather, they acknowledge what they have read or seen. Instead, be a critical and keen observer while reading. It will make you competitive, critical, and creative enough that you would see unseen as well.

Structure 

The second essential component of writing an essay is its structure. An essay cannot be written randomly without any structure; instead, it needs to be fixed in a frame that gives a systematic view to a reader. The structure of an essay has three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion, and let us understand each one individually.

Introduction (10% of an essay)

This is the first paragraph of an essay. The introduction of an essay introduces the topic that has to be explained later; it has two jobs to do. First, it tells the reader or examiner what the essay is all about. Second, it grabs the reader’s or examiner’s attention at the very beginning of an essay so that he stays till last.

There are three additional elements to be focused on in the introduction: the motivator/hook, bridge, and thesis statement.

A motivator or hook  is a statement that a writer uses to attract his reader or examiner. He uses quotations, famous sayings, questions, proverbs, facts, or short stories that win the reader’s interest.

The element in an introduction is called  a bridge . It helps the writer to connect his motivator or hook to the main idea. He brings the reader to the point where he is going to explain his opinion. In short, it brings the reader towards the exact topic.

The last element in the introduction of an essay is called  Thesis Statement . This statement offers the purpose and concise summary of an overall essay, and it shows a road map to the reader that he will go through in the body of an essay. Briefly explain in one or two statements what your essay is all about and the purpose of your essay.

Remember! A good introduction will always give you a good essay. 

Body (80% of an essay)

After you have written a wonderful introduction, now is the time to expand your introduction into greater detail. The body is composed of paragraphs that support the main idea you have introduced at the start of your essay.

Each paragraph should have a  clincher statement  at the end, and it resolves whatever questions or claims were previously put forth. It should not end the topic ultimately; rather, it should connect the upcoming paragraph in a way that the reader thinks that the previous paragraph was a prerequisite of the next one.

You can support your main idea with facts and figures, reasons, references, case studies, etc. there is another formula used for supporting the main idea, which is called  FRIES.  Here, “F” stands for the facts that you can provide to your topic, “R” stands for reasons, “I” stands for incidence, “E” stands for examples, and “S” stands for statistics. All these elements or some of them can help you strengthen your reasoning in an essay. Use them gently and be authentic.

Indeed, the primary goal of solving a problem or issue given in the topic should not be forgotten.

Conclusion (10% of an essay)

Last but not least is the conclusion of an essay. Your conclusion should do two jobs. First, it should provide a summarized view of the essay. In other words, it should reflect what you have introduced in the beginning. Second, it should predict the future aspects. If your essay didn’t solve a problem or express a topic with the writer’s opinion, it should not be called an essay. The conclusion of an essay should briefly show the prediction of the topic.

Grammar 

The third essential component of an essay is grammar. You should have sound grammar to use in your writing. If you don know good grammar, you would be unable to write an excellent essay. You would never know what you have written correctly and what you have written wrong. There are some grammar topics that we recommend you improve one by one.

Tenses:  This is the first area of grammar that provides you with an understanding of the time perspective of a sentence. Learn them first of all as they are heavily used in the best part of the grammar.

Parts of Speech:   Many aspirants take them easy. Some of them just read them and cram the definition of parts of speech. Remember! There is a difference between one who knows the definition and one who knows the actual use. Be the latter one so that you use them conceptually.

Narrations:  Writing heavily deals with narration. You should have a great command of direct and indirect narration, and it will help you to use them whenever required in writing correctly.

Conditionals:  Most people get confused when they are using conditionals. Remember that each conditional has syntax semantics and pragmatics, and use them correctly when writing.

Types of sentences:  You should improve the types of sentences. For example, affirmative, optative, imperative, interrogative, and explanatory sentences will help you have a better understanding of them while writing.

Forms of the sentence:  There are four primary forms of a sentence: simple, compound, complex and compound-complex. This is the most essential part of written communication. Sometimes, aspirants think that they have written an outstanding essay without any grammatical mistakes, but they are unable to rectify structural mistakes.

Phrases:  Phrases are important to be studied. They are used as different parts of speech, and learning them will prevent you from committing mistakes in big units.

Clauses:  Clauses provide a real understanding of a sentence. If you have a great command of clauses, you will use them correctly without any structural mistakes.

Punctuations:  Punctuations can give a great sense or can completely destroy the meanings. Knowing punctuation for writing an essay is very necessary, and you can inspire your examiner or reader if you know the great use of punctuation.

These areas of grammar must be good enough for writing a brilliant essay. If you know them yourself, you can easily take out your mistakes.

Instructions to be followed while writing an essay

The fourth essential component of an essay is the instructions that serve as necessary principles in an essay. Below are some principles or instructions that should be understood while writing an essay.

Objective approach

When you start writing an essay, you first deal with the title of an essay. Capturing the exact meanings in the beginning is very important. Have an objective approach so that you stay on track.

Unity 

This refers to the oneness. All paragraphs in an essay should be related, and it must show that the paragraphs written in an essay come from one family.

Coherence 

Chaining between sentences is called coherence. Each sentence should be accurately connected with one another in a meaningful manner, and every previous sentence should look like it was a pre-requisite for the next one. To gain coherence, use transitional words.

Order 

Write all ideas in a logical order. Your reader should see the most important points in the beginning and the weaker ones later. You should have a chronological order of ideas in your essay.

Varity 

Variety refers to the change of words, examples, and thoughts for one topic. It often bores the readers when you repeatedly use the exact words, ideas, or examples for one topic again and again.

Writing three thousand words in the CSS exam would never mean that you should exaggerate unnecessary words. In other words, it refers to the addition of adverbs and adjectives that are unnecessarily coming in your writing. Be brief. You can add a variety of examples but not too many adjectives and adverbs. The more you write a brief, the clearer it will be to the readers.

All these are the tips and tricks that can help you write an excellent essay. Read books because they will always broaden your ideas. Look at sample essays or books of essays that provide a better understanding of the expert’s work. If you need CSS books , or even past papers and FPSC Syllabus that can build your content for the CSS exam, contact us now , and we will deliver them free of cost.

A fresh graduate, With a mindset to bring ease to all of those Aspirants who want to be CSPs! Not that boring, I love to eat, travel, and have fun with mates too :)

2 thoughts on “ How to Write an Essay for CSS? ”

It’s very helpful 👍 thanks alot. I need css books and syllabus and past papers please help me.

I am glad you enjoyed this quick guide, Rukhsana. For Books, Syllabus & Past papers please check our main menu or directly contact us on WhatsApp. Thank You!

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CSS Exam Complete Guide With Free Preparation Material

The Central Superior Services Examination is referred to as CSS Exam. It is the highest competitive exam conducted by FPSC in Pakistan for the BPS-17 posts. Through this exam, the most intellectual, professional, and disciplined candidates are selected for civil bureaucracy.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information and preparation material you need to pass the CSS exam successfully.

Related Articles | PMS Exam Complete Guide & Free Preparation Material | CSS Exam Free Preparation Material

Table of Contents

Introduction to CSS Exam

The Central Superior Services (CSS) exam in Pakistan is a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process comprising a written examination, medical examination, psychological assessment, and viva voice. This challenging examination serves as a gateway to prestigious career opportunities in various government departments and services.

Successful candidates have the opportunity to fill vacant positions in diverse sectors such as the Commerce and Trade Group, Customs and Excise Service, Foreign Services of Pakistan, Income Tax Group, Information Group, Military Lands and Cantonment Group, Office Management Group, Pakistan Administrative Service, Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service, Police Service of Pakistan, Postal Services Group, and Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group.

With its extensive procedure, the CSS exam aims to identify candidates who possess not only academic ability but also the attributes required for responsible and effective leadership in public service across a number of crucial national sectors.

CSS Exam Syllabus

The CSS (Central Superior Services) exam in Pakistan consists of a comprehensive syllabus covering a range of subjects. The CSS exam is divided into three groups: MPT Exam ( MCQ-Based Preliminary Test ), Compulsory Subjects and Optional Subjects .

The MPT exam is the screening test conducted by the FPSC to shortlist the candidates for the CSS written examination. The purpose of this exam is to make sure only the serious and eligible candidates sit the CSS written examination.

This 200-mark exam comprises two papers: General Knowledge and Ability and Current Affairs. The syllabus for the General Knowledge and Ability paper includes subjects such as English, Urdu, Islamic studies, ethics (for non-Muslims), mathematics, general knowledge, and analytical reasoning, while the syllabus for the Current Affairs paper includes subjects such as Pakistan affairs, international affairs, and current events.

CSS Compulsory Subjects

• Essay writing on various topics to assess candidates’ ability to express ideas coherently.
• Precis writing and comprehension to evaluate candidates’ language skills.
• A test of general knowledge, analytical abilities, and logical reasoning.
• Assessment of candidates’ awareness of national and international issues.
• Examining candidates’ knowledge of Pakistan’s history, geography, and socio-political dynamics.
• Evaluation of candidates’ understanding of Islamic principles or comparative religion.

Optional Subjects of CSS Exam

Candidates are required to choose subjects from a list of optional subjects according to their preferences and academic background. The list includes subjects from various disciplines such as Law, Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Accountancy and Auditing, Pure Mathematics, and many more.

It’s important for candidates to thoroughly review the CSS syllabus provided by the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC). It can be downloaded from the below link. Aspirants should tailor their preparation strategies based on the specific requirements of each subject to maximize their chances of success in this challenging examination.

CSS Written Exam Syllabus

Passing marks for css exam.

The passing marks for compulsory exams are 40 percent and for optional exams, it is 33 percent. However, you need an aggregate of 600 marks out of a total of 1200 marks to become eligible for the interview. The interview consists of 300 marks and you must pass it to get an allocation. In recent times, a candidate who gets 650 to 700 marks in a written examination and at least 150 marks in the interview finds his or her place in the list of successful candidates very easily.

Places of Written CSS Exam

Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, D. I. Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Faisalabad, Gilgit, Gujranwala, Hyderabad, Khuzdar, Larkana, Multan, Muzaffarabad, Okara, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Sialkot, Skardu & Sukkur.

Places of CSS Interview

Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta.

How to Apply for CSS Exam?

• The advertisement of CSS Exam, reflecting dates, is published in all newspapers in September each year.
• Deposit the exam fee in the nearest Govt. Treasury /State Bank of Pakistan/National Bank of Pakistan under the account head “CO2101-Organs of State Exam fee (FPSC Receipt).
• Fill in the ‘Online Application Form’ on the official website of FPSC and take a print-out (hard-copy) of the same online form.
• Dispatch the hard copy of online form along with copies of your documents and bank receipt to the FPSC headquarter, Islamabad.

Free Preparation Material of CSS Written Exam

CSS exam is conducted each year, but due to prevalent unequal educational standards along with substandard bachelor programs, most of the aspirants fail each year. It is a dream job for the youth in Pakistan, but it requires perseverance, dedication, and shear hard work.

Here, an effort is made to provide a complete CSS Exam guideline along with the free preparation material. So that deserving candidates can get online help as most of the preparatory material in the market is unauthentic and not reliable.

CSS Written Examination Preparation Material

CSS Exam consists of 6 compulsory subjects along with optional subjects comprised of 600 marks. The list of all the subjects is as under;

CSS Exam Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between css exam and pms exam.

CSS Exam is conducted by Federal Public Service Commission and is conducted each year to fill the vacant seats in federal civil departments and bureaucracy, whereas, PMS Exam is conducted by the respective Provincial Service Commissions. It is not conducted regularly and selected candidates fill the vacant positions in provincial bureaucracy.

Where do the CSS Exam selected candidates are appointed?

The vacant seats are filled in the following departments and services;

1- Commerce and Trade Group 2- Customs and Excise Service 3- Foreign Services of Pakistan 4- Income Tax Group 5- Information Group 6- Military Lands and Cantonment Group 7- Office Management Group 8- Pakistan Administrative Service 9- Pakistan Audit and Accounts Service 10- Police Service of Pakistan 11- Postal Services Group 12- Railways (Commercial and Transportation) Group

What comprises of the CSS Exam in Pakistan?

The competitive examination comprises of the following; (a)written examination; (b)medical examination; (c)psychological assessment; and (d)viva voce.

Subjects for the competitive examination comprise compulsory papers of 600 marks and optional papers of 600 marks.

What is the age limit of the CSS Exam in Pakistan?

The eligible candidates must be neither below the age of twenty-one years nor above the age of thirty years on the cut-off date. In short, the age limit is 30 years.

What is the minimum qualification required to appear in the CSS Exam in Pakistan?

A candidate must hold at least a second division or grade ― C bachelor‘s degree in any discipline of one of the Pakistani Universities or an equivalent degree of a foreign university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC). In case a candidate has a third division or D grade in his bachelor‘s degree shall be eligible for the competitive examination in cases where he has obtained a higher division or grade in master‘s degree.

How to apply for the CSS Exam in Pakistan?

A candidate must apply online through FPSC website, fee payment shall be done in National Bank of Pakistan of Pakistan.

How to select optional subjects for the CSS Exam?

Optional subjects must be selected carefully as wrong selection leads to failure. If you are confused and do not know which subjects to choose, you may contact us . We provide free online guidance for all those candidates who are hardworking, serious, and do not have the provision of joining any academy.

What is the age for CSS Exam?

The cutoff age for the CSS exam is 21 years to 30 years. However, if you are currently serving federal or any provincial government the age relaxation is 2 years. The age relaxation is also applicable if you belong to recognized tribes or areas.

Which degree is best for CSS Exam?

Although there is not any specific degree requirement for this exam, however, if you have done a bachelor’s in Law, International Relations, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, or economics then it will be very helpful for you during the preparation.

Is CSS Exam Difficult?

CSS exam is not difficult if you prepare it with proper guidance. The exam consists of 6 compulsory papers and 6 optional papers. The optional papers are selected by you according to your academic background, whereas, the compulsory papers are those which are being studied by you throughout your academic life. Hence, this exam only requires hard work and perseverance along with proper guidance. Click here to see CSS Exam’s complete preparation material.

How many papers are in CSS Exam?

It consists of 12 papers. Six papers are compulsory namely; English Essay , English Precis & Composition , General Science & Abilities , Pakistan Affairs , Current Affairs, and Islamic Studies . The optional subjects are divided into 6 groups from which you have to select six subjects.

Is the academy necessary for CSS Exam?

It is not necessary, if you have proper guidance and relevant material for the preparation then you do not need the academy. Academy preparation for CSS Exam is costly as well. All the relevant guidance and preparation material is available online on the website here .

Is CSS better than PMS?

CSS is better than PMS due to the following reasons. Firstly, the CSS exam is conducted every year. Secondly, the CSP officer gets promotion very easily during their service as they have a proper service structure. Last but not the least, you get the chance to serve in Federal Government Departments such as Income Tax, Foreign Office, Inland Revenue, and many more.

7 thoughts on “CSS Exam Complete Guide With Free Preparation Material”

Oh my God it’s v Amazing I m v thankful for this masterpiece…kindly guide me about other subject also

It’s Fabulous.. but need more info and guidelines….

We Select Optional Subjects From Each Group or Select One Group for Optional Subject? Kindly Guide.

From each group, you cannot select more than 200 marks

Awesome. Please upload remaining notes and books.

JazakAllah khair May Allah bless uhhh for providing all material for free..

can we skip one group and select subjects from others in optional subjects?

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“And there’s nothing for man except what he strives for.” (Al- Quran, 53:39)

CSS Preparation from Scratch: A Beginner’s Guide

How to start the css exams preparation from scratch.

Many fresh graduate students approach us time and again, asking how to start CSS exams preparation. The answer to this question may vary depending on the individual’s personal journey with this exam. However, we believe that the following is the right approach to begin your preparation:

Improve your fundamental grammar, such as tenses, conditional sentences, modal verbs, and sentence types. You can do this by watching YouTube videos or taking any grammar book from the market. Then, practise these topics from the Wren and Martin exercises. This book is available in most bookstores. In addition, read two articles from the Dawn newspaper website and take note of any new vocabulary words in your notebook. You can also rewrite the articles in your own language, and then ask a senior to check your work. Do not be in a hurry and sincerely devote time to this practice for one month. This will improve your reading and grammar skills, which will ultimately help you with your written expressions.

If you have not yet graduated, then simply improve your grammar (as noted above). Read one or two Dawn articles daily and rewrite them in your own words. Extract the vocabulary words from the articles and make a separate notebook for that purpose. Read as much as you can of the compulsory subjects for the CSS exam. For example, you can choose any random and easy-to-understand books on Pakistan Affairs or Islamic Studies. The book selection is up to you. You can also read novels, but I would not recommend it at this time. Just stick to the syllabus of the CSS exam.

Before you embark on your CSS preparation journey, make sure you have the essential vocabulary under your belt. Our “ 1500+ Essential Words for all competitive exams ” will give you the edge you need to score good in the written exams.

The decision of whether to prepare two subjects in a month (from the compulsory subjects) now or later is up to you. Make use of all the resources available to you and prepare your own notes from them for your own study. You can also do this later, after you have finalised your optional subjects. Go back to the CSS syllabus link and select your optional subjects as per the instructions provided. Once you have done so, please collect all the relevant material , including past papers analysis and past papers MCQs. Also, search on YouTube for related lecture series for your optionals. Watch one or two lecture to see if they are a good fit for you.

The Common App Opens Today—Here’s How To Answer Every Prompt

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Writing the Personal Statement for the Common Application

Today, the Common Application opens for the 2024–25 application cycle. As the platform opens, officially signaling the start of the college admissions season, many students are starting the daunting process of crafting their personal statements. The personal statement is a crucial opportunity to showcase individuality, character, and intellectual depth. In only 650 words, students should seek to encapsulate their authentic voice and perspective through a compelling and creative narrative. The process requires thorough brainstorming, strategy, and editing in order to produce an essay that is distinct from those of thousands of other applicants vying for seats at top colleges.

As students choose a prompt and begin brainstorming essays, here are the key points to consider in order to create a stellar essay for each prompt:

1. The Meaningful Background Prompt

Prompt: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

This prompt invites you to share an aspect of your identity or experience that is central to who you are. Start by thoughtfully considering aspects of your identity that are unique to you; then, try to think of a specific anecdote or experience that provides a portrait of those qualities. While detail and specificity are critical for all engaging essays, they are particularly important in this one, as you should show (rather than tell ) admissions committees the things that are quintessential to who you are.

Your essay should also have a takeaway—aside from just telling admissions officers what the background, identity, interest, or talent is, you should also focus on what you’ve learned from this piece of your identity, how it has developed over time, and how you will apply it in college and beyond.

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Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 2. the overcoming obstacles prompt.

Prompt: The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

This prompt is an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and the capacity to learn from adversity—qualities that elite universities value highly. Begin by choosing a specific incident where you faced a significant challenge or failure—this could be an academic setback, a personal loss, or a time when you were out of your comfort zone. Students often fall into one of two common mistakes when tackling this question. First, many students rely on cliches and overused tropes. Keep in mind that admissions officers will likely read hundreds of essays recounting stories of students missing the game-winning goal or flunking a test in sophomore English. Try to select a story that only you can tell, and if you choose a topic you worry might be popular among other students, consider how you might recount it in a unique and unexpected way. On the other hand, some students fall into the opposite problem, sharing about a particularly personal, traumatic, or triggering experience that impacted them. Though it should convey personal insights, the personal statement is still a professional document, and you should not make your reader uncomfortable or unsettled by the information you share.

Finally, note that admissions officers are not primarily interested in the challenge itself, but in how you responded to the challenge. Focus on the steps you took to overcome the obstacle, what you learned about yourself in the process, and how this experience has shaped your future actions and mindset. Highlight any new skills, perspectives, or motivations that emerged from this experience, demonstrating your ability to grow and adapt in the face of adversity.

3. The Changed Perspective Prompt

Prompt: Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Top colleges seek to admit students who are willing to engage in critical thinking and who possess the intellectual courage to question norms or ideas. For this essay, consider beginning with an anecdote—starting the essay in media res can be an engaging way to catch the reader’s attention and quickly establish the stakes of your narrative. As you share your story, remember that the essay’s focus is to demonstrate your open-mindedness, your commitment to seeking the truth, and your willingness to engage deeply with complex issues. It also shows your ability to respect differing viewpoints while developing your own reasoned stance. As such, you should take the admissions committee through your process of growth and change step-by-step, clearly articulating how the experience impacted you and how your changed perspective will enhance their campus community should you enroll.

4. The Gratitude Prompt

Prompt: Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Like the two prior prompts, this prompt requires students to share a particular anecdote, and students should consider beginning with their narrative before zooming out to explore the broader theme of gratitude. Start by recounting a specific instance where someone did something for you that made you feel unexpectedly grateful. This could be a small act of kindness, a significant gesture, or a moment of support that made a lasting impression on you. Then, explore how this experience of gratitude has affected your actions or attitude. As you do so, be sure to avoid platitudes or vapid buzzwords—rather than expressing that the experience made you feel “good” or “appreciated” or the equivalent, share how it has affected your perspective or actions going forward. The best responses are those that illustrate actionable change rather than fuzzy feelings.

5. The Personal Growth Prompt

Prompt: Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

A student’s college years are all about growth and transformation, and this prompt invites students to demonstrate their capacity for self-reflection and teachability. Thus, while this prompt might invite you to describe a major event or accomplishment, what you really want to show is a transformative period and the resulting reflection. Don’t feel as though the accomplishment, event, or realization needs to be especially earth-shattering or ground-breaking—sometimes the small things can make an impression in a big way. Finally, if you do choose to write about an accomplishment, be sure that you are not bragging. The prompt is an opportunity to show self-awareness, rather than to tout your achievements.

6. The Captivating Concept Prompt

Prompt: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Intellectual curiosity and authentic passion are distinguishing characteristics in the landscape of top college admissions. For this prompt, zoom in on a particular topic that genuinely fascinates you, whether it’s a specific academic subject, a philosophical idea, or a creative pursuit. Many students manufacture a response to this prompt based on what they assume will impress admissions officers—but if you aren’t truly interested in Kantian ethics, an admissions officer will be able to tell. However silly, mundane, quirky, or bizarre your “captivating concept” may be, if it’s true to you—write about it!

While your response should describe how a specific aspect of this topic captivates your interest and why it resonates with you on a deeper level, it should also demonstrate how you have taken the initiative to explore this topic in unique ways. Have you sought out books on the topic? Taken an online course to elevate your knowledge? Started a club to connect with others who share your interest? Developed a passion project that mobilized your interest in service of your community?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

If none of the above prompts allow you to effectively express yourself, remember that the Common App includes an open prompt, wherein you can write on a topic of your choice! This is an excellent opportunity to share a story that doesn’t fit neatly into the other prompts but is crucial to understanding who you are. If you choose to pursue this prompt, make sure your essay is well-structured and cohesive, with a clear theme or message that ties everything together.

The Common App essay is more than just a component of your application; it’s a chance to speak directly to admissions officers and present your authentic self. Taking the time to brainstorm and edit will allow you to submit an essay that showcases your unique voice and original perspective to admissions officers at top colleges.

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How to Write a Salary Increase Letter (Example Included!)

Negotiating your salary can be a key step in advancing your career and boosting your financial stability—but it can also be pretty intimidating. The good news is that with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be so scary. That's where a salary increase letter comes in.

Whether you're asking for a raise due to your great performance, increased responsibilities, or changes in the market, a well-crafted letter asking for salary increment can be a powerful (and smooth) way to make your case.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about writing a salary increase letter, from understanding its purpose to tips on crafting an effective one. We'll also include sample letters and templates to help you get started. Plus, we’ve interviewed Muse career coach Jenn Smith , who shares her top advice on navigating this critical career move.

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What is a salary increase letter?

A salary increase letter is a formal document that employees use to request a raise from their employer. Unlike a salary review letter—which is typically initiated by the employer to communicate pay adjustments—a salary increase letter is written by the employee seeking a boost in compensation.

Writing a salary increase letter can be necessary for several reasons:

• Performance improvements : You've consistently exceeded your performance goals or achieved a significant milestone and believe your contributions are worth a higher salary.
• Increased responsibilities : Your role has expanded significantly, and your current salary no longer reflects the scope of your responsibilities.
• Market adjustments : Industry standards and market rates for your position have increased, and your current salary needs to catch up to these benchmarks.

When writing a letter to request a salary increase, it's generally more effective to address it to your direct manager or your department’s director rather than HR. Your manager is more familiar with your work, contributions, and the value you bring to the team. They are also likely involved in budget decisions and have the authority to advocate for your raise.

Is it OK to ask for a raise through a salary increase letter?

Yes, writing a salary increase letter can be a formal and respectful way to request a raise. It allows you to clearly articulate your reasons, provide evidence of your achievements , and give your employer time to consider your request. Plus, a letter is a documented record of your request and can be reviewed by decision-makers at different levels of the organization.

On the other hand, having an in-person conversation can be generally more effective. “This allows you to present your case dynamically, outlining your accomplishments, contributions, and the value you bring, and respond to questions or concerns in real-time,” Smith says, adding that a direct conversation also allows for immediate feedback. “Your manager can provide insights into decision-making, share any constraints or considerations, and offer guidance.”

She also believes it’s a good idea to supplement your conversation with a follow-up email to ensure clarity and provide a reference for future discussions.

How to write a salary increase letter

These tips will prepare you for writing an effective pay raise letter:

1. Research salary benchmarks

Conducting extensive research will strengthen your case and help you present a compelling argument.

“Research industry salary benchmarks for your role, experience level, and geographic location,” Smiths says. “Use reliable sources like industry salary surveys, compensation reports, and online salary databases.”

Additionally, be sure to understand your company's salary ranges, performance evaluation criteria, and typical raise percentages.

2. Choose the right time

Timing is crucial when it comes to writing a letter requesting pay increase. Making your request at the wrong time can significantly reduce your chances of success.

“Typically, organizations have annual or semiannual performance review cycles,” Smiths says. “Discuss this with your manager before the performance review process starts so they can consider it as they begin budget conversations.”

One common mistake she sees is “asking for a raise at an inappropriate time, such as during a company's financial downturn or immediately after a major organizational change or layoffs.” Avoid doing that at all costs.

3. Keep it clear and straightforward

Begin your letter by setting the context for your request and remind your employer of your role within the company. Clearly state your position, tenure with the company, and the purpose of the letter.

4. Detail your contributions and impact

In the main section of your letter, outline your accomplishments and contributions to the company. Highlight specific achievements, projects, or responsibilities that demonstrate your value.

Provide evidence of your impact, such as performance metrics, positive feedback from clients or colleagues, and examples of how your work has benefited the company, explaining how your contributions justify the proposed raise.

5. Conclude with gratitude and reaffirmation

Summarize your key points and reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your compensation. Express gratitude for the support and experiences you have gained and reiterate your commitment to the company. This positive tone reinforces your professionalism and leaves a lasting impression.

Salary increase request letter example

Here’s a sample letter for salary increase request to show you how these tips can be put into practice:

Alex Johnson 123 Elm Street Springfield, IL 62704 [email protected] July 25, 2024

Emma Thompson Director of Sales Innovative Tech Solutions 456 Maple Avenue Springfield, IL 62704

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I hope you are well. I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Innovative Tech Solutions over the past three years and appreciate the opportunities for growth and development that have been provided to me.

During my time here, I have consistently exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to the Sales team. For example, I spearheaded a new email marketing campaign that increased sales by 15% and successfully launched our new TechY product line, resulting in a 20% revenue boost.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I have taken on new challenges, such as leading the training program for new sales representatives and managing key client accounts, which have significantly contributed to our team's success.

I have also undertaken several professional development activities, including completing a certification in Advanced Sales Strategies and attending workshops on market trends, which have further enhanced my skills and ability to contribute to our team.

Based on my research of industry standards and salary benchmarks for my role and experience level, I believe that an adjustment in my compensation is warranted. Therefore, I respectfully request a salary increase to $85,000. This adjustment would better reflect the value I bring to the team and align my compensation with industry standards.

I am confident this increase will further motivate me to continue delivering high-quality work and contributing to the success of Innovative Tech Solutions. I am more than willing to discuss this request in person and provide any additional information that may be required.

Thank you for considering my request and for your ongoing support.

Sincerely, Alex Johnson

Raise request letter template

Now, here's a template for a raise request letter to help guide you in drafting your own:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Email Address] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company’s Name] [Company’s Address]

Dear [recipient’s name],

I hope you are well. I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at [Company’s Name] over the past [number] years and appreciate the opportunities for growth and development that have been provided to me.

During my time here, I have consistently exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to the [Department] team. For example, I [List your accomplishments, using quantifiable results whenever possible, such as increased sales by 15% through a new email marketing campaign; successfully launched a new product line, resulting in a 20% revenue increase; etc.].

In addition to my core responsibilities, I have taken on new challenges, such as [List additional responsibilities].

In addition to these accomplishments, I have undertaken several professional development activities, including [certifications, courses, and training programs], which have further enhanced my skills and ability to contribute to our team.

Based on my research of industry standards and salary benchmarks for my role and experience level, I believe that an adjustment in my compensation is warranted. Therefore, I respectfully request a salary increase to [desired salary or salary range]. This adjustment would better reflect the value I bring to the team and align my compensation with industry standards.

I am confident this increase will further motivate me to continue delivering high-quality work and contributing to the success of [Company Name]. I am more than willing to discuss this request in person and provide any additional information that may be required.

Sincerely, [Your name]

How often should I make a salary raise proposal ?

Typically, you should ask for a raise once a year, ideally around your annual performance review. If you have taken on significant additional responsibilities or have had exceptional achievements, it might be appropriate to request a salary review sooner. However, be mindful of your company's financial health and the timing of your request.

Should I wait for a performance review?

Waiting for a performance review is often a good strategy, as this is a natural time for salary discussions. However, if you feel that your contributions have significantly outpaced your current compensation, you might consider requesting a meeting outside of the review cycle. Just ensure your request is well-timed and substantiated.

What if the salary increase request is denied?

If a salary review is denied, consider asking for specific feedback. “Work with your manager to set clear goals—create a development plan that outlines the steps you need to receive a raise,” Smith says. “Consider discussing alternative forms of compensation, which could include bonuses, additional vacation days, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities.”

Key takeaways

Whether you opt for a formal letter via email , a direct conversation, or a combination of both, the key is to present a well-reasoned case for your increased-salary request. When crafting your letter, keep these takeaways in mind:

• Avoid approaching the conversation with an aggressive or entitled attitude. Politeness and professionalism will help you make a positive impression.
• Document any professional development activities you've undertaken , such as certifications, courses, training programs, or conferences. This shows your commitment to growing within your role and adds weight to your request.
• Be confident in your request to demonstrate your self-assurance and understanding of your worth. Clearly state your desired salary or salary range and show you are informed about salary ranges for your position.
• Explain how a salary increase will help you contribute even more to the company's success. Position your request as a mutually beneficial arrangement that will enhance your productivity and the value you bring to the organization.
• Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly complex sentences. Ensure your message is easily understood and directly addresses your key points. After writing it, don’t forget to proofread it.

• November 20, 2023
• Best in Pak , Big Questions , CSS Past Papers
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CSS Essays, CSS Solved Essays, PMS Essays, PMS Solved Essays, CSS 2024, CSS 2025, PMS 2024, PMS 2025, Sir Syed Kazim Ali,

CSS Essays up till 2023

The CSS essay and precis papers have been a nightmare for thousands of aspirants. However, since 2015, these papers have started eroding the future of 95% of aspirants each year, not because of aspirants but because of academies, young qualifiers, and inept teachers. They teach students only tips and tricks rather than teaching them the proper way of writing an essay: how to break the chosen topic down, how to write the thesis statement, what is a relevant and coherent outline, what the topic sentence is, and how to write it; how to articulate thoughts and give specific pieces of evidence to support them; and how to connect sentences or give transitions between them. However, to qualify for the essay paper, aspirants must understand the basics to differentiate between essay writing and daily conversation. For example, in your everyday conversation with your friends and family, you make assertions, and they understand because they know you and never challenge you to give reasons for your statements. On the other hand, the CSS examiner, who reads and evaluates your essays, does not even know you and needs support, reasons, and arguments for each of your assertions. 

Qualifying for the CSS and PMS English essay and precis papers moves around writing skills. Writing is the primary tool that helps an aspirant present his thoughts on the given topic on the exam paper. Therefore, cracking English essay and precis papers requires an aspirant to have good written communication skills. However, that greatly depends upon how rationally, analytically, and logically an aspirant writes and transfers his viewpoints and ideas to the examiner. Competitive aspirants think memorizing facts, figures, and data alone will help them crack these papers. Moreover, aspirants build an analytical approach by learning quality books and content alone; they do not even practice and learn to give their thoughts words. As a result, despite having a great deal of knowledge regarding subjects, aspirants cannot transfer their ideas to the examiner satisfactorily and fail the papers. Therefore, if you need to pass the CSS and PMS essay papers, you must communicate effectively and provide evidence for any point or claim you make. Simply, whoever learns how to support his ideas with specific and relevant reasons usually qualifies for the essay paper easily.

How Can These Solved Essays Help Me Prepare & Qualify for the Essay Paper?

All essays published on the Cssprepforum website have been attempted by Sir Syed Kazim Ali’s students, who either qualified for the CSS or PMS examinations or scored the highest marks in the essay papers. The essays are uploaded to help other CSS & PMS aspirants learn and practice essay writing techniques and patterns to qualify for the essay paper. Reading these essays with great consideration, from the outline to thesis statement and introduction to conclusion, can help you understand how to crack the essay topic, build a thesis statement, write an introduction, and present your arguments based on the thought process. The activity will also help you in several ways:

Developing a Strong Foundation in English Grammar and Usage

Sir Syed Kazim Ali is known for his in-depth English grammar and usage knowledge. His students’ essays can help you build a solid foundation in these areas, essential for writing clear, concise, and grammatically correct essays.

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The CSS English Essay Paper requires strong critical thinking and analytical skills. Sir Syed Kazim Ali’s teaching methods, present in the solved essays, can help you develop these skills by encouraging you to analyze complex issues, form well-structured arguments, and support your claims with evidence.

Improving Your Essay Writing Skills

Being Pakistan’s best CSS and PMS English essay teacher, Sir Syed Kazim Ali has extensive experience teaching essay writing. His students’ essays guide you through the process of crafting a well-structured essay, from developing a thesis statement to organizing your arguments and providing relevant evidence.

Expanding Your Vocabulary and Knowledge Base

A strong vocabulary and broad knowledge base are crucial for writing compelling essays. These essays can help you expand your vocabulary and enhance your understanding of various topics, enabling you to write informative and insightful essays.

Who is Sir Syed Kazim Ali?

Sir Syed Kazim Ali is a known English language writing coach, grammarian, educationist, and author. He is the founder of Cssprepforum , an online education platform that provides preparation for the Central Superior Services (CSS) and Provincial Management Services (PMS) exams to thousands of aspirants. He is also the founder of Howfiv , an online learning management system (LMS) used by millions of students in Pakistan and worldwide. Sir Syed Kazim Ali is known for his innovative and effective teaching methods. He has helped thousands of students improve their English language skills and succeed in competitive exams such as the CSS, PMS, GRE, GAT, SAT, GMAT, etc. He is a passionate advocate for education and social development. He believes that education is the key to unlocking the potential of individuals and societies. He is actively involved in various educational and social development projects and committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

He is Pakistan’s top CSS and PMS English essay and precis teacher with the highest success rate of his students. The way he explains and simplifies the concepts no other English teacher across the country can do. He knows that CSS and PMS aspirants’ approach to learning the English language is different, and over the years, he has developed a unique teaching methodology that helps his students crack English essays and precis papers easily. His online creative English writing sessions give aspirants the skills and confidence to get the best possible exam results. He focuses on aspirants’ exam’s critical areas, helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses, and equips them with the writing skills they need to correctly and confidently express their thoughts and opinions.

Click on any link to start reading the solved essays

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7- * Pakistani Women Have the Same Chances as Men *

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11- * Children Must be Taught How to Think, not What to Think *

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19- * Cooperation, Not Competition, Leads the World Towards Peace and Prosperity *

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20- * I Do Not Agree with What You Have to Say, But I Will Defend to Death Your Right to Say It *

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Olympic officials address gender eligibility as boxers prepare to fight

PARIS – The case of two Olympic boxers has drawn attention to a thorny issue: Who and what determines which female athletes can compete.

Algerian boxer Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan both were disqualified from the 2023 women’s boxing world championships when they reportedly failed gender eligibility tests.

But this week, the International Olympic Committee confirmed the two boxers have been cleared to compete here at the Paris Games , as they both did at the Tokyo Games in 2021. The issues of so-called gender verification or sex testing have fueled discussion at the Olympics as the fighters prepare to enter the ring at North Paris Arena.

Khelif, a silver medalist at the 2022 world championships, is scheduled to fight Thursday against Angela Carini of Italy in the welterweight division at 146 pounds. Lin, a two-time world champion, is scheduled to fight Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan in the featherweight division at 126 pounds.

“Yeah, it’s really tricky," Australian boxer Tiana Echegaray told reporters Tuesday when asked about the situation. "I don’t know exactly what their circumstances are."

IOC spokesman Mark Adams indicated Tuesday no personal information about the boxers' medical histories would be disclosed. "They've been competing in boxing for a very long time," Adams told reporters. “They've achieved all the eligibility requirements in terms of sex and age. We're following the rules in place in Tokyo."

Who's in charge of boxing?

At the Summer Olympics, when it comes to gender eligibility, the IOC defers to the international federations that govern each of the 32 sports.

The IOC does provide a framework to the international federations . But it's “nonbinding."

In other words, it’s not up to the IOC. And the situation has grown especially complicated with boxing.

Last year the IOC banished the International Boxing Association (IBA), long plagued with scandal and controversy that jeopardized the future of Olympic boxing. In fact, the IOC denied IBA the right to run Olympic boxing during the Tokyo Games in 2021 and instead turned over control to an ad-hoc unit.

Opinion: Olympic female boxers are being attacked. Let's just slow down and look at the facts

With that ad-hoc unit in charge, Kehlif and Lin both competed at the Tokyo Olympics. Neither won a medal.

But the IBA has maintained control of the world championships and gender eligibility rules. And after Lin won gold and Kehlif won bronze at the event in March 2023, officials announced the boxers had failed medical eligibility tests and stripped them of the medals.

IBA president Umar Kremlev said DNA tests “proved they had XY chromosomes and were thus excluded."

What's the eligibility criteria?

A passport could be key, based on comments from Adams, the IOC spokesman.

“I would just say that everyone competing in the women’s category is complying with the competition eligibility rules," he said. “They are women in their passports and it is stated that is the case.”

Thursday Adams added that the issues with the previous tests for the boxers "was not a transgender issue, there's been some misreporting on that in press. ... These women have been competing as women for many years.

"What I would say just quickly on testosterone is, the testosterone (test) is not a perfect test. Many women can have testosterone, even what would be called 'male levels' and still be women and still compete as women. So this is not a panacea − this idea that suddenly you test, do one test for testosterone. Each sport needs to deal with this issue but I think we agreed, I hope we're agreed, we're not going to go back to the bad old days of 'sex testing'. That would be a bad idea."

In the past, other eligibility standards have hinged on science.

Caster Semenya, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field in 2012 and 2016, was forced to give up competing in the 800 meters because her testosterone levels were too high based on tests administered by World Athletics, the sport’s international federation previously known as the IAAF.

Semenya was assigned female at birth. She said she was told at age 18 that she has XY chromosomes and naturally had high levels of testosterone.

Khelif and Lin have not publicly addressed details of their medical histories regarding the tests.

The issue of eligibility surfaced as a source of controversy in the United States in 2022 when swimmer Lia Thomas became the first openly transgender athlete to win an NCAA championship.

At the time, the NCAA required transgender female athletes to have undergone one year of testosterone suppression treatment to be eligible to compete on a women's team in any sport. The NCAA has been under pressure to update its guidelines after the NAIA banned all transgender athletes from competing in women's sports.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a decision in June by World Aquatics, the international federation for swimming, that prevented Thomas from competing in elite competitions through World Aquatics or USA Swimming.

Who are these two boxers?

Lin, 28, has been fighting as an amateur for more than a decade, according to BoxRec, a widely regarded boxing site.

She made her official amateur debut about three months shy of her 18th birthday, winning at the 2013 AIBA World Women’s Championships. She won gold medals at the world championships in 2019 and 2022.

At 5-foot-9, she often has enjoyed a height advantage while amassing a record of 40-14 with one knockout. The record does not reflect the four fights she won at the 2023 world championships before her disqualification, which resulted in the outcome of the fights being changed to “no contest.’’

She lost her last fight – a split-decision defeat against Brazil’s Jucielen Cerqueira Romeu in April at the 2024 USA Boxing International Invitational in Pueblo, Colorado.

Khelif, 25, made her amateur debut at the 2018 Balkan Women's Tournament. She won a silver medal at the 2022 world championships.

At 5-foot-10, she also has enjoyed a height advantage while amassing a record of 36-9 with four knockouts, according to BoxRec. That does not include the three fights she won at the 2023 world championships before her disqualification resulted in the fights being changed to “no contest.’’

In one of those fights, Khelif stopped her opponent by TKO.

Contributing: Kim Hjelmgaard

Will OpenAI's new AI detection tool put an end to student cheating?

According to a BestColleges survey, more than half of students use AI to cheat . Those numbers are in line with a Stanford University study that found 60 to 70 percent of students cheat . However, AI may soon cease to be the lazy student's answer to writing papers. A Wall Street Journal (WSJ) story reports that "OpenAI has a method to reliably  detect when someone uses ChatGPT to write an essay or research paper" -- with 99.9% accuracy. 

Also: How AI lies, cheats, and grovels to succeed - and what we need to do about it

As my colleague David Gewritz has pointed out, many programs already promise to detect AI-written text . However, he concluded, "I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable threatening a student's academic standing or accusing them of cheating based on the results of these tools."

OpenAI hasn't revealed in any detail how its new method can be near-perfect in identifying AI-written text. It certainly isn't because it can spot AI hallucinations. It can't.  As OpenAI co-founder John Schulman said last year, "Our biggest concern was around factuality because the model likes to fabricate things. "

That will never change. According to Mohamed Elgendy, co-founder and chief executive of Kolena , a machine learning testing service, "The  rate of hallucinations will decrease , but it is never going to disappear -- just as even highly educated people can give out false information."

Instead of some magical deep way of spotting AI text, it appears OpenAI is using a much simpler way of identifying AI-written text: The service may be watermarking its results.

In a newly revised blog post, Understanding the source of what we see and hear online , OpenAI reveals it's been researching using classifiers, watermarking, and metadata to spot AI-created products. We don't know yet how this watermarking works exactly.

Also: The best free AI courses (and whether AI certificates are worth it)

We do know that OpenAI reports it's "been highly accurate and even effective against localized tampering, such as paraphrasing." However, the watermarking is "less robust against globalized tampering." 

That means the feature doesn't work well on translated text or something as mindlessly simple as inserting special characters into the text and then deleting them. And, of course, it can't spot works from another AI model. For instance, if you feed the ChatAPT AI-text spotter a document created by Google Gemini or Perplexity , it probably won't be able to identify it as an AI-created document. 

In short, with a little more effort, students and writers will still be able to pass an AI chatbot's work off as their own. Well, they can try anyway. In my experience with AI, the results still tend to be second-rate at best. But if that's good enough to get you a passing grade, it may be all you need. 

At least one self-professed professor on Reddit isn't impressed: "The problem is that you can just copy-paste the text into another program, translate it into another language, and then translate it back. But honestly, most students aren't going to do that, so it would catch pretty much everyone. "

Also:  How Pearson's AI assistant can help teachers save time

Of course, that might not bother OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who told The Harvard Gazette, " Cheating on homework is obviously bad . But what we mean by cheating and what the expected rules are does change over time."

I don't know about that. Cheating is cheating, but this new tool in the OpenAI arsenal doesn't sound like it will help much to prevent it. 

Oddly, while OpenAI is still wrestling with when -- or indeed if -- it should release this new service, the company will soon release a DALL·E 3 provenance classifier. This means that, eventually, almost every image you make with DALL-E  will be marked as a DALL-E AI creation. OpenAI relies on C2PA metadata, a digital content standard, to mark and identify images. If you're a graphic designer who's been relying on DALL-E to make "original" graphics, it may be time to return to Photoshop.

Artificial Intelligence

Openai launches searchgpt - here's what it can do and how to access it, beware of ai 'model collapse': how training on synthetic data pollutes the next generation, how pearson's ai assistant can help teachers save time.

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UPSC CSE Mains 2024: Finding essay-writing difficult? Experts show how to write impactful essays effectively

Upsc cse mains 2024: it is essential for candidates to know the art of essay writing, and secure the maximum number of marks. check what experts suggest..

With just a little over a month left for the UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examination, 2024 to begin, candidates are probably racing against time to complete the syllabus to crack the country’s most prestigious exam. However, proper planning and practice can help candidates prepare for the exams effectively, thereby ensuring best results.

Clearly, the UPSC CSE Mains 2024 will be a litmus test for candidates who qualified for the preliminary exams, the results of which was declared on July 1, 2024.

PRELIMS VS MAINS: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

While the preliminary exams consisted of two papers, the Civil Services (Main) Examination will consist of a Written Examination and an Interview/Personality Test. It will consist of 9 conventional essay-type papers of which two papers will be of qualifying nature.

Now Paper I of the CSE Finals 2024 consists of Essay writing, which will carry a total of 250 marks, and candidates will get three hours to attempt the paper. As seen in the previous year’s question paper, there are two sections – Section A and Section B, with four essay topics in both the sections. Candidates were asked to choose any one topic in each of the sections, and write an essay in 1000 to 1200 words.

Also read: How aspiring designers can transform their productivity using Generative AI

The commission states, “Candidates may be required to write essays on multiple topics. They will be expected to keep close to the subject of the essay to arrange their ideas in an orderly fashion and to write concisely. Credit will be given for effective and exact expression.”

For a clear understanding, candidates can refer to the previous year’s question paper given below:

As such it is essential for a candidate to know the art of essay writing, and thereby secure the maximum number of marks out of the total 250.

Also read: More than 13.35 lakh Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad, Canada top destination, US next, check list

Now it is understandable that writing an essay may not be as easy as it sounds, especially for an exam as crucial as the UPSC civil service exams. To make it easier for the candidates, team Hindustan Times spoke to experts from academic circles who have substantial experience in the field, and here’s what they recommend:

1. A POWERFUL INTRODUCTION

The first significant point about an essay is its introduction. The success of the essay lies in its ability to place the matter at hand in a way that it immediately arouses the curiosity of the reader. Dr Gautam Sarma, former HOD of English at Cotton University, said “It is imperative that the introduction of an essay carries, as it were, a gist of the entire argument that is going to be presented in the essay.

“While there are different ways of beginning an essay, an appropriate quote or a proverb stands to make the introduction impressive. A good introduction always sets the tone and tenor of the argument,’ added Dr Sarma.

2. FOCUS ON ORGANIZATIONAL HARMONY

Dr Sangeeta Goswami, a retired teacher of English, said “ What is most important while writing an essay is the fact that the subject of the essay should be understood properly so that a unified logical and coherent argument can be built up. It should be kept in mind that a streak sense of organizational harmony be observed without allowing any irrelevant or unnecessary details nearly in order to increase the length of the essay.

Dr Goswami, who has more than three decades of experience in teaching, added the points of the essay should be so organized that they appear to come automatically to establish themselves as inevitable and integrated elements of the essay itself.

3. PRACTICE WRITING FOR EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE

The language of the essay is what can make or mar the prospect and quality of the essay, believes Dr Mayuri Pathak, a former faculty of the University of Science and Technology, Meghalaya (USTM). She said, “Language plays an important role while writing an essay. While the language when used should be simple and free from glitches, it should also be at the same time appropriate and capable of conveying the sense of what is meant to be said.”

“I suggest candidates who are preparing for the Civil Service examinations to practice writing simple yet effective English, free from bombast and jargon,” she added.

Also read: UPSC Mains Exam 2024: Subject-wise strategy for GS papers, expert analysis of trends emerging from past exams

4. CLARITY OF THOUGHT

The style of an essay is also responsible for maintaining the quality of the essay. Depending on the context of the essay, the candidate may take recourse to various styles such as formal, candid, argumentative, or analytical. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Champak Goswami, faculty at the Department of English at University Law College, and a researcher, said, “It is imperative that the essay in question is guided by a clarity of thought, aptness of diction and lucidity of expression. Slang and colloquial expressions are to be completely avoided while writing a formal essay.

5. EFFECTIVE CONCLUSION

Dr Gautam Sarma stated further, “Having written all the important points of the argument in the body of the essay, it now remains to be seen as to how the essay is concluded in a manner convincing and satisfactory to the reader. It should sum up the argument in a way that nothing important is left out, nor any superficial details added. In all, the conclusion should be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gratifying.”

It may be mentioned here that the UPSC Civil Services (Mains) Examinations 2024 is scheduled to be held for five days, starting from September 20, 2024. Candidates who qualify in the written examination will appear for the personality test (interview round).

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How to Use Icons to Make an Animated Effect Using CSS?

Icons are small, visual representations of actions or content. They can add a lot of style and functionality to a website, especially when combined with animations. we’ll explore how to use CSS to animate icons, giving your website a lively and interactive touch.

These are the following approaches for using icons to make an Animated Effect using CSS:

Table of Content

Using Pulse Animation

Using bounce animation, using rotate animation.

This approach makes an icon appear to “pulse” by smoothly enlarging and then shrinking it. It uses the @keyframes rule to define how the icons scale up and down over time. The icon grows bigger and then returns to its original size in a repeating cycle, creating a pulse effect.

Example: Let’s create step wise a simple animated heart icon. We’ll use the Font Awesome library for the heart icon and CSS to animate it.

This approach creates a “bouncing” effect by making the icon move up and down. It uses keyframes to define how far the icon moves at different points in the animation. The icon jumps up and then comes back down, with smaller bounces as it returns to its starting position, simulating a bouncing motion.

Example : Create a bouncing ball effect for a simple circle icon. This effect makes the icon appear as if it’s bouncing up and down.

Animated Bouncing Ball

This approach makes an icon continuously spin around in a circle. It uses keyframes to rotate the icon from 0 to 360 degrees.The icon rotates fully around its centre in a smooth, endless loop, creating a spinning effect.

Example: Create a rotating gear icon to simulate a loading effect.

Animated Rotating Gear

Using CSS animations with icons can greatly enhance the visual appeal of our website. By this we can easily add animated effects to our icons, making them more engaging and interactive. Experiment with different animations and styles to find what works best for our design.

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I passed CSS exam with 3 Months Preparation

Written By Nearpeer       Mar 25, 2018

Just decided to give CSS? Want to ace it with 3 months preparation of CSS exam? 

But worried as to how it will happen?

So don't get bogged down because you can also be in their position by just giving your best in 3 months of CSS exam preparation.

Here are some tips that are directly coming from them and that you should definitely not miss. 

1. Give at least 6-8 Hours Daily to CSS.

Let’s face it that you’re a little late to the party (css is hardly a party, but still). , y ou would need to put in a little extra hard work than your peers. a decent amount would be 6 to 8 hours daily to catch up with other serious aspirants. , note: make it 12-16 hours if needed., but needless to say, time doesn’t matter. what matters is how much you can absorb. , so how can you achieve more in less time, prioritize quality over quantity. but understand your strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly. if you have a job somewhere, consider taking holidays. now how to optimize these hours the following points guide you on that, 2. css optional subjects selection.   , choose your css optional subjects really carefully. , short answer: there are two approaches towards choosing subjects.,    1. choose courses that interest you or are linked with the degree you got prior to css preparation,    2. choose subjects that show high scoring trends in the past.

Long answer: Follow these strategies, if you want in-depth guidance regarding the selection of optional subjects.  

Whatever approach you opt for, make sure the subjects you chose are the ones that do not bore you to death. 

I mean, you shouldn’t take accounting if numbers bore you despite the fact it has shown promising trends in the past. however, it’s always a good idea to pair the subjects with your prior knowledge base or relevant degree. , this is going to save you a ton of time. , lastly, see if any kind of linkage can be developed between the subjects. this is also going to help you add extra spice to your answers..

Read More:  15 High Scoring Subjects in the CSS Exam

3. Practice and Get your Answers Evaluated. 

Majority of the aspirants fail in english blame it on weak primary education system or on your own negligence, it does not matter now but the harsh reality is that probability of your failing english is 92%. , but wait don't get demotivated too early, here is some good news as well. , english essay and precis are the most critical and tricky subjects of the css universe, and we recommend that you must practice these on a daily basis. , solve a precis, make an essay outline, write a complete essay, or whatever you feel like doing on a particular day. , most importantly, do not forget to get your written work evaluated from a mentor or a teacher..

For that very purpose, you can enroll yourself in Nearpeer's mock series and get your papers checked by the top CSPs. 

4. Get in Touch with Mentors.

Practicing is one thing but remember, if you do not get your work evaluated, you will never learn., result: fail , our advice: do not study in isolation , you need to get in touch with a mentor as soon as possible. spend some time in selection of a mentor. he/she can be a former aspirant (now csp) or an instructor in a css academy but not someone who is subject specialist only. , you should not ask your high school or university english teacher to guide you on css english essay . , why because demands of css are different. , once you find your mentor, do not hesitate asking for their time. they might be very busy people but it is going to be your art getting their time. one csp recalls how he used to get favorite food packed of his mentor and meet him over lunch and then take one hour post-lunch for counselling session. your mentor will not only guide you how to tackle the css smartly but will also tell you how to prepare css exam in 3 months, efficiently..

Read More:  How to Pass the CSS Exam in the 1st Attempt

5. Analyze Past Papers Carefully. 

This right here, is the magic ingredient. , and we call it magic because not a lot of aspirants understand this trick. , we come across hundreds of aspirants daily who have never seen their syllabus and past papers. and you know what was the outcome of doing that, they waste time on reading multiple long books without realizing what is important and what’s not and what portion of book fits what context of past paper questions.  , so, before you start preparing for any subject, pay special attention to its syllabus and past pattern so that you know what to learn, when to learn, how to learn, and how fast to learn. , also note the trends, and the topics that are recurrent. , 6. categorize topics with respect to their importance in examination. , after you are done adding the magic ingredient to your css preparation, as mentioned in point 3, start categorizing the topics with respect to their relevant importance., make 3 categories: very important, important, least important. , this way, while preparing, you will know how much time you have to spend on each topic in order to cover all your bases. , and do you remember the what, when, how thingy we talked about before , this cost-benefit approach will be the key to your 3 months css preparation plan..

Read More:  Couldn't Pass CSS? Learn  How to Clear CSS Exam on 2nd/3rd attempt

7. Efficient use of Nearpeer.

Sorry for the self promotion but the run time for nearpeer’s courses of 6 compulsory subjects is around 30 hours. which means if you spend only 5 hours on nearpeer daily, you can cover 6 of your most important subjects. , 40% of your whole syllabus in just 6 days, and you can cover your optional through nearpeer in almost the same amount of time (depending upon your combination of subjects). , it means that in just 15-20 days you will be done with 12 subjects. , going through these courses shall also address what, when, and how of learning we discussed in point 4. which further means that you can spend the remaining time in populating your notes, and revising them. , and studying through nearpeer courses is literally the easiest way to get access to mentorship hence, making your life easy and thereby accelerating the pace of your preparation., conclusion: , make a schedule for css study and give at least 6-8 hours daily to your css preparation in 3 months. choose your optional subjects smartly for example, go for those subjects that align with your bachelor's degree or select according to your own strength and weakness and remember one thing nobody else can choose for you better than you yourself. .

After this, analyze past papers thoroughly and see which topics are trending. Do research around those topics and make notes. Along with that, do as much written practice as you can. Take a topic, make an outline of the answer, put a timer and start writing. Do this especially for the essay if you do not have time for other subjects. 

As you practice, make sure to get your answers evaluated because otherwise your effort will go in vain. Figuring out your mistakes and then learning from them is the biggest thing you can do to improve yourself. 

What strategies do you follow if you have huge syllabus and less time? 

Do let us know in the comment section below. 

And do not forget to give author a clap if you found this insightful. 

"Enjoyed this article?"

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Britain’s Violent Riots: What We Know

The country was bracing for more unrest, with fresh protests planned after a weekend of demonstrations turned into anti-immigrant riots.

• Share full article

By Lynsey Chutel

The authorities in Britain were bracing for more potential unrest on Wednesday after days of violent rioting spurred by disinformation around a deadly stabbing rampage.

Protests over the weekend devolved into violence in more than a dozen towns and cities, and with messages on social media calling for wider protests and counterprotests on Wednesday, the British authorities were on high alert.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s cabinet held emergency meetings to discuss what has become the first crisis of his recently elected government, and thousands of police officers fanned out across the country.

Here’s what we know as the country girds for more potential violence.

Where has the unrest taken place?

Protesters over the weekend took to the streets of a dozen cities across Britain, most of them in England. Trouble broke out from Aldershot in the south to Sunderland in the north and Liverpool in the west. Belfast, in Northern Ireland, was also drawn into the fray.

In some cases, the protesters were merely unruly, but in others the violence was far more pronounced.

Where arrests have been reported

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