CSS 2023( Precis & Composition) Solved Paper

 Q. 2. Write a précis of the following passage and suggest a suitable title: (20)

 On the question of freedom in education there are at present three main schools of thought, deriving partly from differences as to ends and partly from differences in psychological theory. There are those who say that children should be completely free, however bad they may be; there are those who say they should be completely subject to authority, however good they may be; and there are those who say they should be free, but in spite of freedom they should be always good. This last party is larger than it has any logical right to be; children, like adults, will not all be virtuous if they are all free. The belief that liberty will ensure moral perfection is a relic of Rousseauism, and would not survive a study of animals and babies. Those who hold this belief think that education should have no positive purpose, but should merely offer an environment suitable for spontaneous development. I cannot agree with this school, which seems to me too individualistic, and unduly indifferent to the importance of knowledge. We live in communities which require co-operation, and it would be utopian to expect all the necessary co-operation to result from spontaneous impulse. The existence of a large population on a limited area is only possible owing to science and technique; education must, therefore, hand on the necessary minimum of these. The educators who allow most freedom are men whose success depends upon a degree of benevolence, self-control, and trained intelligence which can hardly be generated where every impulse is left unchecked; their merits, therefore, are not likely to be perpetuated if their methods are undiluted. Education, viewed from a social standpoint, must be something more positive than a mere opportunity for growth. It must, of course, provide this, but it must also provide a mental and moral equipment which children cannot acquire entirely for themselves.

Précis:

The debate on freedom in education revolves around three main perspectives: one advocates for complete freedom regardless of the child's behavior, another for total authority irrespective of the child's virtue, and a third for freedom with the expectation of inherent goodness. The latter, rooted in Rousseau's philosophy, assumes that liberty ensures moral perfection, a view that fails to account for human nature. Education, from a social perspective, should not only encourage spontaneous growth but must also impart essential knowledge and moral guidance to prepare individuals for cooperative living in a community.

 Title:

"Balancing Freedom and Authority in Education"

Q. 3. Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given at the end. (20) 

The majority of people have always lived simply, and most of humanity still struggles on a daily basis to eke out a meager existence under dire circumstances. Only in affluent industrialized countries do people have the luxury of more goods and services than they need to survive. On the basis of material wealth, North Americans and Europeans should be the happiest people on earth, but according to the 2012 Happy Planet Index (HPI), they are not. Surprisingly, what had begun as an experimental lifestyle evolved into a quiet revolution that spread the word through books such as Duane Elgin’s best-selling Voluntary Simplicity: Toward a Way of Life that is Outwardly Simple, Inwardly Rich (1981), as well as numerous magazines, alternative communities of the like-minded, and, later, Internet websites. Combined with a growing awareness of the environmental consequences of consumerism, the voluntary simplicity movement sought to reduce the consumption of goods and energy and to minimize one’s personal impact on the environment. “Voluntary” denotes a free and conscious choice to make appropriate changes that will enrich life in a deeper, spiritual sense. “Simplicity” refers to the lack of clutter, that is, eliminating all those things, patterns, habits, and ideas that take control of our lives and distract us from our inner selves. However, this is not to be confused with poverty, which is involuntary, degrading, and debilitating. Neither does it mean that people must live on a farm or reject progress or technology, or do without what is necessary for their comfort and welfare. To practice voluntary simplicity, one must differentiate between what one wants (psychological desires) and what one needs (basic requirements of life), and seek a healthy balance that is compatible with both. In a consumer society where advertising bombards us with the message that without this, that, and the other product, we are unsuccessful, undesirable, and unimportant, being clear on what you really need and resisting what you don’t can be an ongoing struggle. The beauty of voluntary simplicity is that it is a philosophy, and not a dogma. How one goes about it depends on individual character, cultural background, and climate. For this, three Rs (i.e., Reduce, Recycle & Reuse) represent the best way to get a handle on rampant consumerism. In economies driven by the quest for ever more, living with less is erroneously equated with poverty and social inferiority. By conserving energy, for instance, you are actually ensuring that more resources are available for future use. By making a frugal budget and sticking to it, you can eliminate unnecessary expenses. Recycling paper, metal, plastic, and glass and reusing building materials and old clothing keep materials in the loop and out of landfills. Pooling skills and resources through barter networks not only saves money, but sharing with others establishes bonds and fosters a sense of community. With the glut of cheap goods that are usually designed for obsolescence, quality products that last are becoming progressively harder to find. In the long run, a more expensive but durable and repairable item or even an older used item that is still in good condition is a better investment than a brand new piece of junk that will only break down and end up in the trash. Thus, at the heart of voluntary simplicity is the conscious realization that less is really more. Less consumption means more resources for future generations. Less activity that brings little satisfaction or reward is more time for yourself and your loved ones. Less stuff is more space to move around in. Less stress means more relaxation and better health. Less worry provides more enjoyment and more fulfillment in life.

Questions: (4 marks each)

 1. How important is happiness to most people, and what is the relationship between material wealth and happiness?

Answer:

Importance of Happiness and Its Relationship with Material Wealth:Happiness is a fundamental goal for most people, but the passage suggests that material wealth does not necessarily lead to happiness. Despite having more goods and services than they need to survive, people in affluent industrialized countries like North America and Europe are not the happiest according to the 2012 Happy Planet Index (HPI). This indicates that material wealth alone does not guarantee happiness and that other factors, such as lifestyle choices and spiritual well-being, play a significant role.

 2. How does the author characterize the concept of ‘Voluntary Simplicity’ as a movement and as a philosophy? 

Answer:

Characterization of ‘Voluntary Simplicity’ as a Movement and Philosophy: The author describes 'Voluntary Simplicity' as both a movement and a philosophy. As a movement, it started as an experimental lifestyle and evolved into a widespread revolution, gaining traction through books, magazines, communities, and websites. As a philosophy, it emphasizes a conscious choice to reduce consumption and minimize environmental impact, focusing on simplicity, which involves eliminating unnecessary clutter from life. It is not dogmatic but flexible, allowing individuals to adapt the principles according to their character, culture, and climate.

3. What impact is feared by the growing consumerism of modern society? 

Answer:

Impact Feared by Growing Consumerism: The growing consumerism of modern society is feared to have significant environmental consequences. The author warns that unchecked consumption leads to the depletion of resources and an increase in waste, contributing to environmental degradation. The voluntary simplicity movement seeks to address this by promoting a reduction in the consumption of goods and energy, thereby minimizing one's personal impact on the environment.

4. What influences make it difficult for people to reduce their consumption patterns?

Answer:

Influences Making It Difficult to Reduce Consumption Patterns: Several influences make it challenging for people to reduce their consumption patterns. In consumer societies, advertising plays a significant role, constantly bombarding individuals with the message that without certain products, they are unsuccessful, undesirable, and unimportant. This creates psychological pressure to consume more, making it difficult for people to differentiate between their true needs and psychological desires, and to resist unnecessary consumption.

 5. What are the challenges and rewards of voluntary simplicity?

Answer:

Challenges and Rewards of Voluntary Simplicity: The challenges of voluntary simplicity include resisting the pressures of consumerism, differentiating between wants and needs, and overcoming the misconception that living with less is equivalent to poverty. However, the rewards are substantial: it leads to a more fulfilling and balanced life, reduces stress, improves health, fosters a sense of community through shared resources, and ensures that more resources are available for future generations. Ultimately, it brings more satisfaction, relaxation, and enjoyment by embracing the idea that "less is more."

Q. 4. Correct only FIVE of the following: (10) 

 (i) His knowledge of languages and international relations aid him in his work.

 Corrected: His knowledge of languages and international relations aids him in his work.

Explanation: The subject "knowledge" is singular, so the verb should be "aids" instead of "aid."

 (ii) The ambassador, with his family and staff, invite you to a reception at the embassy on Tuesday afternoon. 

Corrected: The ambassador, with his family and staff, invites you to a reception at the embassy on Tuesday afternoon.

Explanation: The main subject "ambassador" is singular, so the verb should be "invites" instead of "invite." The phrase "with his family and staff" is a parenthetical element and does not affect the verb agreement.

 (iii) This year, he will sit in the CSS examination. 

Corrected: This year, he will appear in the CSS examination.

Explanation: The phrase "sit in" is more commonly used in British English to refer to taking an exam, but "appear in" is more precise and commonly used in formal contexts like exams.

 (iv) The Chief Executive will let us know whether or not he can attend the meeting.

Corrected: The Chief Executive will let us know whether he can attend the meeting or not.

Explanation: The phrase "whether or not" is commonly used, but the correct placement is "whether he can attend the meeting or not" to avoid splitting the clause awkwardly.

 (v) When he came back from vacation, Aslam and me plan to look for another apartment.

Corrected: When he comes back from vacation, Aslam and I plan to look for another apartment.

Explanation: The verb should be in the present tense "comes" to match the future plan "plan." Also, "I" is the correct subject pronoun, not "me."

 (vi) If some of you make a noise, they shall be punished.

Corrected: If any of you make a noise, you shall be punished.

Explanation: The subject "any of you" is singular (implying any one individual), so the pronoun should be "you" to match the subject. 

(vii) He came to me to enquire what is the salary attached to the appointment.

Corrected: He came to me to inquire about the salary attached to the appointment.

Explanation: The verb "inquire" is the correct spelling, and the phrase "what is the salary attached" should be changed to "about the salary attached" for clarity and correctness

 (viii) I am too tired that I do not hunt words and idioms in my English book.

Corrected: I am too tired to hunt for words and idioms in my English book.

Explanation: The correct construction is "too tired to" instead of "too tired that I do not." Also, "hunt for" is the appropriate phrase.

Q. 5. (a) Punctuate the following text, where necessary. (05) 

while taking a nap on the porch one hot summer day hodga dreamed that a stranger promised to give him ten pieces of gold the stranger placed them in hodgas hand one by one until he reached the tenth piece which he hesitated to give him come on what are you waiting for said hodga you promised me ten just then he woke up he immediately looked at his hand and saw that it was empty he quickly shut his eyes again stretched out his hand and said all right i ll settle for nine.

Corrected Text: While taking a nap on the porch one hot summer day, Hodga dreamed that a stranger promised to give him ten pieces of gold. The stranger placed them in Hodga's hand one by one until he reached the tenth piece, which he hesitated to give him. "Come on, what are you waiting for?" said Hodga. "You promised me ten." Just then, he woke up. He immediately looked at his hand and saw that it was empty. He quickly shut his eyes again, stretched out his hand, and said, "All right, I'll settle for nine."

Explanation:

• Added a comma after "day" to separate the introductory clause.
• Capitalized "Hodga" as it is a proper noun.
• Added a period after "gold" to end the sentence.
• Added a comma after "piece" to separate the clause.
• Used quotation marks for direct speech.
• Added a period after "ten" to end the sentence within the quotation.
• Added a comma after "then" to separate the introductory element.
• Added a period after "empty" to end the sentence.
• Used a comma to separate the actions and clauses in the last sentence.
• Corrected "i ll" to "I'll" for proper contraction.

Re-write the following sentences (ONLY FIVE) after filling in the blanks with appropriate Prepositions. (05)

 (i) The neighbours came ______ my house to see what’s going on in the house. 

(i) The neighbours came to my house to see what’s going on in the house.

"to"
Explanation: The preposition "to" is used to indicate direction or destination. The neighbours came to my house, meaning they moved in the direction of or arrived at my house.

(ii) She sat _______ the shade of the tree.

(ii) She sat in the shade of the tree.

 "in"
Explanation: The preposition "in" is used to indicate being enclosed or surrounded by something. "In the shade" refers to being within the area covered by the shadow of the tree.

 (iii) The moon does not shine _______ its own light. 

(iii) The moon does not shine with its own light.

"with"
Explanation: The preposition "with" is used to indicate something that accompanies or belongs to something else. "With its own light" would imply the moon possesses its own light, but since it doesn't, the sentence correctly states that it does not shine with its own light.

(iv) The burglar jumped ________ the compound wall. 

(iv) The burglar jumped over the compound wall.

"over"
Explanation: The preposition "over" is used when something moves from one side to another by going above it. The burglar jumped over the wall, meaning he moved from one side to the other by leaping above the wall.

(v) She entered ________ an agreement with them.

(v) She entered into an agreement with them.

"into"
Explanation: The phrase "enter into" is a common expression used when forming agreements or contracts. It means to become involved in or to start an agreement.

 (vi) I have been working hard ________ arithmetic. 

(vi) I have been working hard at arithmetic.

"at"
Explanation: The preposition "at" is often used with subjects like arithmetic, mathematics, etc., to indicate a focus or effort in that particular subject. "Working hard at arithmetic" means putting in effort to improve or perform well in arithmetic.

(vii) He got ________ his bicycle.

(vii) He got on his bicycle.

"on"
Explanation: The preposition "on" is used to indicate being in contact with a surface. "Got on his bicycle" means he mounted or placed himself on top of the bicycle.

 (viii) It cannot be done ________ offence.

(viii) It cannot be done without offence.

"without"

Explanation: The preposition "without" indicates the absence of something. "Without offence" means doing something in a manner that does not cause offence.

Q. 6. Use only FIVE pairs of words in sentences clearly illustrating their meanings. (10) 

(i) Antic, Antique 

(ii) Draught, Drought

 (iii) Quaint, Queer

 (iv) Momentary, Momentous 

 (v) Compliment, Complement 

(vi) Eminent, Imminent 

 (vii) Faint, Feint

 (viii) Immigrant, Emigrant   

(i) Antic, Antique

• Antic: A playful or funny act.
  Sentence: The comedian's antics during the show had everyone in stitches.
• Antique: An old and valuable object, often something collectible.
  Sentence: She bought a beautiful antique vase from the old market, dating back to the 18th century.

(ii) Draught, Drought

• Draught: A current of cool air in a room or other confined space.
  Sentence: I felt a cold draught coming through the window, so I closed it quickly.
• Drought: A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
  Sentence: The region is suffering from a severe drought, with no rain for over six months.

(iii) Quaint, Queer

• Quaint: Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
  Sentence: The village was filled with quaint cottages, each with its own unique charm.
• Queer: Strange or odd; unusual.
  Sentence: He found the old man's behavior rather queer, as it was unlike anything he had seen before.

(iv) Momentary, Momentous

• Momentary: Lasting for a very short time.
  Sentence: There was a momentary pause before she answered the question.
• Momentous: Of great importance or significance, especially in its bearing on the future.
  Sentence: The signing of the peace treaty was a momentous occasion in world history.

(v) Compliment, Complement

• Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.
  Sentence: She received a compliment on her elegant dress at the party.
• Complement: Something that completes or makes perfect.
  Sentence: The wine perfectly complemented the flavors of the dish.

(vi) Eminent, Imminent

• Eminent: Famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession.
  Sentence: The lecture was delivered by an eminent scholar known worldwide for his research.
• Imminent: About to happen; impending.
  Sentence: The dark clouds signaled that a storm was imminent.

(vii) Faint, Feint

• Faint: Weak and dizzy; close to losing consciousness.
  Sentence: She felt faint after standing in the sun for too long.
• Feint: A deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing.
  Sentence: The boxer’s quick feint deceived his opponent, opening up an opportunity for a strike.

(viii) Immigrant, Emigrant

• Immigrant: A person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.
  Sentence: The United States has long been a destination for immigrants seeking a better life.
• Emigrant: A person who leaves their own country to live in another.
  Sentence: He became an emigrant when he decided to leave his homeland for better opportunities abroad.

Q. 7. Translate the following into English by keeping in view figurative/idiomatic expressions. (10) 

 بزرگ نے بتایا کہ ایک بلند پہاڑ کے پار ایک جگہ ہے جہاں ایک خاص قسم کا پھول اگتا ہے۔ اس پھول کی خوشبو آنکھوں کی کھوئی ہوئی روشنی واپس لوٹا دیتی ہے۔ مگر یہ پہاڑ بہت اونچا ہے، اس پر بے شمار کانٹے، جھاڑیاں، اور بڑے بڑے پتھر ہیں جو راستہ روک لیتے ہیں۔ کئی لوگ اس پہاڑ کو عبور کرنے کے لیے آئے اور چلے گئے، مگر کوئی بھی پھول تک نہیں پہنچ سکا۔ اس طرح، انسان روشنی کی تلاش میں لگا رہتا ہے۔

The wise man told that beyond the mountains lies a peak where a flower grows, the scent of which restores the lost light to the eyes. However, the mountain is very high, and it is covered with countless thorns, prickly bushes, and large rocks that block the way. Many people have come and gone in search of this mountain, but no one has ever reached the flower. Thus, mankind continues its quest for light.

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CSS 2017 (Precis & Composition) Solved Paper